Apache Junction is the nearest incorporated city to Gold Canyon. It’s located on the eastern rim of the Phoenix metropolitan area, near the foot of the scenic Superstition Mountains at the junction of U.S. Highways 60 and 89 and state Highway 88. The city is easily accessible by U.S. 60 - the Superstition Freeway - and lies primarily in Pinal County, adjoining Maricopa County to the west. It was incorporated in 1978.

Apache Junction attracts upwards of 35,000 winter visitors and retirees annually due to its climate and proximity to many of Arizona's outstanding recreational and historical areas. More than 800 retail and service businesses currently operate within the city. A variety of lifestyles are offered here. These range from western rural acreage to more urban single-family residential neighborhoods and include adult-only retirement clusters as well as mixed age group living areas.