I hope you find somebody local to be able to metal detect with. 23 years ago I moved from Phoenix. I had lived there many years. Met my wife in 1982 at high school up in Wickenburg Arizona. Lots of cool things to explore. Best of luck to you.
There used to be a club called the Roadrunner Prospectors and the GPAA. Might be worth looking into.
Darn, we were just in the area until two days ago.
There is a shop just East of you in Apache Junction called Promack Treasure Hunting and MD’ing Supples. There is a club based out of this shop. It’s on the map mentioned above. The proprietor is very friendly and helpful, I recommend them to anyone. I’ve been in there three times over the last two years and all experiences were great. $75/year to join and they have several claims you will have access to.
If we are going to pass through the area on our return trip, I’ll pm you to get together if you are interested.
I don't know if your still looking for someone to hunt with. I will be in the area for the next 4 months. Shoot me a PM if interested in trying to put a hunt together.