Driving the Apache Trail

The Apache Trail

The Apache Trail, (named after the Apaches who first used it to traverse the Superstition mountains), became a Stagecoach Trail, that later became one of the first Arizona Highways. (Hwy 88)

By combining the Apache Trail itself, (which runs from Apache Junction just east of metro Phoenix to the Roosevelt Lake Dam), with Highway 188, Hwy 60 and Hwy 79, you can make a loop that is about 150 miles in length,  runs through Arizona mountains and desert, and is very scenic.  

We chose to make the loop in a clockwise direction starting at Apache Junction. Tortilla Flat comes first, then it's on through the Superstition mountains, past Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, to Lake Theodore Roosevelt. 

The stretch from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat is a paved road. From just past Tortilla Flat to Lake Theodore Roosevelt, the road is a dirt road. Although the dirt portion is narrow with lots of up and down mountain driving, the road is well graded, and has plenty of turnouts to meet oncoming cars. Some "flatlanders" might find it a little intimidating, but if you just simply pay attention to your driving, it will be an easy drive with scenery that is well worth the small effort. There are lots of places to stop, so the driver can also enjoy the views. No special vehicle is needed. Cars drive it all the time. (Just leave your RV at your base camp, due to the narrow tight turns.)

The first part of the drive winds through desert settings, climbing through the superstition mountains to Tortilla Flat, an old west remnant with a restaurant/saloon, merchantile / gift store, and an old country store. Walk down the boardwalk to the Superstition saloon where you can sit on a real saddle for a bar stool, and have your favorite brew or a sarsaparilla.

The road turns to dirt shortly past Tortilla Flat, and offers abundant views of canyons, mountains, and cactus. 

Canyon Lake appears as you descend one of the downgrades, surrounded by large jagged rocks. 

This area is, as is most of the drive, part of the Tonto National Forest. A nice recreation area along the shore of the lake offers picnic facilities, boat launches, and shelters. (subject to US passes and fees.)

The road from Canyon Lake to Apache Lake is the most scenic portion, with the road winding deep into a canyon. Sharp turns between the rocky escarpments open into incredible vistas, revealing the steep sidewalls of the canyon, and the winding road on which you are traveling below. There are several turnouts where you can stop for pictures.

A little further along, the road ascends again and passes Apache Lake, a long narrow lake formed by canyons between the mountains. There are also recreation areas, campgrounds, etc along here.

Apache Lake runs for miles along this stretch giving many spectacular views and opportunities for photos.

Rappellers Descending the Cliff

Eventually the road makes a turn revealing Theodore Roosevelt Dam. As the road climbs to the top of the dam, you get your first view of the Lake Roosevelt, a large sprawling lake with mountains surrounding.

A right turn onto Highway 188 takes you into rolling hills and a lot faster driving. A short distance from the dam, a right turn takes you on a nice short side trip to an area where you find cliff dwellings.

       

Back on the road your route takes you across mountain passes and through miles and miles of desert cactus.  A right turn near Globe onto Highway 60, then further along,  another right turn onto Hwy 79 brings you back to finish your loop at Apache Junction.

We both were fascinated with this great drive. We expect to go back again before we leave here. The Arizona mountain scenery with it's tall Saguaro (Suh wah ro) Cactus is a delight to pass through.  It makes the mountains of Arizona like no others.

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