Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Arizona, USA
Named after the American Indians who used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains, this 120-mile (193-kilometer) circle route in Arizona links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake and beyond. The trail winds steeply through 40 miles (64 kilometers) of rugged desert mountains, past deep reservoir lakes like Canyon and Apache.
The basics
You can drive on your own or join a full-day guided tour from Phoenix with stops including Tortilla Flat Station (an old stagecoach stop where you can grab a bite to eat and souvenirs) and Goldfield ghost town. Some tours include a Canyon Lake steamboat cruise. Other historic landmark spots on the trail are Lost Dutchman State Park, Fish Creek Hill Viewpoint, and Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Some of the drive is unpaved.
Things to know before you go
- The section east of Apache Junction is known officially as State Route 88.
- The narrow, winding road is unpaved east of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops and few safety barriers on the drive.
- Travelers recommend planning to spend about six to eight hours on the trail, depending on your stops.
How to get there
The Apache Trail starts about 50 minutes east of downtown Phoenix and just outside the city of Apache Junction. Travel past the end of the Apache Trail, heading east onto Arizona State Route 188 to go through the city of Globe. Drive along the trail with caution; it’s not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans.
When to get there
The best time to drive the Apache Trail is in March and April, as spring is when wildflowers will be in bloom. The trail is open year-round. Certain parts of the trail are susceptible to flash flooding, so if inclement weather is in the forecast it’s best to reschedule your drive for another day.
Tonto National Monument
If you head east toward the town of Globe on your trail drive, you’ll pass Tonto National Monument. It features two ancient Native American cliff dwellings overlooking Roosevelt Lake. The lower dwelling is open for viewing year round and is accessible via a steep, 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometer) walk via a paved path. The upper dwelling is accessible only by guided tour from November through April.
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