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Automobile Road Trips: The Apache Trail is hands down considered the best road trip for adventurous travelers. Partially an unpaved, gravel road, the route passes through the heart of the Superstition Mountains and travels along three picturesque lakes and the Salt River. The first automobile traveled the Apache Trail on August 25, 1905. The Apache Trail was designated Arizona's first historic and scenic highway in 1988. The majority of the trip is paved, but the pavement ends just past the 100 year old stagecoach town of Tortilla Flat. Some of the best scenery in central Arizona can be seen right from a car window along this route. Several unique attractions are located along the Apache Trail as well. The Lost Dutchman State Park, Goldfield Mining Town, Canyon Lake and the Dolly Steamboat Cruises, Tortilla Flat, Apache Lake, Roosevelt Lake and Dam, and the Tonto National Monument are all along the route. Most travelers who venture onto the Apache Trail follow a route that starts in Apache Junction then loops through Roosevelt, then south to Globe and back to Apache Junction. However, from Fountain Hills that route is not as convenient. Therefore, we have a description of the route that travels from Fountain Hills to Apache Junction, loops through Roosevelt and then north to the Beeline Highway which connects back to Fountain Hills. From Fountain Hills follow Shea Boulevard to the Beeline Highway (State Route 87). Turn left and follow the Beeline to Bush Highway. Turn right. Follow the Bush Highway past Saguaro Lake, and along the Salt River until the highway intersects with Usery Pass Road. Turn left and follow Usery Pass Road up the steep slope of the Salt River Valley. The road crests at Usery Pass. At Main Street in Apache Junction turn left and follow the divided street to the intersection of Highway 88, the Apache Trail. Turn left and head northeast out of Apache Junction on the Apache Trail. NOTE: Be sure to fill up your gas tank in Apache Junction since gas services are not available until Roosevelt. The first attraction along the route is the Goldfield Ghost Town. The re-created old west town is complete with a mine tour, shops and dining. Over a hundred years ago the town was a booming gold mine. The Mammoth Mine produced about three million dollars in gold between 1892 and 1896. Beyond Goldfield is the Lost Dutchman State Park. The park has long been a popular park for hiking, especially during the spring when flowers cover the western slope of Superstition Mountain. Shortly after the park, the road enters the Tonto National Forest and begins to climb and wind through ancient lava flows of the Superstition Range until reaching Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is the result of a Salt River Project (SRP) dam restricting water on the Salt River. The name of the lake couldn't describe it any better. Steep canyon walls tower over the clear cool water. Facilities here include dining, a marina, the Dolly Steamboat Cruises, camping, picnicking, and swimming.
The next stop along the trail is the old stage stop of Tortilla Flat. An ideal place to stop for lunch. Here you will find giant burgers, cold drinks, and ice cream! The interior of the restaurant is covered with dollar bills each signed by the thousands of visitors who have made their claim on a meal over the years. If you do not wish to continue down the unpaved, but graded, road beyond Tortilla Flat, it is best to turn around and head home along the same route. However, if adventure is your game then get ready to meet your match. The first seven miles or so is pretty tame, until the switchbacks that is. The road narrows a bit and heads down the twisty, turny Fish Creek Hill, at a 10 percent grade, down to the valley floor at Fish Creek. Continuing on, the road travels along the remote Apache Lake. Facilities here include camping, picnicking, dining, and a marina. The lake is much less used due to the nature of the road.
The next stop is Roosevelt Lake and Dam. Built in 1906 and dedicated by President Roosevelt in 1911, the dam restricts water on the Salt River forming Roosevelt Lake. Though the route turns left at Highway 188 and crosses the bridge, one attraction you may not want to miss is the Tonto National Monument, a Salado Indian Ruin. To get there follow the main road (don't cross the bridge) a few miles and it will be on the right. Crossing the bridge onto 188 leads back to the Beeline Highway. There are some services along the way while still in the area of the lake. A great place to stop in the event you need gas or want a snack is Jake's Corner. Located just a few miles before the intersection of 188 and 87, the facility offers gas, ice cream, snacks and cold drinks.
At the Beeline Highway, (87) turn left and head back to Fountain Hills. Approximate distance: 150mi. For further information about the Apache Trail call, or visit online, the Tonto National Forest offices. Tonto National
Forest Back to: Recreation
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