History of the Apache Trail
The Apache Trail, also known more officially as Arizona State Route 88, is a 40-mile drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The road is very winding, with switchbacks and sharp turns, so amateur drivers should take caution.
Is the Apache Trail AZ open?
Area Status: Open
It is bound on the north by Canyon and Apache lakes, and on the south by the rugged Superstition Mountains and the Superstition Mountain Wilderness Area.
How long is the Apache Trail Drive?
The Apache Trail’s famous Circle Route begins and ends in Apache Junction, Arizona. This 120 mile scenic route will take you through deserts, mountains, by cliff dwellings, along lake shores, through old mining towns and through beautifully eroded canyons. This popular route has been used by tourists since 1922.
Where does the Apache Trail start?
Officially known as State Route 88, Apache Trail begins in Apache Junction east of Phoenix and winds for 40 miles through the Superstition Mountains to Roosevelt Dam. The road was originally built in the early 1900s to transport materials for the construction of the dam.
How much of the Apache Trail is paved?
The road though has been mostly closed since late 2019, because of landslips and other damage associated with the Woodbury Fire, worst affected being the steepest section, just west of Fish Creek; the only part still open to vehicular traffic is the (paved) 18 miles from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat.
Is the Apache Trail a dirt road?
Description: A 40 mile trail. First 18 miles from Lost Dutchman State Park is paved then it changes to well-maintained dirt road.
Is the Apache Trail open to Roosevelt Lake?
The Apache Trail is still closed from the Tortilla Flat section. The only access to Apache Lake Marina & Resort is from the north access of the 88 road through the Roosevelt Dam.
Can you drive to the top of Superstition Mountain?
Description. This is a long drive through the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest with amazing scenery and canyons you’ll drive through. Its about a 40 minute drive to the beginning of the trail from Phoenix, and the trail itself is close to a two hour drive, if you don’t plan on stopping along the way.
Can you still get to Apache Lake AZ?
Motorists can now access Apache Lake by taking State Route 188 to SR 88 west. High clearance vehicles are recommended on this unpaved section of SR 88. Motorists can access Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat using SR 88 from Apache Junction. This is a paved segment of the highway.
Is Apache Trail road paved?
The road from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat is paved and not really too challenging to drive. There are a couple of hairpin turns.
Where is the Apache Trail Scenic Drive?
The Apache Trail is a 40-mile scenic byway section of Arizona Highway 88 that weaves through the Superstition Mountains between Lost Dutchman State Park and Theodore Roosevelt Lake to the east of Phoenix.
How old is the Apache Trail?
The Apache Trail, originally running from the Mesa railhead to the dam site, was completed on September 3, 1905 at a cost of $551,000.
What county is Apache Lake in?
Apache Lake | |
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Location | Maricopa / Gila counties, Arizona |
Coordinates | 33°34′43″N 111°15′48″WCoordinates: 33°34′43″N 111°15′48″W |
Type | reservoir |
Primary inflows | Salt River |
Is the road to Tortilla Flats open?
Tortilla Flat is open year round. The summer season is June 1-Sept.
How long does it take to get to the top of Camelback Mountain?
This mountain is popular among locals and tourist for hiking as well as rock climbing and it usually takes around 1.5 to 3 hours to get on top of this mountain. In the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, the Camelback Mountain is a very popular landmark.
Can you drive Camelback Mountain?
No. You cannot drive up to the top of the mountain. However, for the Cholla Trail, you can park very close and start your trek up.
Why is it called Apache Junction?
Apache Junction is a city in Maricopa and Pinal counties in the state of Arizona. According to the 2019 U.S. Census estimates, the population of the city was 42,571, most of whom lived in Pinal County. It is named for the junction of the Apache Trail and Old West Highway.
How much does it cost to camp at Apache Lake?
Campground Type: | Dispersed |
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Number of Campsites: | N/A |
Cost: | $6/day via Required Tonto Pass |
Use Level: | Low – Medium |
Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
Is Apache Lake Open 2020?
Area Status: Open
This lake is set among sun-painted canyon walls, which form scenic backdrops to the lake itself. Both Non-motorized and Motorized boating are allowed at Apache Lake.
Why is the road to Apache Lake closed?
The ADOT statement added, “While ADOT has worked aggressively to maintain access to Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat and Apache Lake, the seven miles between Fish Creek Hill overlook and Apache Lake will remain closed indefinitely because of the inevitability that flash flooding from the Woodbury Fire burn scar will add to …
What is the curse of the Superstition Mountains?
Legend tells of the Lost Dutchman’s gold mine hidden somewhere within the 160,000 acres of brutal Arizona desert known as the “Superstition Mountains.” The promise of a $200 million mother lode has lured thousands of treasure hunters and continues to claim the lives of those eager to decipher the legend’s clues and …
Can you drive through Tonto National Forest?
Tonto National Forest, in central Arizona, spans from the northeast of Phoenix to the Mogollon Rim on the west and San Carlos to Fort Apache Indian Reservation on the east. The 61-mile drive across takes approximately two hours to complete.
What city is Superstition Mountain in?
Superstition Wilderness | |
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Nearest city | Apache Junction, Arizona |
Coordinates | 33°28′41″N 111°14′20″WCoordinates: 33°28′41″N 111°14′20″W |
Area | 159,757 acres (64,651 ha) |
What happened at Apache Lake?
It happened around 9 p.m. in the area of Alder Creek, aka “Party Cove,” located along the north shore of Apache Lake. … The flash flood and its debris eventually reached the lake, and the five people who were on the inoperable boat went into the water as the boat capsized.
Is camping allowed at Apache Lake?
CAMPING AND RV PARK
Traditional camping is also available all throughout our resort, and along the beaches of Apache Lake accessible by boat or by car along the Apache Trail. Camping within Apache Lake Marina and Resort is all primitive camping, meaning that we do not have designated campsites.
Are dogs allowed at Apache Lake?
Most of our rooms have lake views and are pet-friendly, so come on and bring your little buddies.
What is the crime rate in Apache Junction Arizona?
The rate of crime in Apache Junction is 35.14 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Apache Junction generally consider the southeast part of the city to be the safest.
Where can you drive in Scottsdale AZ?
- Desert Foothills Scenic Drive. 5.6 mi. Local Flavor. …
- Apache Trail Scenic Byway. 33.4 mi. …
- Bartlett Lake. 18.3 mi. …
- Hole-in-the-Rock. 14.4 mi. …
- Sunset Point Scenic Overlook. 32.7 mi. …
- Lookout Mountain Preserve. 10.2 mi. …
- Cave Creek Regional Park. 14.0 mi. …
- McDowell Mountain Regional Park. 10.3 mi.
What happened at the Apache Trail?
The accident occurred on November 23, 1905. The curves, steep grades, and narrowness of the Mesa-Roosevelt challenged the skill of early teamster and drivers. … Sometimes the media called the road the Roosevelt Road. Shortly after 1915 the road became known as the Apache Trail.
Is there cell service at Apache Lake?
The dirt road section leading to Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat and Apache Lake all have WiFi but the sections in between are dead zones! The rest of the 120 mile Apache Trail loop has cell phone service! Satellite phones work great too!
Is Apache Lake for sale?
After more than 40 years of operation, the Apache Lake Marina and Resort in the Tonto National Forest is up for sale. … Days before the resort announced its sale, ADOT said a portion of the road was reopened but that the highway would remain closed indefinitely from Tortilla Flat to the Apache Lake marina turnoff.
How wide is Apache Lake?
The width of the lake varies from about 100 yards to a half-mile in some areas. Apache is deep (up to 200 feet) and the fishing is normally pretty good with numerous species of sport fish, including Large Mouth Bass, Crappie, and Catfish.