Drive Through The Apache Trail

Apache Junction, Arizona

4.8/5
based on 8 reviews

Description

Added by Tiffany Lachner

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. The beginning of the trail really begins at the Superstition Mountains, you'll see a sign that says you are entering the Tonto National Forest. The first part of the trail is a straight road that goes for a little as you pass the Superstition Mountains, but then you get into the area where the road starts to wind. You'll begin to see amazing views all around you (Its a great place to get some cool GoPro videos while driving). You'll drive for about 20 minutes along a road that is constantly winding around steep cliffs, then you'll begin to see a lake ahead of you which is called Canyon Lake. Before you get to Canyon Lake, you'll get the chance to pull off into a parking lot that overlooks the entire area including the lake. The views are amazing, and its a perfect place to get some cool photos, especially at night. After you pass Canyon Lake you'll go through a small town called Tortilla Flat, its a typical western style town that has a gift shop, a restaurant, an ice cream shop, and amazing views. Once you go through Tortilla flat you'll drive for a few miles, and then you will eventually hit the end of the paved road and the rest of the way is a dirt road. While the views get better and better as you go along the road gets bumpier and more narrow. A few miles into the dirt road you'll hit the very steep and rocky areas of the drive, but its completely worth it. The views are amazing and its where you'll begin to enter the tricky part of the drive, the area looks almost like a mini Grand Canyon. After that, you'll eventually hit Apache Lake and then towards the end of the trail is Roosevelt lake where you'll also see Roosevelt Dam.

If you plan on going all the way through the Apache Trail be prepared and also make sure you have the right car for it, an SUV or a 4WD type car would do you well. Taking a vehicle that isn't able to sustain the harsh bumpy road that you hit after passing through Tortilla Flat wouldn't be a great idea. We made the mistake of taking a Dodge Challenger through and only got a few miles into the trail after hitting the dirt road, then we had to turn around. Seeing people driving their trucks and SUV's through seemed like a better idea...

If you do plan on going all the way through then plan on making it a day trip. The number of times you will want to stop along the way takes up much more time than you would think. If you don't plan on going all the way through and just want to stay on the paved road, take into account that the views are still fantastic. Even just a few miles into the trail the views are breathtaking.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Lake
Picnic Area
River
Scenic
Wildlife

Drive Through The Apache Trail Reviews

This is a beautiful drive through the Mountains past the lakes. Unfortunately the road is closed just above Fish Creek due to a rock slide with no estimated date for reopening. You can access the other side by traveling south from Roosevelt lake. Be sure to make a stop in Tortilla Flat, it's a must when driving the Apache Trail!!!

This scenic drive is a must do, especially when driving past Lost Dutchman State Park. The cliffs are spectacular during sunset - or if you're luck - in the winter with a dusting of snow!

An amazing drive from Phoenix to Ghost Towns, Canyon Lakes, and the Superstition Mountains. If you are in the Phoenix area, this is a must do one of your days on your trip.

The rode is closed beyond Tortilla Flat because of the landslides after last summer's rains. There is no plan for reopening. You can get to Tortilla Flat only by driving from Maricopa County. The road from Roosevelt lake is closed.

Now that they've paved more road and widened it up more the trail is wayyy better! Great scenic route not to hard in a car but always great in a truck! Lots of places to stop and fish along the way! Ending up at Roosevelt is just a plus!

We drove this Sunday February 5th. All the rain has made things unusually green. So many great spots to stop for pictures and got some great GoPro footage. We stopped for lunch in Tortilla Flat. Road is narrow in areas and water is running over low spots in the roadway so just be aware.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at Lost Dutchman State Park

Treasure Loop Trail

Siphon Draw to Flatiron Summit

Photograph Cactus Blooms at Lost Dutchman

Hike to Praying Hands in Lost Dutchman State Park

Catch a Sunset at Goldfield Ranch