How Long Is The Apache Trail Drive?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Can you drive through the Superstition Mountains?

Enjoy the scenery and stop off at the Lost Dutchman’s Ghost town for lost of fun things to do. Along the drive you can drive through the mountains over to Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, Roosevelt Lake and dam . Very nice getaway in the heat of the valley summer.

Is part of the Apache Trail closed?

Area Status: Open

Sections of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) are closed pending further notice .

Why is the Apache Trail closed?

Due to the potential for severe flooding from areas burned in the Woodbury Fire in June 2019, a 7-mile, unpaved section of State Route 88 (Apache Trail) from the Fish Creek Hill Overlook/Rest Area (milepost 222) to Apache Lake Marina (Milepost 229) remains closed for public safety reasons, due to extensive roadway ...

Is Apache Lake Open 2021?

IMPORTANT UPDATE – June 29, 2021

The only access to Apache Lake Marina and Resort is from the Roosevelt Dam through the 88 dirt road . Please watch the video below, this is an 11 mile dirt road.

Is the Apache Trail Safe?

The road is known for its dizzying, narrow road, with drops in some areas of more than 1,000 feet (304m). With such drops, the path can turn deadly. The trail requires caution when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans .

Can you walk Apache Trail?

You can do anything from an easy half-hour stroll to a strenuous 9-mile loop . Enjoy the lakes: If you arrive from the west, you’ll come to Canyon Lake first, then Apache Lake, then Roosevelt Lake. ... The upper ruin is open from November through April, and reservations are advisable for the 3-mile hike.

Is the Apache Trail 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 Scenic Drive 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.

Can you hike to the top of Superstition Mountain?

Near the end of the hike, you will face a roughly 10-foot rock wall. Reaching the top requires some rock climbing, though there are plenty of holds to grab onto . Once that’s done, prepare for what feels like the easiest stroll of your life as you make your way to Flatiron’s peak.

What mountain can you drive up in Arizona?

Trails in South Mountain Park

Dobbins Peak , the highest point accessible to visitors (and you can drive there if hiking isn’t in your plan), is 2,330 feet in elevation. Not too high for the hiker or bicyclist who isn’t ready for steep trails, but high enough to offer great views of the city.

Is Roosevelt lake still closed?

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is open for recreational use 24 hours per day, 365 days per year . Variable lake levels can lead to the closure of boat launches and the loss of water pressure in some campgrounds.

Is Highway 88 open to Apache Lake?

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.

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.

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.

Is Tortilla Flats still open?

Tortilla Flat is open year round . The summer season is June 1-Sept. 30.

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.

What kind of fish are in Apache Lake?

Fish

Can you have campfires at Apache Lake?

Camping within Apache Lake Marina and Resort is all primitive camping, meaning that we do not have designated campsites. Instead, campers are encouraged to find their favorite spot on our beaches, which have picnic tables and fire pits spread throughout .

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.

Is Apache Junction worth visiting?

Apache Junction is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit . You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. You might wish to revisit it someday again, to take a break and relax at Apache Junction.

Will Apache Trail ever reopen?

No repair of Fish Creek Hill

The state has deemed State Route 88 indefinitely closed, and there is no plan to reopen the road . According to ADOT officials, the collapsed section of the road will cost millions of dollars to repair, and the surrounding area must regenerate vegetation to avoid further erosion.

Where does the Apache Trail end?

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.

Is Route 88 paved in Arizona?

While portions of the road are paved , the majority is covered either by decaying asphalt or is a dirt road. Arizona 88 is designated as the Apache Trail Historic Road. The road is a favorite weekend getaway of Phoenix residents.

Can you take the 88 to Roosevelt Lake?

State Route 88, better known as the Apache Trail, is an unpaved state highway that travels from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake , winding through the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Its most known for its sheer drop-offs, tight corners, mysterious history, and the impossible shelf road down Fish Creek Hill.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.