Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Apache Trail Scenic Drive
4.5
This location was reported permanently closed
About
The existing Apache Trail in Arizona is a 120 mile circle route through the Superstition Mountains. It was named the Apache Trail after the Native American Indians who originally used this trail to migrate through the Superstition Mountains for over 1,000 years. The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. Today, much of the Apache Trail is paved, and the section east of Apache Junction is known officially as State Route 88. It is also the main traffic corridor through Apache Junction, turning into Main Street as the road passes into Mesa, and regains the Apache name by becoming Apache Boulevard in Tempe, ending at Mill Avenue. Prior to the completion of the Superstition Freeway in 1992, the Apache Junction portion of the Apache Trail was part of US Highway 60, which was rerouted to the Superstition Freeway once it was completed. The Trail winds steeply through 40 miles (64 km) of rugged desert mountains, past deep reservoir lakes like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. The narrow, winding road is unpaved from just east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops and little in the way of safety barriers. The trail requires caution when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans. Some large RV rental companies in the US do not allow their vehicles to be taken on this route. Originally, and more historically correct, Apache Trail was built as a wagon route for the construction of Roosevelt Dam from 1902-1909 and was originally called the "Mesa to Roosevelt Road." Roosevelt, Fish Creek Station, Tortilla Flat Station, Mormon Flat Flat Station, Pinto Creek and Youngsberg aka Goldfield are just a few of the many historic landmarks along the America's oldest highway, the Apache Trail. As the old Southern Pacific Railroad used to say, "Every mile a scene worth while! Sunshine all the way!"
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Apache Trail Scenic Drive and nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
2 within 5 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
648 reviews
Excellent
488
Very good
124
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
11
TJ7334
Effingham, IL319 contributions
Mar 2020
We decided to take an afternoon away from our Phoenix hotel and drive a portion of the Apache Trail one March afternoon. It was a decision we were glad we made. The mountains, cactus and lake vistas were beautiful. We stopped at the ghost town to start our drive and found it to be a lot of fun. We made it to Canyon Lake, which was gorgeous, before turning around to drive back to Phoenix. Next time, we will allow more time so that we can drive more of the trail. It was really a surprising change from the city and one that we found just breathtaking.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vagabond_dreams
Alberta, Canada367 contributions
Nov 2022
Gorgeous drive. Stopped en route to take a look at pretty Canyon Lake, and at Tortilla Flat for an ice cream. Tortilla Flat is tiny and very touristy - it was busy on the day we were there. The best part of the drive was the next two miles past Tortilla Flat. Just a little way past where the pavement ends there's a parking lot, and from this point on the road is closed right now. But there's a short paved path from the parking lot to some outstanding views of the Superstition Mountains. You can continue to wander for a bit past the end of the paved trail. Really beautiful. We saw a tarantula which was pretty cool. Would love to come back and do some hiking.
Written 5 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chicago20162016
Chicago, IL29 contributions
Feb 2023
Scenic drive, lovely scenery but we could only go from Gold Mine Town up to Tortilla Flats, couldn't drive all the way since some sections were closed due to some flooding. Would definitely drive it again once all the sections are open which won't probably happen until 2024. The shorter drive was still worth it, though!
Written 14 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
243DLP
Midland, MI1,038 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We decided to take a drive to Tortilla Flat on the Apache Trail. The drive is a little scary with windy roads and one lane bridges, but it is so worth the views. The Canyon Lake Vista was beautiful. Tortilla Flat is a little disappointing, pretty much a souvenir stop and a place to eat. We didn't opt to go off the pavement to see the next 9 miles that were open. We were out early morning and glad we were since it started to get very busy by the time we left. There are a lot of motorcycles so early is better.
Written 10 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rwneal87
Atlanta, GA43 contributions
June 2021
Traveling from Phoenix/Apache Junction, even if you only go to the end of the paved section a few miles past Tortilla Flats, you'll see stunning mountain scenery. No gas stations and limited facilities, so be prepared, including water in summer. My personal recommendation is to take only your tow vehicle/toad - steep grades and hairpin turns. But you won't regret it.
Road is closed at Fish Creek, and the last couple of miles are gravel/dirt and bumpy.
Road is closed at Fish Creek, and the last couple of miles are gravel/dirt and bumpy.
Written 21 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
5 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I bought a 911 in California and was driving back cross country. Visited in Phoenix waiting for my son to fly in. Took a random drive and decided from the map it looked fun. Gold Mine, desert mountains, curves, top down! All of a sudden, Canyon lake. Mouth fell open! Wasn’t expecting a lake.Went past it up winding mountain road. Views crazy. Paved road ended at area of recent wild fire. Went back to tortilla flat for beer and music.On the way back did gold mine. Did again the next day. Saw 30+ Ferraris the next day. Rate 100/10.
Written 9 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dawn D
Martin, TN89 contributions
June 2020
This was a beautiful drive through the Superstition Mountains and around the lake. Very pretty scenery along the way. If you have the time it is well worth it! Not a lot of places to stop for food or restrooms so make sure you have gas and something to drink with you.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
natster6
Peru, IL75 contributions
Mar 2022
An excellent scenic drive! Winding, curving road in the mountains with great views. We drove to Tortilla Flats and turned around after having lunch there. We weren't sure how much farther the road was open as we had heard it was closed at some point. The Canyon Lake views were excellent! On the way back we stopped at the Goldfield Ghost Town. It was fun. If we had kids, they would have loved it. Wanted to check out Lost Dutchman State Park but didn't have time. Highly recommend just taking the drive if nothing else.
Written 10 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
michaeljones46
Oklahoma City, OK455 contributions
Sept 2021
Great escape to the desert wilderness just miles from the Phoenix Metro. Beautiful scenery, nice lakes along the drive. Due to road damage/closure we turned around about 7 miles east of Tortilla Flats, last 2 miles we skipped were dirt. But definitely go the last 7 miles, more awesome views. Tortilla Flats was a cool place to visit on the way back.
Written 30 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ka4lhs
Tucson, AZ223 contributions
Apr 2020
The views are great. Went all the last Vista overlooking Fish Creek. The last couple miles a narrow dirt road. The view at the very end is great. The drive is curvey, but is safe.
The COVID-19 closed the areas, but the views are great.
The COVID-19 closed the areas, but the views are great.
Written 6 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
In a couple weeks I would like to travel the Apache Trail from Globe to Apache Junction on highway 88. Is the highway open? I understand from previous notices that it may be closed. If it is open, can it be travelled in a minivan.
Written 30 April 2023
We started at Roosevelt Dam and it was open for 13 miles so have to do as out and back. I don't know about the other side but the Roosevelt side was gorgeous. As long as road is dry you should be able to do in your minivan.
Written 1 May 2023
hi, when driving from tortilla flats toward roosevelt lake, is the drop off on the right? Whereas, if driving from Roosevelt lake toward Tortilla flats, the right side of the road would be the moutin wall
Written 10 January 2023
Heading to AZ this January. I see that a section of the Apache Trail is closed but we would like to do part of it. Is it better to do the western part (Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat to Fish Creek Canyon) or the eastern portion (Apache Junction to Globe to TR Reservoir to Apache Lake)? Either way we will find a way to stop at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. We love great views, wildlife, birding, scenic vistas, moderate hiking, nature and archeological sites. Less interested in souveniring or stopping at touristy places. Middle aged adults (so no need to keep the kids happy!) No problem driving dirt or windy roads. Many thanks in advance!!
Written 30 December 2022
Is Apache Trail Scenic Drive Open?
Written 21 September 2020
The segment at/past Fish Creek is unlikely to open again for years, if ever. The east end was open to Apache Lake earlier this summer, then closed due to fires. Now DOT's website says it is closed and Tonto's says it is open - not sure who's website is actually up to date. I won't be out there again until March, so would love an update if you find out the actual status now.
Written 22 November 2020
My answer would be "it depends". If the car is very low to the ground there are a couple of places on the road where it is sandy gravel that is deep and there are some potholes and ruts that will be challenging. You can navigate through and around most obstacles. For the most part the road is well maintained.
Written 12 May 2019
Dreamer31649
Morro Bay, California
Hello, we're wondering if our dually is too wide for the drive?
Written 17 January 2019
It should be ok. Traffic is slow. Quite a few turns in road, but should be ok at these slow speeds.
Written 26 January 2019
Yes! It would be a great way to travel ... dusty but if you’re traveling in a side by side in Arizona it’s to be expected.
Written 30 December 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 27
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing