Named after the Apache Indians who once used the route, the Apache Trail, or AZ 88 as it is officially known, links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest. The scenery along this route is spectacular from end to end.
Layers of mountains near sunset at the Fish Creek Hill Vista
Route can be seen in the distance (above right rock formation) from this vista view
The route is 44 miles of steep, winding and mostly unpaved road past magnificent scenery of twisted igneous mountains with dense forests of saguaro and barrel cactus, and several lakes. The route may be impassable when wet, can be flooded, is remote, and hot in the spring and summer. Most vehicles can make the route, but is not suitable for large RV’s. There are washboard sections. The road had been recently graded and was in fairly good repair. Travelers should be prepared with plenty of water, as there are few services along the route. With stops, plan for at least a couple of hours to complete the drive. Our average speed on the unpaved section was about 20mph.
View of the Apache Trail
Views of the Superstition Mountains are a highlight
The highlight of the driving itself is the 10% grade single lane road at Fish Creek Hill, which includes Deadman’s Curve. There are several wider spots for passing oncoming traffic. For those uncomfortable with steep routes next to sheer drop-offs, this is not the route for you. There is a guard rail along many sections of this hill. At the top of this hill is a vista parking area with vault toilets that is a great stopping point was panoramic views. This is the division spot between the paved and unpaved section of road (unpaved to the east).
Driving up Fish Creek Hill
Looking back over the route from Fish Creek Hill
The eastern end is located at Theodore Roosevelt Dam, which was built of bricks in 1911 and remains the world’s largest masonry dam at almost 300 feet tall. It is a major element of the Salt River Project which has facilitated the expansion of Phoenix and its environs.
Roosevelt Dam on the eastern end of the Apache Trail
Highway 188 bridge at Roosevelt Lake, the eastern terminus of Apache Trail
Salt River view near the eastern terminus
As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited “urban” forests in the U.S. (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east. This route is primarily a Forest Service Road and accesses several National Forest boat launches and camping sites. There are numerous hiking opportunities along this route.
Spectacular views abound
A splash of desert color
This route can be combined with visits to: Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, Tonto National Monument, or Lost Dutchman State Park. We were staying at the Monte Vista RV Resort in Mesa and made a loop by traveling Highways 87, 188, 88 “Apache Trail”, and 60. We drove it from east to west, but it can be completed in either direction.
Saguaro and mountain views abound along the Apache Trail
Another view of the Superstition Mountains
