Apache Trail Fast FactsA Quick Guide to Attractions on the Apache Trail Go to Apache Trail Fast Facts sections: Go to Apache Trail article: Land of Desert Lakes, Ghost Towns and Legends of Lost Gold Overview: Apache Trail - Arizona Highway 88
What to See: Stunning mountain and desert scenery; three lakes; historic ghost town; wildflowers and wildlife. Recreational Opportunities: Hiking; picnicking; camping; backpacking; rock climbing; boating; fishing; steamboat rides; birding; wildlife observation;wildflower displays in spring. What to Know Before You Go: Most of the road is paved. The unpaved portion begins just past Tortilla Flat and continues for about 14 miles before Roosevelt Dam. Passenger cars can make the entire loop, though if you have a 4-wheel drive you should use it. The road has numerous sharp twists, blind turns and narrow sections. Note to Mineral Hunters and Rockhounds: The Superstition Wilderness is closed to mineral entry. Strict rules for prospecting have limited activity in the area. Driving Tips:
Backroads Travel Safety Note: Traveling back roads can be hazardous. Be prepared before you begin your trip. Check for road and weather conditions. Carry plenty of water. Do not travel alone. Always inform someone of where you are going and when you plan to return. Location: The Apache Trail is southeast of Phoenix. Directions: From Phoenix, take Interstate 10 south to Highway 60 east. Exit at Idaho Road North and follow the signs to AZ 88 – the Apache Trail. It will take about 20 minutes to get from the I-10/Hwy 60 junction to Apache Junction.
Mileage: 42 miles Driving Time Estimate: 6.5 hours Desert and Hiking Safety: This information applies to all of the stops along the Apache Trail. If you plan to hike, mountain bike, camp or backpack in the Superstition backcountry, be prepared. Carry an accurate topographic map, trail map and compass. Take the same safety precautions as mentioned in the Backroads Travel Safety Note above.
Special Note on Desert Wildlife: Though most visitors will never see them, the desert is home to rattlesnakes, Gila monsters and scorpions. Keep an eye out – always watch were you put your feet and hands. Never try to pick up or touch wildlife. Goldfield Ghost Town InformationLocation: Located 4 miles northeast of Apache Junction.
Phone: (480) 983-0333 for general information Hours: Generally 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Each town merchant may set their own hours. Many are open only on weekends during the summer. Admission Fee: There are additional charges to participate in some attractions such as the Narrow Gauge Railway, gold panning and the Goldfield Mine Tours. Visitor Facilities: Restaurants; saloon; bakery; ice cream parlor; shops; campground; lodging; jeep tours; hiking, backpacking and horseback riding treks. Activities and Events: Annual Superstition Mountain Chili Cook-Off held in February. This day long event features chili competitions, chili and salsa tasting, staged gunfights and live music. Lost Dutchman State ParkWhat to See: Superstition Mountains; lush desert scenery; good wildflower displays after spring rains, especially of Mexican gold poppies; desert wildlife such as Gila woodpeckers, Harris’s hawks, desert cottontails, Gila monsters.
Recreational Opportunities: Hiking; camping; picnicking; birding; wildlife observation; wildflower walks in spring. Management: Arizona State Parks Location: Located 5 miles north of Apache Junction at the base of the Superstition Mountains. Address: 6109 North Apache Trail, Apache Junction, AZ 85219 Phone: (480) 982-4485 Hours: Open daily sunrise – 10:00 pm Daily Entrance Fee: Visitor Facilities: Visitor center; hiking trails; drinking fountains; picnic areas with tables and grill; 70 unit first come, first serve campground (no hookups); dump station; restrooms; showers; group use area. Siphon Draw Trail Distance: Siphon Draw Trail is 4 miles round trip through Siphon Draw Canyon; 5.8 miles round trip to the Flatiron. Safety Note: a portion of the hike to the Flatiron is not a designated, maintained trail all of the way. Only experienced hikers in good shape should attempt the hike to the top. The climb is very steep, rocky and difficult to follow. Hiking Time Estimate: 3 hours for the round trip hike on the Siphon Draw Trail. Allow 5 hours to hike from the start of Siphon Draw Trail to the top of the Flatiron and back. Difficulty: Siphon Draw Trail and the hike to the Flatiron are strenuous. Elevation Change: 2,861 feet from desert floor to top of the Flatiron. Season: October to May. Locals hike the trails year round but summer temperatures routinely exceed 100 degrees. Summer hikes should only be done in the very early morning, if at all. Tonto National ForestWhat to See: Superstition Mountain Wilderness; Canyon Lake; Apache Lake; Roosevelt Lake and Dam; superb desert scenery; abundant wildlife.
Recreational Opportunities: Picnicking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, backpacking, fishing, water sports and sightseeing. Management: USDA Forest Service Location: The Apache Trail lies partly within the Mesa Ranger District and partly within the Tonto Basin Ranger District of the Tonto National Forest. The trail enters the national forest at about 6 miles from Apache Junction. Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Address: HC02 P.O. Box 4800, Roosevelt, AZ 85545 Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Phone: (928) 467-3200 Entrance Fee: No Canyon LakeWhat to See: Beautiful shorelines; dramatic red rock cliffs; wildlife including birds, javelina and bighorn sheep.
Recreational Opportunities: Fishing, boating, water skiing, bird watching, wildlife watching, camping, picnicking. What to Know Before You Go: Canyon Lake is very popular. It reaches its maximum boating capacity early in the day on most weekends and holidays from April through October. No additional boats are allowed in once capacity is reached. Caution: Lake levels fluctuate daily, based on irrigation demand and power fluctuation. Rocks and other obstacles may be near the surface. Be aware that motor boating involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the associated risks. For lake level information, contact the Salt River Project’s information hotline at (602) 236-5929. Management: USDA Forest Service, Mesa Ranger District Location: The entrance to Canyon Lake Marina is roughly 15 miles from Apache Junction along the Apache Trail. Mesa Ranger District Contact Address: 5140 East Ingram Street, Mesa, AZ 85205 Mesa Ranger District Contact Phone: (480) 610-3300 Fees: $4 per vehicle Visitor Facilities: Canyon Lake Marina is a full-service marina with boat storage, bait and tackle, boat rental, slips, fuel dock, boat sewage tank dump, emergency phone, excursion boat, restaurant, snack bar, picnic supplies, ice, beach, picnicking and camping. Canyon Lake Marina Contact Information: 16802 Northeast Highway 88, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85219 Dolly SteamboatWhat to Know Before You Go: Casual dress. Dress for the weather and time of day. Wear sunscreen. Bring a jacket or sweater during fall – winter months.
The Dolly Steamboat is available for charter for groups and special events such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, business events, etc. Call for details. Location: The Dolly Steamboat is docked at the Canyon Lake Marina and Campground. The entrance to the marina is just after you cross the second, one-lane bridge. Canyon Lake is 14 miles northeast of Apache Junction, AZ. Dolly Steamboat Contact Address: P.O. Box 977, Apache Junction, AZ 85217-9144 Dolly Steamboat Contact Phone: (480) 827-9144 Fees and Hours: 2½ hour Twilight Dinner Cruise: Requires reservations and payment at least three days before departure date. Meals served buffet style. Alcoholic beverages are not served, sold or allowed on the Dolly Steamboat. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Visitor Facilities: Snack bar on board with soft drinks, candy, popcorn, film and souvenirs. Tortilla FlatLocation: About 18 miles northeast of Apache Junction.
Address: 1 Main Street, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290 Phone: (480) 984-1776 Hours: The town is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm daily. The Superstition Saloon is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas Visitor Facilities: Superstition Saloon and Mercantile, Country Store and an official U.S. Post Office. Apache LakeWhat to See: Beautiful shorelines; secluded coves; dramatic rocky cliffs; wildlife including eagles, deer, javelina and bighorn sheep; wildflowers after wet winters.Recreational Opportunities: Fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, bird watching, wildlife observation, camping, picnicking. What to Know Before You Go: Caution: Lake levels fluctuate daily, based on irrigation demand and power fluctuation. Rocks and other obstacles may be near the surface. Be aware that motor boating involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the associated risks. For lake level information, contact the Salt River Project’s information hotline at (602) 236-5929. Management: USDA Forest Service, Tonto Basin Ranger District Location: The entrance to Canyon Lake Marina is roughly 15 miles from Apache Junction along the Apache Trail. Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Address: HC02 Box 4800, Roosevelt, AZ 85545 Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Phone: (480) 467-3200 Fees: Daily fees for parking and campground. Visitor Facilities: Apache Lake Marina is a full-service marina with dry and wet boat storage, bait and tackle, boat rental, fuel dock, boat sewage tank dump. Motel has lake view rooms and suites. Full-service restaurant with outdoor patio, play area and bar. RV and camping sites with hookups, showers, laundry facilities, groceries and ice, bait and sporting goods, picnic tables, conference center. Camping is available at Burnt Corral Recreation Site, Apache Lake Marina/Resort and at several shoreline access areas. Apache Lake Marina and Resort Contact Information: P.O. Box 15627, Tortilla Flat, AZ 85290Phone: (928) 467-2511Open year round. Roosevelt LakeWhat to See: Beautiful shorelines; small, isolated islands and coves; dramatic rocky cliffs; wildlife including migrating waterfowl and raptors in fall and winter such as Canada geese, bald eagles and osprey; mule deer, javelina, Harris antelope ground squirrel, and bighorn sheep; Roosevelt Dam and Visitor’s Center; Roosevelt Lake Bridge.Recreational Opportunities: Fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, swimming, bird watching, wildlife observation, camping, picnicking, Roosevelt Dam Visitor’s Center. What to Know Before You Go: The Tonto Creek arm of the lake is closed from November 5 to February 15 for wildlife protection. Caution: Lake levels fluctuate daily, based on irrigation demand and power fluctuation. Rocks and other obstacles may be near the surface. Be aware that motor boating involves a degree of risk, and persons engaging in this activity assume the associated risks. For lake level information, contact the Salt River Project’s information hotline at (602) 236-5929. Management: USDA Forest Service, Tonto Basin Ranger District Location: At the junction of AZ Highway 188 and the Apache Trail (AZ Highway 88). Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Address: HC02 Box 4800, Roosevelt, AZ 85545 Tonto Basin Ranger District Contact Phone: (480) 467-3200 Fees: Daily use and campground fees apply. Visitor Facilities: Boat launching sites; campgrounds; picnic areas. Roosevelt Lake Marina has boat rentals, covered and uncovered wet slips, executive services, dry storage, 56-foot houseboats available for rental and purchase. Ship store offers groceries, ice, fishing and boating supplies. Roosevelt Lake Marina Contact Information: P.O. Box 458, Hwy 88, Roosevelt, AZ 8545 Nearest Commercial Services Roosevelt and Tonto Basin have food, gas, lodging, marine services, restaurant, bait and tackle, boat rental and public pay phones. The towns of Globe and Payson have all services. Tonto National MonumentWhat to See: Two large, ancient Salado cliff dwellings; beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery with abundant cacti including saguaros (cacti bloom April through June); colorful spring wildflowers after winter rains, including lupine. Indian paintbrush, owl’s clover and Mexican gold poppies; lush riparian area with Arizona black walnut, hackberry and sycamore trees; wildlife including javelina, ringtail cats, coyote, whitetail deer and black-tailed jackrabbits.What to Know Before You Go: The parking lot has a limited turning radius. Vehicles longer than 30 feet and towing another vehicle experience difficulty negotiating the turn. Large vehicle parking is available .5 mile below visitor center at picnic area. Management: National Park Service Location: 4 miles north of Roosevelt Dam on Highway 188 Address: HC02 Box 4602, Roosevelt, AZ 85545 Phone: (928) 467-2241 Fees: $3.00 per person for 7 day access Hours: Open daily 8:00 am – 5:00 pm except Christmas. Visitor Facilities: Visitor’s center with exhibits and 18-minute video orientation program, gift shop, restrooms, water, vending machines with soft drinks and snacks, picnic tables with shade ramadas. Trails to Cliff Dwellings: Upper Ruins: Accessible only by a ranger-led hike offered three days per week from November through April. Return to Apache Trail article from Apache Trail Fast Facts page
Safety Note: Trail conditions are constantly changing and can vary with season, weather and maintenance status. Before starting out on your hike, check with the public land agency that manages the area for current conditions or closures. For these and other reasons, trail descriptions, hiking and driving recommendations, vacation destination guides or any other section of the Arizona Vacation Planner website may no longer be completely accurate. Each person has their own limits and capabilities. We cannot anticipate every hazard or possibly know your abilities and limitations. When you follow any of the hikes, trails or other recommendations we mention, you assume responsibility for your own safety. It is your responsibility to be aware of traffic, road and trail conditions, weather, terrain, wildlife, your abilities and those of any companions as well as other factors. This information was accurate at the time of our visit. All contact information, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility or public agency before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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