Apache Trail

With activities for all types of travelers, the Apache Trail makes for a perfect day trip destination from Phoenix. Most Apache Trail tours last a full day and include vehicle transportation plus hiking, a cruise through Canyon Lake on a vessel like the old-fashioned Dolly Steamboat, and visits to historic sites. Travel along the road’s panoramic Sonoran Desert to find the eerie Tortilla Flat and Goldfield ghost towns, once-bustling mining outposts that are now 19th-century artifacts and attractions; Lost Dutchman State Park, where a legendary gold mine is said to be hidden among the red-rock hills; and the towering Roosevelt Dam. For more outdoor adventure, camp at Canyon Lake and Tonto National Forest or board a jeep for a guided desert tour of the area’s stunning geology, history, and wildlife.

• The Apache Trail Circle Route takes a full day to complete, although visitors can choose to stay overnight to spend more time hiking, camping, and exploring the desert.

• Take extra caution when driving, as portions of the road are unpaved and the desert’s terrain is rough and includes steep cliffs.

• Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, and bring plenty of water.

Most guided tours provide transportation to and from hotels in downtown Phoenix. But, if you’re driving, start at Apache Junction, a city roughly 45 minutes from downtown Phoenix by road, where the 80-mile (129-kilometer) Apache Trail Circle Route begins. Then loop past Roosevelt Lake and head south to Globe and Miami, before turning back toward Apache Junction.

November through April is the best time to visit, when the weather is sunny and mild. In springtime, visitors to the Apache Trail can see wildflowers blooming throughout the desert landscape. Traffic is common during summer, when temperatures average above 100°F (38°C).

In this Old West outpost, try your luck at gold panning, explore historic shops and buildings, tour Mammoth Gold Mine, and peruse the Goldfield Museum. Satisfy your hunger with burgers and cold brews inside the saloon.

The Apache Trail starts about an hour outside downtown Phoenix in Apache Junction. It links the town with Theodore Roosevelt Lake through the Superstition Mountains and is one of Arizona's oldest and most scenic drives. It is definitely worth a visit.

There really aren't any bad parts of the Apache Trail—views include everything from the towering Superstition Mountains to the reflections in Canyon Lake. Some would say the best part is the jagged rock formations that loom over the road, while others might argue it's the beauty of the lakes along the way.

With its steep cliffs and tranquil lakes, the Apache Trail is best explored by car. Plan to pull over a lot to snap photos of the stunning vistas and rugged terrain, and be sure to stop at Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat.

While this road is open most of the year, spring is the best time to visit the Apache Trail. This is when the vibrant wildflowers bloom, filling the landscape with a rainbow of colors. Plus, the temperatures are ideal for exploring.

Yes, this historic road winding through the desert provides breathtaking scenery at every turn. From the towering Superstition Mountains to the artificial lakes, the Apache Trail offers an authentic taste of the wild and rugged Southwest. While it can be narrow and windy, it's worth every minute.

Yes, booking an Apache Trail tour in advance lets you secure your spot and gives you peace of mind knowing that your tour is all set. This is especially important in the winter and spring months when it's the most popular time to visit the desert in Arizona.