Apache Trail

In doing my research about the Phoenix area I came across a driving tour called the Apache Trail. The trail starts in Apache Junction and is 50 miles long, 21 miles are unpaved. My research indicates that depending on how many times you stop it can take half a day or longer. Sounds fantastic to me so away we go.

Apache Trail Map

When we got to Apache Junction we decided to go clockwise on the trail. A very very good decision by us, you will see why later. In the early days the trail served stagecoaches and freight wagons. More recently test drivers from GM Proving Grounds used the trail to test tires and vehicle maneuverability. Okay.......this trail really peaks my adventurist side.

Our first stop was Lost Dutchman State Park. I had heard many great things about the park so I wanted to check it out for myself. And it's all true, what a fantastic place. Tons of hiking trails from easy to extremely difficult and lots of wildlife/birds. The campground has water/electric and a dump station. What more could you ask for.

Superstition Mountain in the background

As we continued down the trail, better known as US 88 the road is nicely paved and quite well travelled. It twists and turns through the mountain above the lakes and rivers.

Trails leading off to who knows where

About 15 miles past Lost Dutchman Park is Canyon Lake. The lake was formed as a result of the Mormon Flat Dam which was built in 1923. The lake now has several marinas and an RV Park. Not sure if I would want to tow the rig up here even though the road is paved.

Down river is the Mormon Flat Dam

Canyon Lake

Continuing on we get to the "town" of Tortilla Flat with a population of 5. It appears to be the place to rest before continuing on. Tortilla Flat started as a stagecoach stop in 1904 and became only one of two stops along the trail. Unfortunately the town burned to the ground in 1987 but was rebuilt. Now it features a saloon to get burgers and a store that serves prickly pear ice cream. Yum. This is the place to stock up on all the necessary items like water and snacks for the rest of the trip. There is nothing after this. Oh yeah make sure you start with a full tank of gas, their is none along the way.

The town of Tortilla Flat

Electricity back in the day

Original schoolhouse

Beautiful mountain view from Tortilla Flat

Okay so we arrive at Fish Creek Hill and this is where decisions are made to continue on or turn back. Of course there's no turning around for me, we still have a few more miles of pavement left before we get to the switchbacks, steep descents, and dirt road.

Canyons atop Fish Creek Hill

 

It's a long way down if you fall

As we looked out over the canyons admiring the view we see the dirt road that we are going to take. I look at Susan she looks at me with at really scared look on her face. I give her my confidence speech and away we go. Just remember the following pictures you see are real, I have not adjusted them. Oh, did I mention the road is two way.

The start of dirt road, no barriers

We are descending into Fish Creek Canyon



As we are descending into the canyon people are passing us going the other way. My suggestion is if you decide to do this trail go the same way we did. At least you have the mountain side when cars pass not cliff side.

Nice guard rail

I'm trying to keep Susan occupied by taking pictures, there is no where to stop on this steep descent.

Great, one lane can't see anyone coming

Many of the turns along this part you can't see anyone coming. You just hope they are on their own side.....which just happens to be your side.

I have full confidence in those guard rails...yeah right

 

Many cars did pass us going the other way

There's not much opportunity to sight see if your the driver. Eyes on the road at all time. I can't imagine doing this drive when it rains.

There are a few places to pull off, Susan was adamant we did not

You don't need a 4X4 just a really good reliable car. Actually, doing it in a pick-up is worst since the back end is very light. I found myself fishtailing many times towards the cliff. We reach Fish Creek at the bottom and now we have to go up the other side. Susan is looking a little pale, very scared, and not happy at all. Hence, you will notice their are no more pictures until we get to flatter ground.

The rock formations were stunning

I was able to stop and take some picture

At this point we are about half way on the dirt road. Apache Lake is a man made lake which was formed as a result of the Horse Mesa Dam in 1924. The lake has boating, fishing, camping, and a restaurant. Yes camping, how they got their rigs, motorhomes etc. here I have no idea.  I sure wouldn't pull a rig up here.

Apache Lake

It's 11 miles from here to Roosevelt Dam on the same type of dirt road with switchbacks and potholes. However, the only difference for us is there are no pictures. Susan has joined the white knuckle crew she just wants to see pavement.

 

We reach Roosevelt Dam and I could see a big smile and color return to Susan face. The first stone in the building of Roosevelt Dam was laid in 1906 and took 5 years to complete. Blocks of stone were carved out of the canyon walls and hoisted into place using a block and tackle system.

Roosevelt Dam

Between 1989 and 1996 the dam was modified at a cost of $430 million. They used 450,000 cubic yards of concrete and 849 miles of reinforce steel which ultimately increased the height by 77 feet. This allowed retention of more water in Roosevelt Lake.

 

A bridge had to be built prior to dam modification being done. The Roosevelt Lake Bridge, built in 1987 is the longest two-lane, single-span, steel arched bridge in North America.

Roosevelt Lake Bridge

We are now on paved roads but have at least an hour and a half drive to get home. It's a long day but so worth it.

Last shot, time to go home.....the moon is out already