Today, the Apache Trail remains a popular route for travelers exploring Arizona’s natural beauty. The road, still partly unpaved in sections, offers access to attractions like Canyon Lake. Canyon Lake is located about 45 miles east of Phoenix. It was formed in 1925 when the Mormon Flat Dam was created. Canyon Lake is relatively small, covering about 950 acres, but is one of the deepest reservoirs in the area, with depths reaching over 140 ft. It is a popular destination for boating, fishing, camping and scenic beauty. It is the home of the popular Dolly Steamboat that offers narrated boat tours.
Just up the road from Canyon Lake is Tortilla Flat and its history is closely tied to this iconic route. The name Tortilla Flat comes from a group of settlers who after losing their supplies in a flash flood survived on a meal of dried tortillas. Tortilla Flat officially came into being around the early 1900s, when the US government began constructing the Roosevelt dam on the Salt River about 20 miles away. It was established as a stagecoach stop along the road, providing supplies, food, and accommodations for the workers to and from the dam site. In the early days it consisted of a small settlement with a general store, school,and some simple housing. Today the iconic Tortilla Flat General store and Saloon with bar stools made from saddles and the walls adorned with dollar bills from visitors has become a popular tourist attraction.
The road follows a route from Apache Junction to Theodore Roosevelt Lake, winding through rugged desert landscapes, canyons, and cliffs. The construction of this road was no small feat, requiring laborers to carve a path through the mountainous terrain.
W After the Roosevelt Dam was completed, the Apache Trail became a popular tourist destination. The scenic beauty of the region, with its dramatic views of the Superstition Mountains, the Salt River, and the Tonto National Forest, attracted early adventurers and travelers seeking to experience the wilds of Arizona. In the 1920s, automobiles began traveling the route, and the Apache Trail became one of Arizona's earliest scenic highways. It was later designated State Route 88.
Fish Creek Canyon is a key highlight of the Apache Trail. It gets its name from the small stream that runs through the canyon, although water flow can be seasonal and dependent on rainfall. The creek has historically been a source of fresh water for wildlife and humans navigating this rugged area. The drive through Fish Creek Canyon is not for the faint of heart. The dirt road is narrow, winding, and features steep drop offs. Despite this, it is a popular route for adventurous drivers and offers some of the most awe-inspiring views in Arizona. The dramatic landscape of Fish Creek Canyon with its cliffs and deep desert valley has made it a favorite among photographers. Sunrises and sunsets cast a golden glow on the canyon walls, providing stunning photographic opportunities.
Another highlight along the trail is the Apache Lake, which remains a favorite destination for those looking for a mix of adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty in Arizona's desert environment. Apache Lake stretches over 2,568 acres and is about 17 miles long, making it one of the larger reservoirs on the Salt River. Its long, narrow shape is typical of lakes formed by canyon dams, with steep, rocky cliffs surrounding much of the shoreline. There are several campgrounds and RV sites located along the shores of Apache Lake. The lake has a full-service marina offering boat rentals, docks, fuel, and a small convenience store. There is also a resort with cabins and motel rooms for those who prefer not to camp.
As you near the end of the Apache trail you come upon the Roosevelt Dam. The Dam is considered a landmark of early 20th century engineering. It marked the beginning of large-scale water management and hydroelectric power generation in the American Southwest. It transformed central Arizona into a prosperous agricultural and urban center. The reservoir created by the Dam is known as Roosevelt Lake. The Bridge at Roosevelt Lake was completed in 1990 to replace the older road that actually ran across the top of the Roosevelt Dam. It is a steel-arch bridge with a total length of 1080 feet and a main span of 800 feet making it one of the longest two lane single-span steel arch bridges in North America.
The road is in great condition. It is unpaved from Tortilla Flat to Apache Lake. It is currently being paved from Apache Lake to Roosevelt, so be mindful of some on-going roadwork. We highly recommend this trail!
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