Apache Trail is one of the most beautiful drives of Arizona
Usa, north-america
62 km
305 m
extreme
Year-round
# Apache Trail: Arizona's Thrilling Desert Drive
If you're looking for one of Arizona's most stunning scenic drives, Apache Trail is it. Located in the south-central part of the state and stretching 62 km (39 miles) from Apache Junction near Phoenix to Theodore Roosevelt Lake, this route winds through the heart of the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest—and it's absolutely worth the adventure.
Built back in 1904 to support construction of the Roosevelt Dam, this historic road has come a long way. It's so legendary that even GM's test drivers used it to push their vehicles to the limit. Today, most of it remains unpaved (with a few asphalt sections), and you'll navigate it at a leisurely 15 mph pace, twisting through canyons and past stunning desert landscapes dotted with saguaro and ferocactus cacti.
**Here's the real talk:** This isn't your typical leisurely cruise. The road is narrow and steep with some areas dropping over 1,000 feet—and yeah, there aren't exactly safety railings to catch you. The uphill drive is manageable, but heading back down? That's where things get intense. Keep your eyes on the road, not the jaw-dropping scenery (easier said than done). The drive takes most people 1.5 to 2 hours without stops, and definitely skip it if you're nervous behind the wheel or driving an RV—many rental companies actually prohibit it.
**Fair warning:** Since 2019, landslides, fires, and floods have closed sections intermittently. Some stretches between Fish Point and Apache Lake Marina are completely off-limits, while others are foot traffic only.
Spring is magical here when wildflowers bloom, though summer heat (and lake traffic) can be brutal. This road isn't for everyone—but if you love an exhilarating drive through breathtaking desert country, Apache Trail delivers.
Where is it?
Apache Trail is one of the most beautiful drives of Arizona is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 41.7583, -98.0899
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 62 km
- Max Elevation
- 305 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 41.7583, -98.0899
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