Tuesday, February 26, we finally were able to drive the Apache Trail. When we were here three years ago, we had about 1 ½ inches of rain which is a lot for this area, and we didn't know how the unpaved part of the Trail would be. So this time we made sure to take the trip.
The Apache Trail is actually Arizona Highway 88 from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Dam, a distance of 47 miles. Originally it was a raiding route for Apaches. The highway was built between 1903-05, and used to haul supplies and equipment from Mesa to where the dam was being built. Over one hundred years ago that was a three day trip with the first overnight at Tortilla Flat and the second at Fish Creek Hill.
Heading northeast out of Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains are on the right. These rugged mountains are home to the legend of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine. Along this part of the route are the Goldfield Ghost Town (tourist trap?) and Lost Dutchman State Park. A bit further is Weaver's Needle Vista, a great view of a large stone monolith framed by two mountains.
At about milepost 206 is Apache Gap, showcasing a spectacular view of Four Peaks, the highest mountain in this area, at over 7,000 feet. We were hoping to see some snow on the mountain, because the weather forecast had indicated possible overnight snow at the higher elevations, but it was not to be.
About two climbing, twisting miles further on is the first view of Canyon Lake. This lake was formed when Horse Mesa Dam was built on the Salt River. From here the road winds down the mountain and over a couple of one-lane bridges. On Canyon Lake is a marina, snack bar, camping and the Dolly Steamboat cruise of the lake.
Up and over another mountain and we arrived at Tortilla Flat, population six! And it even has a Post Office, the Superstition Saloon, General Store, and a nice campground with full hook-ups. We had lunch on the patio at the Saloon; there was over an hour wait to be seated inside. (Inside has an extensive menu, including breakfast; the patio is limited to hamburgers and hotdogs, but good.) Also inside, you can sit at the bar on an authentic saddle! The seven and a half foot tall (really!) Sheriff was on duty to prevent folks from parking in the P.O. delivery spot and from taking beer out of the patio area.
From Tortilla Flat, the road winds up and down and around for about five miles, until the pavement ends. For the next 22 miles or so to Roosevelt Dam it is a dirt road, but well-maintained. About a mile ahead, the road begins its descent of Fish Creek Hill. This is a 10% grade, dropping 1500 feet in three miles, and is oly one lane in some places. About five miles further on you reach Apache Lake. At this lake are a motel, restaurant, campground, marina and a phone (rare in this area). Further along the way, Apache Lake appears as a deep, winding river paralleling the road the rest of the way to Roosevelt Dam.
Roosevelt Dam is the largest masonry dam in the world at 280 feet high. It was constructed by Italian stone masons and Apache laborers. The granite was quarried from the side of the mountains between which it stands. Many lives were lost during its construction. These lakes, Saguaro, Canyon, Apache, and Roosevelt, along the Salt River, supply some of the water for the Phoenix area.
We stopped for a few more pictures of the lake as the sun was setting; then proceeded southeast on AZ 88. We passed Tonto National Monument where we visited the cliff dwellings in 2004. By the time we passed through the copper mining communities of Globe-Miami, it was dark. After about an hour, we saw the lights of the Valley of the Sun spread out before us.
