Overview
The Apache Trail Scenic Drive is a historic and picturesque route in Arizona, offering stunning views of the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding desert landscape. It's a popular destination for sightseers, photographers, and off-road enthusiasts.
The trail was originally built in the early 20th century to support the construction of the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and has been a vital route for transportation and travel in the region ever since.
Location
Address
Coordinates: 33.44136142035793, -111.54787159508682
Neighborhood: Superstition Mountains
Coordinates
33.441361, -111.547872
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
October-May
Best Time of Day
Early morning
Better visibility, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Mild to warm
- • Wildflowers
- • Lush greenery
summer
Extremely hot
- • Early morning light
autumn
Mild to cool
- • Fall colors
- • Cooler temperatures
winter
Cool
- • Winter sun
- • Cool breezes
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Check road conditions
- Carry plenty of water
- Inform someone of your travel plans
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Heat exhaustion
- • Dehydration
- • Sunburn
Medical facilities: Nearest medical facility is 30 minutes away
Payment Information
Accepted
Cash, Credit cards
Currency
USD
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, comfortable, Layered clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, Inappropriate or revealing clothing
Booking Tips
- • Not typically required, but recommended for guided tours
- • Official tourism websites, local tour operators
- • Varies by tour operator
- • Available for some attractions along the route
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
Apache Trail Explorer
Size: 60 MB
Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Historical information, Emergency contacts
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Limited availability in nearby towns and attractions
Charging Stations: Available in some visitor centers and cafes
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Distance: 60 miles
Travel Time: 1.5 hours
From City Center
Distance: 30 miles
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: The Apache Trail offers a glimpse into Arizona's rich history and stunning natural beauty, making it a beloved destination for both locals and tourists.
Historical Significance: The trail was a crucial route for transportation, mining, and travel in the early 20th century and played a significant role in the development of the region.
Insider Tips
- Best photo spots are often less crowded on weekdays
- Local cafes and shops offer unique souvenirs and snacks
- Early morning drives offer the best chance to spot wildlife
Local Recommendations
- • Try local Arizona cuisine in nearby towns
- • Ask for recommendations from local rangers or guides
- • Visit the Superstition Mountain Museum for historical context
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Spanish
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Apache Lake Overlook
Best Time: Sunrise
Tips: Wide-angle shots for the expansive view
Result: Stunning sunrise over the lake and mountains
Fish Creek Canyon
Best Time: Golden hour
Tips: Low-angle shots for dramatic canyon views
Result: Beautiful canyon landscapes with golden light
Tonto National Forest
Best Time: Midday
Tips: High-angle shots for forest canopies
Result: Lush green forests and scenic drives
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Goldfield Ghost Town
Distance: 5 miles
Walking: 10 minutes
Type: Historical Site
Superstition Mountain Museum
Distance: 1 mile
Walking: 20 minutes
Type: Museum
Tonto National Monument
Distance: 30 miles
Walking: N/A
Type: Archaeological Site
Reviews
Based on 5,000 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Start early to avoid heat and crowds"
- "Bring plenty of water"
- "Visit the museum for historical context"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (24)
From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways, Suspension Bridge and Lunch
Self guided Hike Trail to Nature Walk & Waterfall
ATV Quad Safari Tour with Picnic & Swimming from Split
Scenic Photoshoot in Denver's Foothills
Driving Tour West Glacier National Park (excludes Sun Road)
4-Day Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu & Panoramic Train
Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip from San Jose
Shore Excursion: Auckland Scenic Full Day Tour - 8 Hours
Half-Day Jeep Tour in Rio's Tijuca Rainforest and Scenic
Cafayate Wine Trail Excursion: Explore Salta's Vineyards
Trekking Adventure: Explore El Chaltén with Lunch Included
Moab Hurrah Pass Scenic 4x4 Tour
Kinabalu Park Tour with Desa Dairy Farm & Poring Hot Springs
Speyside Whisky Trail Day Tour from Aberdeen Including Admissions
Glendalough Wicklow Scenic Tour from Dublin
ATV Tour: San Jose del Cabo Hidden Beaches & Desert Trail
Banaue Rice Terraces Escape: 3 Days, 2 Nights with Transfers
San Diego plus Scenic Drive Private Tour - From Los Angeles.
Badlands Tour: Drumheller with Museum, Hoodoos & Dinosaurs
Doi Inthanon Day tour
Private Zion Canyon National Park Day Tour from Las Vegas
Cotopaxi MTB / Enduro / Down Hill
Full Day Kinabalu Park
Exclusive Drumheller Private Tour from Calgary
Quick Info
Available Tours
4
Rating
4.7 / 5.0
Reviews
5,000
Adult Entry
Free (some attractions may charge a fee)