Apache Trail
Apache Trail is a historic route across northern Mesa and Fountain Hills into Tonto Basin, following the shoreline of Lake Roosevelt and crossing Salt River. The drive offers dramatic canyon views, remnants of early settlements, and access to lake recreation and parks.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | The Southwest |
| Subregion | Southwest U.S. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Maricopa County |
| District | Tonto National Forest |
| Timezone | AmericaPhoenix |
| Latitude | 33.914 |
| Longitude | -111.453 |
| Maps |
12:51 PM LOCAL TIMEApache Trail (also known as State Route 88) is a scenic desert-to-dam drive that links the metro Phoenix area with the rugged Tonto National Forest and shoreline of Lake Roosevelt. Once a Native trade route and stagecoach path, it was paved as a state highway in the mid-20th century and remains a popular route for scenic drives, boating, and access to desert trails. Highlights along the trail include the concrete arch of Roosevelt Dam, the rocky canyons of the Salt River, and trailheads leading to the Lower Salt River, river islands, and nearby parks and resorts. The route crosses multiple ecological zones from urban edge to sagebrush plains and canyon rims, so expect changing weather and prepare accordingly.
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