When I was researching things to do in the Phoenix area, I ran across the Apache Trail. It’s 40 miles of winding, twisting, and mainly dirt road snaking through the Superstition Mountains. It begins at the Superstition Mountain Museum and ends at the Theodore Roosevelt Dam at Highway 188.
I love twisty and windy roads through mountains. They are my favorite. I don’t think we actually realized what we were in for, but it turned out to be an exciting adventure. At least 20 of the 40 miles is a dirt road, which is a little rough, a lot bumpy, one lane in many places–but offers absolutely beautiful views. While photos do not do this trail justice, it will give a slight idea of the fabulous scenic drive.
Here are some of the wider views we enjoyed.
We also saw several different types of plants and bushes beginning to flower (fairy duster is the flower pictured below).
We crossed one-lane bridges.
There were lookout points to see beautiful lakes.
The Theodore Roosevelt Dam was a treat to see towards the end of the Apache Trail.
It took about three hours to do the trail including driving and stopping to take photos and appreciate the beauty. It was worth every second, although it was a relief when the dirt road came to an end. I highly recommend this drive and it is easily one of my favorites.
Above was the view on a partial part of the drive home. Arizona is lovely, and there’s so much more to see.
It was another wonderful day with Roy and Judy and the Grand Canyon is ahead.
Safe travels until we meet again.
Want to see the trail for yourself? Here’s a video of a portion of the trail.
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Too bad you didn’t swing by Picketpost Mountain to hike and say hi. Great pictures, glad you enjoyed the drive.
I need to hike up in there and find the Old Dutchman’s Mine! 🙂 I’ll have to put Picketpost Mountain on my list. Would love to say hi!
I’ve never been to Arizona, or to the West at all. So I really appreciate this close-up look of this landscape, right down to the flowers and one-lane bridge. Thank you.
We drove the Apache Trail last February! You take much better photos than me though. This post and your video brought back great memories.
I lved that someone else was paying for the gas, enjoyed the ride.
I’m so glad we drove it and had that little video clip to share. It was beautiful. Thanks for coming along for the ride!
My ‘O” must be sticking, coffee spill? (lved instead of O)
This reminded me of a funny story. I used to be a medical transcriptionist and typed lightening fast, which took a toll on many a keyboard. One morning, starting work at 5 a.m., I clicked the ‘S’ on my keyboard at just the right angle and it went flying (honest to goodness, true story). My bullmastiff, Lexie, who is usually a little clunky and slow (love the big girl so incredibly much), opened her huge jaws, caught it in her mouth, and proceeded to chew the ‘S’ into an unrecognizable piece of plastic. I couldn’t work until somewhere opened to purchase a new keyboard–my work excuse for a couple of hours that day was “my dog ate my S.” Hope your “O” is unstuck soon! 🙂
Your photos are ruggedly beautiful.
Thank you, Anne. It’s quite a different view from the mountains around you. Strange how each place has its own charm to enjoy.
Isn’t it marvelous that you are seeing all kinds of beautiful scenery? I’m so glad you share with the rest of us.
Thanks, Anne. It amazes me how beautiful our country is–all in different ways.