Apache Trail: Day Trips and Tours from Phoenix

The Apache Trail is one of the most scenic driving routes in the American West. Starting just east of Phoenix, the road meanders through the brilliantly named Superstition Mountains, finishing at Roosevelt Dam.

An Apache Trail day trip from Phoenix is much more than just scenic driving. There are steamboat rides, ghost towns and Sonoran Desert adventures to be had along the way.

In our detailed guide you will find all you need to know about Apache trail, one of the best destinations for day trips from Phoenix.

Where is the Apache Trail and how do I get to it from Phoenix?

Officially called State Route 88, the 62-kilometer Apache Trail runs between Phoenix and Roosevelt Dam.

From Phoenix to the Apache Trail by car

Taking an Apache Trail road trip is all part of the Phoenix experience, and it’s easy too! Just follow Highway 60 east to Apache Junction, then take State Route 88 all the way to the reservoir.

If you want to tackle the whole Apache Trail loop, allow a full day for the drive and a few stops at the top sights. Part of the route is gravel, with some twists and turns to keep things interesting. It’s passable in a standard vehicle if you drive with care but leave the RV at home.

Most people opt for a shorter there-and-back drive to Tortilla Flat, which is the itinerary featured on most tours. This section of the road is paved and is home to several of the major trail attractions.

Guided tour of the Apache Trail from Phoenix

If you don’t have a vehicle or aren’t confident driving on mountain roads, then your other option is to join a guided excursion. Full-day tours on the Apache Trail from Phoenix are popular, so do book well in advance.

You’ll be collected from your hotel and offered several sightseeing options during the day.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day begins with a hotel pickup after breakfast, or collection from a designated meeting point if your accommodation is not on the operator list. Then you’ll enjoy a comfortable ride by minivan along the Apache Trail. You’ll be on this famous route just a few minutes after leaving the city.

During the journey you will make several stops – first up is Canyon Lake for a steamboat ride. You’ll also visit Lost Dutchman State Park, before exploring Tortilla Flat and Goldfield Ghost Town.

This Apache Trail day trip from Phoenix finishes back in the city in time for dinner in the evening.

What are the best Apache Trail tours available?

When it comes to choosing your Apache Trail day tour from Phoenix, there are a few options to consider. The main differentiator is whether you prefer a cost-effective group tour or an exclusive private excursion.

Guided tours of the Apache Trail from Phoenix

Small group day trips on the Apache Trail are the most popular way to explore this historic highway. You’ll be traveling with other adventurers, but participant numbers are kept low for a more personal experience.

These Apache Trail excursions are cheaper than private tours, but you’ll still have a professional guide and will stop at all the same places.

Private day trip on the Apache Trail from Phoenix

For the ultimate jaunt, choose a private tour to Apache Trail. The luxury air-conditioned vehicle will be just for your group, and the guide will be on hand to answer your questions throughout the day.

This is the perfect option for couples or families who prefer to travel alone and enjoy a more tailored itinerary.

What are the prices of Apache Trail tours from Phoenix cost?

Prices for small group Apache Trail excursions start at US$160 per person for 8 hours out and about. This covers your guide, transport and bottled water. Collections from selected hotels in Phoenix are also offered.

For a private Apache Trail day trip, expect to pay US$450 per person for 4 hours, and US$1400 for a full day. Hotel pickups and drop-offs are included, as well as transport by luxury vehicle, a guide and snacks.

What will I see and do on the Apache Trail?

The Apache Trail was built in the 1900s to help transport construction materials to the Roosevelt Dam. It was named after the Apache Indians who once used this former path to traverse the Superstition Mountains. The trail later became a stagecoach road for miners who came to make their fortunes here in the desert.

Steamboat ride

The highlight of any day trip from Phoenix on the Apache Trail is a cruise on the famous Dolly Steamboat. This is your opportunity to do a bit of wildlife watching, with bighorn sheep and bald eagles often being sighted on the lake shores.

From your comfortable seat, you can admire the soaring volcanic cliffs that surround Canyon Lake. The crumbling rock and deep ravines add an element of pioneering adventure to your trip.

Goldfield Ghost Town

The Apache Trail route from Phoenix travels through the ghost town of Goldfield, where prospectors of the 1890s hoped to strike it rich. Today, the reconstructed mining town gives a sense of the wild west.

You can stroll down the main street, tour the gold mine and witness gunfight re-enactments. It’s a great stop for families and history buffs. There’s a museum for those who want to learn more, as well as gold panning for wannabe prospectors.

Lost Dutchman State Park

This scenic tract of wilderness was named for a lone prospector who came to mine this remote region. Legend has it that the area was rich in gold, but after the Dutchman’s death, the mine location became a mystery.

There are several hiking trails and lots of cactus photo opportunities here.

When is the best time to experience the Apache Trail?

Spring is the perfect time to take a journey on the Apache Trail. The weather is at its finest and the wildflowers make the scenery even more stunning. For the best light, head out in the afternoon and catch the setting sun.

The Apache Trail is open all year round. It’s advisable to visit on a dry day as flash flooding has been known after periods of heavy rain.

Travel tips

• Lunch isn’t generally included in an Apache Trail day trip, but you can purchase food in Tortilla Flat or Goldfield.
• Book your Apache Trail tour online so you can search for the best prices and secure seats on your preferred date.
• If you’re driving on the gravel road section after Tortilla Flat, keep an eye on the weather. This part of the route is only advisable when it hasn’t been raining.
• The roads are sometimes steep and narrow so drive slowly and watch out for other road users who may not be used to mountain driving.