the wandering chick
...The Apache Trail
the Superstition Mtns
rugged Arizona wilderness

The Apache Trail is a scenic route , in fact an old stagecoach route, around the Superstition Mountains that starts in Apache Junction, traveling US 88 through Tortilla Flat, past three lakes and ending in Globe.

Experience mountain wilderness - some of the most rugged in Arizona; drive along high, sheer cliffs and over one-lane bridges; and take some off-roads that offer breathtaking canyon and moutain views.

If driving along high cliffs is not for you, there are jeep tours available, but the initial part of the drive (from Apache Junction, past Canyon Lake and to Tortilla Flat) is an easy yet gorgeous drive.

Plan to spend a day, at least. Make a stop at the Goldfield Ghost Town (especially if you have kids), take a look-see (or have a meal) at Tortilla Flat and spend lots of time taking in the beauty that surrounds you. There are some pull-overs on the main road, but fewer along the dirt trail sections.

A view of the Superstition Mountains from Goldfield Ghost Town
The Superstition Mtns
The Superstition Mtns
Globe Mallow along the Apache Trail
Gentle globe mallow offers a stark contrast to the rugged mountains.
big horn sheep on the mountain side
Big horn sheep are just some of the wildlife that can be found in this wilderness.
hills of yellow
spring time in the Az desert
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake is the first of three lakes you'll see along the Apache Trail from Apache Junction. In the background is Four Peaks (though you can only see three from this angle), a Phoenix landmark.
Tortilla Flat
Tortilla Flat, the only town along the route.
along the Apache Trail
Along the Apache Trail
Fish Creek Hill
Fish Creek Hill
Some of the most scenic parts of the trail is at Fish Creek Hill overlooking the Fish Creek Canyon. The surrounding shots were taken there.
Fish Creek Canyon
Fish Creek Hill
driy waterfall along the traill
There are many areas in the canyon where, as the snow melts, waterfalls will appear. The black marking is a waterfall trail.
overlooking Apache Lake
Overlooking Apache Lake from Reavis Ranch Road
the inside of a jumping cholla
along the Apache Trail
Cholla, on the inside, have the texture of avocado. Like most cacti, they retain water which keeps them alive in the dry desert.
horseback riding the wilderness
mountains tower the canyon
hoodoos of the superstition mtns
in the superstition wilderness
Tortilla Flat
An (the) eating establishment at Tortilla Flat
Canyon Lake
Canyon Lake
A hiking trail above Canyon Lake offers some spectacular views.
Canyon Lake
The Superstition Mtns
Goldfield Ghost Town
Goldfield Ghost Town
These remaining shots are of Goldfield Ghost Town, an old mining town of days past. It's been restored with shops and restaurants, and is a fun way to start the Apache Trail. It's on Highway 88 a few miles east of Mesa.
Goldfield Ghost Town

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