The Superstition Mountains & the Apache Trail
Phoenix is all excited about Super Bowl XLII to be played here February 3. But for a real experience think about visiting the mysterious and legendary Superstition Mountains, a quick drive southeast on US 60 towards the Town of Apache Junction, the foreboding and majestic mountain range famous in history for legends of Apache Massacres, Mexican Gold fortunes, The Lost Dutchman Mine, and many murders.
This 160,000 acre wilderness offers something for everybody from stark rocky peaks, rolling pine covered hills; narrow spooky canyons to open desert plateaus. But best of all it contains some 180 miles of trails making it wonderful for a day hike, rock climbing or a week of camping and backpacking. Horseback riding is also available either with riding stables or to trailer in your own horse.
But you don’t have to be a macho hiker or horse rider either as the Apache Trail is for everyone. Traveling east on US 60 turn left at the Idaho road exit and travel about 2 miles to the junction with The Apache Trail (State Rd 88) turn right and head off on a wonderful road trip for cars or bikers. The road is paved most of the way. First on the right is the Superstition Mountain Museum with books and trail maps and the usual museum exhibits of histories and events. On farther to the left is The old ghost town of Goldfield, a tourist trap, but as with most tourist traps has some interesting things for visitors to see, I recommend the live snake and scorpion exhibit If the curator is there as he is vary enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The mine tour is also good even though it is not real it gives a better in site to what they were like than most of the real ones and an upscale model of an old time bordello Best of all entrance to Goldfield is free. Across the street from Goldfield is the Blue bird Snack and Gift Shop. Not much except for a scene in the movie “Raising Arizona” which was shot there.
Driving on ½ mile you come to the entrance to Lost Dutchman State Park which features Camping, Hiking and great views of the Superstitions. Next up on the right is the Weavers Needle Vista and a splendid view of the spire which figures in so many tales of the Dutchman’s lost gold mine.
At this point the roads begins winding up the mountain with awe inspiring views of peaks and desert flora and fauna until suddenly with no warning your car rounds a bend and you are looking at one of the coolest, bluest bodies of water you can imagine. What in the world is it doing here in the middle of the desert? Hard to tell but it sure is a welcome sight. It is Canyon Lake one of a series of lakes formed by the Roosevelt Dam. If you have time the lake features a paddle boat ride on“The Dolly” which is a pleasant change of pace.
On past Canyon Lake a couple of miles is Tortilla Flat once a stage stop and overnight rest for travelers and freight wagons, today Tortilla Flat a fine old time restaurant that features Killer Chili, huge ½ lb Burgers and home-cooked Mexican Food. I recommend it.
Just across the street is another campground which features many Trailheads.
Tortilla Flat is a good spot to end the trip and head back down the mountain as the pavement ends just 5 miles beyond. But if you wish it is possible to continue on past Apache Lake, the Roosevelt Dam, and by turning right on Hwy 188 (paved) circle back through the towns of Globe and Miami to Apache Junction.