Apache Trail & the Superstition Mountains
A ghost town, a Dutchman's lost gold, desert lakes, and the jagged Superstitions east of Mesa — the Apache Trail country is the Valley's wild eastern frontier.
Just east of Mesa and Apache Junction, the Superstition Mountains rise in a wall of rugged volcanic rock, wrapped in the legend of the Lost Dutchman's gold mine. The historic Apache Trail (State Route 88) was the old wagon road built to haul materials to Roosevelt Dam, threading past desert lakes and dramatic canyon scenery.
The gateway attractions cluster near Apache Junction: Goldfield Ghost Town, a re-created 1890s mining town with shops, a narrow-gauge train, and gunfight shows; Lost Dutchman State Park, with trails into the Superstitions beneath the iconic face of the range; and Canyon Lake, a reservoir tucked in the cliffs where you can boat, swim, and ride a paddlewheel steamboat. The tiny stagecoach stop of Tortilla Flat, with its saloon and dollar-bill-covered walls, sits a bit farther up the trail.
Note that the Apache Trail beyond Tortilla Flat has been affected by storm damage and closures in recent years, so the unpaved stretch deeper into the canyon and on to Roosevelt Lake may be closed — check current road conditions before planning to drive the full route. The paved portion to Goldfield, Lost Dutchman, Canyon Lake, and Tortilla Flat remains a classic, accessible day out.
Common questions
What's the route and what can I see?
Start near Apache Junction at Goldfield Ghost Town and Lost Dutchman State Park beneath the Superstition Mountains, then continue on SR-88 toward Canyon Lake and the little stagecoach village of Tortilla Flat. It's an easy, scenic drive with stops for hiking, boating, and old-West atmosphere.
Is the whole Apache Trail open?
Not always — sections of SR-88 past Tortilla Flat have been closed due to storm and flood damage in recent years, so the rough unpaved stretch deeper into the canyon may not be drivable. Always check current Arizona road conditions before planning the full loop; the paved portion to the main attractions stays open.
What's there to do at the stops?
Goldfield has shops, a mine tour, a narrow-gauge train, and staged gunfights; Lost Dutchman State Park has desert hiking trails into the Superstitions; Canyon Lake offers boat rentals, swimming, and a paddlewheel cruise; Tortilla Flat has a famous saloon and country store.
When should I go?
Fall through spring for comfortable hiking and sightseeing. Summer is very hot and exposed in this country, so go early and carry plenty of water. Bring a full tank of gas — services beyond Apache Junction are limited.
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