arizona key magazine - statewide issue

The Apache Trail

This year marks the Centennial of the completion of the Apache Trail. Believed to be the most ancient highway in all of North America, the Apache Trail is also Arizona’s only designated Scenic and Historic Highway. And as if to surmount its already spectacular beauty, during its Centennial celebration the Trail is bursting with brilliant color from the abundance of rainfall that has bestowed us this year. Waterfalls are cascading down from the top of Fishcreek hill, drizzling sparkling droplets over cliff sides of mauve, rose, peach and avocado green. Spring should bring a stunning display of wildflowers – lilac lupines, golden poppies and bright red chuparosa.

History tells us that the Apache Trail follows the footpath used by the Anasazi Indians coming from the Tonto Basin area to trade pottery and wares for food with the Hohokams. Other Native Americans used the trail as a migratory route between their winter homes in the desert and summer homes in the mountain regions. Today, some travel the Trail to visit the world famous Tortilla Flat or spend the weekend at Apache Lake, while others come to be immersed in its beauty and to reconnect with nature. No matter the reason, the Apache Trail draws visitors from around the globe.

Construction of the Trail began in 1903 for the purpose of hauling equipment, men and supplies from Mesa to the remote location of the dam site at the juncture of the Salt River and Tonto Creek. The dam would play a significant role in the history and development of Arizona and mold the dry and harsh desert into the lush and prosperous land it is today. Originally built for water storage and control to assist farmers growing crop, the completed dam would create a reservoir able to harness over 500 billion gallons of water and provide enough electricity to support the city of Phoenix and the surrounding communities. On March of 1911, President Theodore Roosevelt and his wife arrived to dedicate the Tonto Dam and at that time, it was renamed in his honor.

Building the Mesa-Roosevelt Road was a staggering task. The 62 miles of roadway would cost approximately $551,000 and would require many laborers. In an odd twist of western events, about 200 Pimas helped in the construction of the roadway on the far western end of the Trail, while their mortal enemies – the Apaches, worked just a few miles away on the eastern end!

The roadway was completed in 1905. More than 1.5 million pounds of freight were hauled over during its first year after completion. The tremendous task of building the dam drew international attention and the tourists began to arrive. At the beginning, most traveled in horse drawn stages, and when they arrived at the top of Fishcreek Hill, they were asked to disembark and walk down the 16% grade from behind the wagons!

The first automobile to travel the newly developed trail was the Knox Automobile in August of 1905. Holding 7 passengers and painted red – this automobile became known as the “Red Terror”. In 1915, the Southern & Pacific Railroad started to promote the Mesa-Roosevelt Road as a side trip on its Sunset Route across the southern portion of the United States. It is believed that during this promotional period, an agent named W.W. Watson may have changed the name to “Apache Trail” to help create excitement and interest in their tours. Their brochures were titled “Apache Trail Tours” and they offered tours from Phoenix to Globe at a cost of $10 per person.

Today, the Apache Trail is a maintained dirt highway that turns into a single lane passage between two wilderness areas. Experience this awesome adventure with the “new” Apache Trail Tours that have been showcasing the Trail for over 10 years now. Their knowledgeable tour guides breathe life into the journey with yarns of history, legend and lore. Enjoy the thrill of Fishcreek Hill in big, red, open-aired Jeeps that can accommodate up to 8 passengers comfortably and resemble the covered wagons of the old west. (Appropriately named “Red Terror 1” and “Red Terror 2”!)

If you decide to forge on your own, be sure to drive carefully and respectfully of others along the way. If you are a slower driver, please pull over onto the side pullouts and let others pass. If you are a fast driver, slow down as to not go over the cliffs as many have done before you! This journey holds a lifetime of memories - do take the time to enjoy it!

Apache Trail Tours - Located at Goldfield Ghost Town - 480-982-7661 - Incredible Jeep and Hiking Tours around the awesome Apache Trail, the legendary Superstition Mountains and Four Peaks Wilderness areas! The most ancient highway in North America, the Apache Trail flaunts irresistible beauty with mighty canyons, jagged mountain peaks, steep summit ridges and sparkling desert lakes while exuding the romance of the old west. Our new Jeeps can comfortably carry up to 9 family members together! Ask about our? Get out of the Park!? special. www.apachetrailtours.com

Mining Camp Restaurant & Trading Post
Hwy. 88 in Apache Junction
480-982-3181
Built of rough sawn Ponderosa Pine, the Mining Camp Restaurant follows the theme of the early mining camp cook shanty. As was the case in the old camps, the restaurant serves heaping platters of golden brown roast chicken, big juicy slices of oven baked ham and world-famous barbeque ribs. Coleslaw, oven-baked beans and home-made bread. Directions -Highway 60 East to exit 196, Idaho, Go North 2.2 miles to Hwy 88, Go right on Hwy 88, 3.7 miles to Mining Camp sign on the right side of the road. Follow the signs to the restaurant & to a great dinner!