Apache Trail

Rain was predicted for today and was threatening this morning so we decided to take a drive along Hwy 88, also known as the Apache Trail. This road is close to where we are located in Mesa and is listed as a scenic drive in our book published by Reader’s Digest.

We drove through Apache Junction and past Lost Dutchman State Park then up into the Superstition Mountains. The road reminded us of the Million Dollar Highway in Colorado as it curved through the mountains. By this time it was raining and a low ceiling limited our visibility but we drove on enjoying what we could see. The rain persisted until we were near Tortilla Flat so we drove on until there were some hints of sun then decided to turn around and revisit what we had missed rather than continue on.

 

A one lane bridge near Tortilla Flat.

 

 

 

Returning toward Tortilla Flat.

 

Tortilla Flat (lower left), and Canyon Lake.

When we got back to Tortilla Flat and saw that the restaurant was extremely busy despite the weather so we stopped at a picnic area and ate in the CRV as it was a little brisk (notice I didn’t say cold as our friends in Wisconsin would laugh at what we now consider to be cold). After our lunch we retraced our route back to Apache Junction, this time we had better visibility and were able to take some photos.

Our view while we ate.

 

Canyon Lake.

 

 

 

Return trip from Tortilla Flat to Apache Junction.

 

 

 

 

 

This was a nice drive and we may return for the remainder of the loop that includes the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Lake. If we do not have time during this visit we will try to get back here in the future.