In-depth guide · CampingSpirit
From Phoenix on the historic gravel track through the Superstitions to the reservoirs of the Salt River, cliff dwellings and silver towns: a desert round trip with views.
The spirit of the route
Half an hour beyond Phoenix the wilderness begins: the Superstition Mountains rise steeply from the plain, saguaro cacti stand in rows on the slope, and AZ-88 winds into the mountains as the Apache Trail. The road was built around 1905 for the construction of Roosevelt Dam, and it still feels that way today: narrow, winding, with views of turquoise reservoirs between reddish rocks. At Tortilla Flat, a village of six inhabitants, there is cactus ice cream and old Western boards; after that the road becomes a gravel track, climbs over Fish Creek Hill and drops to Apache Lake. At Roosevelt Lake lie cliff dwellings of the Salado culture, and in winter eagles and waterbirds can be watched there. The return via Globe and Superior leads through mining towns and to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. A route for campers who want adventure over a short distance, but who must be careful in their choice of vehicle and route.
Stage-by-stage plan
1Stage 1: Phoenix to Apache Junction (approx. 60 km)
- The drive
- From Phoenix take US-60 (Superstition Freeway) east to Apache Junction: an interstate-like highway with a lot of traffic, slow at rush hour, speed 65 mph. From Apache Junction the landscape is dominated by the Superstitions. Driving time is about 1 hour; with stops, half a day. Fuel stations and supermarkets in Mesa and Apache Junction, after that only a few.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Superstition Mountains Museum and Goldfield Ghost Town: the history of the Lost Dutchman Mine and a Western backdrop; check opening hours.
- Lost Dutchman State Park: trails at the foot of the Superstitions, such as the Treasure Loop, with a view of Weavers Needle in the background.
- Peralta Trailhead: access to the Superstition Wilderness; the approach via FR 77 is rough and unsuitable for motorhomes.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Lost Dutchman State Park (Arizona State Parks) near Apache Junction: a campground with partly electric hook-ups, water and dump station, showers; reservations via Arizona State Parks, heavily booked in winter and spring. Check length limits and facilities beforehand.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On Tonto National Forest and BLM land around Apache Junction there is dispersed camping, but dense settlement and parkland limit the sites; check maps, usually up to 14 days. Wilderness (Superstitions) on foot only.
- Insider tip for campers
- For popular places in the Tonto NF, such as at lakes, a day pass is needed (Tonto Pass or Tonto Discovery Pass; check the name and amount with the Forest Service); the America the Beautiful Pass is in part accepted; check amounts and conditions with the Forest Service. Fill up with water and ice in Apache Junction.
2Stage 2: Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake (Apache Trail) (approx. 85 km)
- The drive
- On AZ-88 (Apache Trail) north-east: first paved as far as Tortilla Flat with viewpoints over Canyon Lake, after that an unpaved, narrow section over Fish Creek Hill to Apache Lake and on to Roosevelt Dam. The road is narrow, with steep bends and no guardrails; unsuitable for large vehicles and trailers, and the Forest Service recommends, depending on the section, vehicles of about 25 ft in length or less. In July 2026 the road was temporarily closed between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Dam after monsoon storms and, according to ADOT, was reopened on 23 July, with further repairs to follow; check the status with ADOT (AZ511) before driving. Driving time is about 3.5 hours. Fuel stations in Apache Junction and Roosevelt (limited), none in between.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat: a view of the reservoir and of the village with the Superstition Saloon, known for cactus ice cream.
- Fish Creek Hill: a steep, narrow gravel passage with a wide view over the gorge; only for drivers who handle narrow roads confidently.
- Theodore Roosevelt Dam: a dam of 1911 (originally masonry, later encased and raised) and a bridge over the Salt River; a view of the largest lake in the Salt River Project.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Roosevelt Lake (Tonto National Forest): for example Cholla Campground and Windy Hill Campground with water, toilets and lake access, without electricity; vehicles up to about 32 ft (Windy Hill: Coati Loop only 20 ft). Reservations via Recreation.gov from 1 November to 15 March (at Cholla only odd-numbered sites), otherwise in part first-come, first-served; according to the Forest Service the dump station at Cholla is open only on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm. Check the current status with the Forest Service beforehand.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): Tonto National Forest allows dispersed camping along forest roads, usually up to 14 days, but lakeshores and car parks at the lake are in part excluded; check the Tonto Pass rules and fire bans. Access roads often unpaved.
- Insider tip for campers
- Large motorhomes bypass the track: from Apache Junction via US-60 to Globe and then AZ-188 north to Roosevelt (paved, about 2 hours). If you drive the Apache Trail, start early, keep your distance from the drop and give it a miss in rain and thunderstorms. Take water and provisions with you beforehand.
3Stage 3: Roosevelt Lake to Superior (approx. 150 km)
- The drive
- From Roosevelt on AZ-188 south-east to Globe, then on US-60 west through Miami to Superior and on to Apache Junction. The road is paved, with bends through mountain desert; at Superior US-60 runs through the three-lane Queen Creek Tunnel (according to public information about 22 ft high, uncritical for motorhomes; check current roadworks with ADOT). Driving time is about 3 hours; with stops, a whole day. Fuel stations in Roosevelt (limited), Globe, Miami, Superior.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Tonto National Monument: cliff dwellings of the Salado culture from the 13th and 14th centuries; the Lower Cliff Dwelling is reachable by a hiking trail, the Upper Cliff Dwelling only in winter with a guided tour and reservation; check dates with the NPS.
- Besh-Ba-Gowah Archaeological Park (Globe): reconstructed Salado pueblos, museum and circular trail; check opening hours.
- Boyce Thompson Arboretum (Arizona State Parks) near Superior: a desert garden with old trees and cacti; check times and entry fee.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Lost Dutchman State Park near Apache Junction (see stage 1) as the evening destination; in the hinterland of Superior there are only basic campgrounds. Alternatively Oak Flat and other Forest Service campgrounds, which however are regularly affected by land-transfer and closure notices, so check the status beforehand with the Forest Service.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): On Tonto NF and BLM land near Superior and Globe dispersed camping is possible; mining land and private property are excluded. Check maps.
- Insider tip for campers
- The Queen Creek Tunnel has a 6% gradient; watch for traffic and roadworks. If you stay in Globe, you will find shops, propane and water.
4Stage 4: Apache Junction to Phoenix (via Saguaro Lake) (approx. 80 km)
- The drive
- From Apache Junction via Usery Pass Road and Bush Highway to Saguaro Lake and on to Phoenix; roads paved, with bends and cyclist traffic, many viewpoints. Driving time is about 1.5 hours. Fuel stations in Apache Junction, Fountain Hills, Mesa.
- Highlights & must-sees
- Saguaro Lake and Butcher Jones Recreation Site (Tonto National Forest): a lakeshore with cactus growth, Tonto Pass for day visitors.
- Usery Mountain Regional Park (Maricopa County): trails and camping at the foot of the Usery Mountains.
- Fountain Hills: the fountain and a view of the McDowell Mountains.
- CampingSpirit overnight tip
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Official campsite or RV park: Usery Mountain Regional Park (Maricopa County Parks): a campground with partly electric hook-ups, water and dump station; reservations via Maricopa County; check length limits and facilities beforehand. Alternatives: Lost Dutchman State Park.
Free camping or nature tip (where legal): In Maricopa County, staying overnight outside designated campgrounds is mostly prohibited; Tonto National Forest allows dispersed camping outside heavily visited areas.
- Insider tip for campers
- At weekends lakeshores and trailheads are overcrowded; start early. In summer over 40 degrees; take water for people and tank.
Camping practice & local rules
Wild camping & overnight parking
- Dispersed camping is generally allowed on Tonto National Forest and BLM land, usually up to 14 days; heavily visited lakeshores, wilderness and car parks are in part excluded. Arizona State Trust Land requires a Recreation Permit.
- Fire bans (Stage 1 and 2) are common in early summer and autumn; gas stoves in part allowed. Wildfire season May to July, monsoon July to September with flash floods and closed roads.
- Wildlife: rattlesnakes, scorpions, javelinas and coyotes; seal food at night, keep dogs on a lead.
- Apps and maps: iOverlander, Campendium, The Dyrt; Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, Arizona State Parks for state parks, Maricopa County for Usery.
- Tonto Pass: for many lakeside sites in the Tonto NF a pass is required; check the conditions with the Forest Service.
Waste disposal & supplies
- Fresh water: in State Parks and campgrounds; at Roosevelt Lake and along the Apache Trail only limited, bring canisters.
- Dump stations: Lost Dutchman, Usery Mountain, Globe and Apache Junction; sanidumps.com helps.
- Fuel: Phoenix, Mesa, Apache Junction, Roosevelt (limited), Globe, Miami, Superior.
- Propane in Apache Junction, Mesa, Globe; European bottles need an adapter.
- Shopping: supermarkets in Mesa, Apache Junction and Globe; Roosevelt and Tortilla Flat only small shops.
- Electricity: Lost Dutchman and Usery in part offer hook-ups; Roosevelt Lake mostly not.
Vehicle size & traffic rules
- Speed limits in mph: US-60 65, highways 55–65, towns 25–35; Apache Trail much lower. Trailers and lorries sometimes lower.
- Fees: Tonto Pass, state park entry and campground fees; America the Beautiful Pass for the NPS. For visitors without US residence, higher fees have in some cases applied since 2026 at NPS sites; check current amounts at nps.gov.
- Dimensions and lengths: the Apache Trail is not recommended for vehicles over about 25 ft; the legal maximum height in Arizona is about 13 ft 6 in.
- Reservations: Lost Dutchman and Usery well in advance in winter; Roosevelt Lake campgrounds in part via Recreation.gov.
- Season: winter and spring ideal; summer hot, monsoon July to September with flash floods. The Apache Trail is quickly closed after rain.
- Time: Arizona does not switch to daylight saving time.
- Emergency: 911; mobile reception on the Apache Trail and at Roosevelt Lake patchy.
CampingSpirit packing & preparation checklist
- 20 l water canister and water filter: there is hardly any supply along the Apache Trail.
- Level 2–3 levelling ramps and a tyre inflator for gravel stretches and forest roads.
- Offline maps and a paper map: the Apache Trail and Roosevelt Lake have hardly any reception.
- Sun hat, sun cream and headgear: desert sun without shade.
- Binoculars for bald eagles in winter and waterbirds at Roosevelt Lake.
- Tonto Pass and reservation confirmations to hand.
As of 2026-09. Closures, fees and booking rules change: check official sources before you go.
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