The Scenic Drive To Roosevelt Dam In Arizona Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself
Katie Lawrence
Author
Roosevelt Lake is among the most spectacular natural wonders in the Grand Canyon State – but the Apache Trail scenic drive to get there is almost, if not equally, as beautiful. One of the best scenic drives near me in Arizona, the roughly 40-mile Apache Trail Scenic Byway gains nearly 6,000 feet of elevation and features jaw-dropping mountain passes, vibrant wildflowers, and pristine bodies of water. If you’re not the one driving, rest assured your nose will be pressed to the window the entire time as you admire the views on the Apache Trail scenic drive!
Editor’s note: A portion of the Apache Trail, between mile markers 220 and 229 is closed indefinitely as of March 2024. ADOT and the U.S. Forest Service continue to monitor roadway conditions and will inform the public of any changes. Visit the website for ADOT for the latest information.
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See what it’s like to drive along the Apache Trail scenic drive:
On my trip here, we didn’t have the time to traverse the whole thing, but it’s on my bucket list to go back and complete it! Have you ever taken this awe-inspiring drive? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
Download an Apache Trail drive map from Google before you go, since cell service is not always reliable in this wilderness area.
If you plan to go hiking around here, be sure to use AllTrails+, as you can download its trail maps for offline use as well.
Looking to hit the road some more? Check out these other scenic drives in Arizona.
These 9 Beautiful Byways In Arizona Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive
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More to Explore
Things To Do In Arizona
What are some hidden gem attractions in Arizona?
Some hidden gem attractions in Arizona include:
- Coronado Trail Scenic Byway: My absolute favorite! This is a lovely drive in a part of Arizona most people don’t see. The forests here are gorgeous.
- Tonto National Monument: This area has a ton of wildlife and is strewn with ancient cliff dwellings.
- Walnut Canyon National Monument: While there are many areas with cliff dwellings, this one lets you get up close.
- Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness: This is a stunning canyon that only lets 50 people at a time in to preserve its beauty.
What are the most charming general stores in Arizona?
The most charming general stores in Arizona include:
- The Gap Trading Post: This isn’t the popular clothing store, but an old stone store on the Navajo Reservation that has been serving its people and visitors for decades.
- Hackberry General Store: This is the exact kind of place you’d expect to find on Route 66 with all kinds of antique decorations and old-style charm.
- Hubbell Trading Post: Located in Ganado, this historic store has been open since 1876 and is full of Navajo crafts.
- Mt. Lemmon General Store: Tucson locals often make the drive up Mt. Lemmon just to come here for the fresh fudge. When I was visiting Tucson, this drive-up was one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
What are the most unique hotels in Arizona?
The most unique hotels in Arizona include:
- El Tovar at the Grand Canyon: This historic lodge is the perfect place to stay when taking a trip to the gorgeous Grand Canyon.
- Page Boy Motel in Page: This quaint 1960s hotel is the best place from which to explore the tiny, charming town of Page.
- Jerome Grand Hotel in Jerome: This was once a hospital and is now a hotel that is said to be haunted, yet guests still love it here.