RV route guide
Apache Trail — AZ-88 from Apache Junction to Roosevelt
40 miles. Half paved. Half unpaved. The dirt section is closed indefinitely. RV planning needs to address this.
Apache Trail (AZ-88) was Theodore Roosevelt's favorite Sonoran scenic drive — a 40-mile route through the Superstition Mountains east of Phoenix. The paved section from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat is RV-friendly. The unpaved section beyond Tortilla Flat has been closed by ADOT since 2019 due to wildfire-damaged grade and is currently unpassable. RV travelers should plan to drive only to Tortilla Flat and return, or take the alternate paved route via US-60 + AZ-188 to reach Roosevelt Lake.
- Tier
- Scenic byway
- State
- Arizona
- Best season
- October through April. Summer brings extreme heat (110°F+).
- Sources
- Cited official (.gov / .org)
Can I drive Apache Trail in my RV?
Only to Tortilla Flat. AZ-88 from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat is 17 miles of paved, RV-friendly road. The section beyond Tortilla Flat has been closed by ADOT since 2019 due to wildfire damage that destabilized the dirt grade. There is no firm reopening date. To reach Roosevelt Lake from Phoenix, use the paved alternate via US-60 east to Globe, then AZ-188 north to Roosevelt. That route is fully RV-friendly.
- Paved Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat: RV-friendly
- Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt: closed indefinitely
- Alternate paved route: US-60 + AZ-188
- Plan an out-and-back to Tortilla Flat
- ADOT posts status updates
At a glance
Route facts worth checking before you roll out
Conservative, source-minded numbers for planning — always confirm against current conditions and state DOT 511 before you depart.
Distance
17–40 mi
Paved section 17 miles; full route 40 miles when open
Drive time
0.75–1.5 hr
Out-and-back to Tortilla Flat
Elevation
1,700–2,500 ft
RV compatibility
RV-friendly
Best season
October through April. Summer brings extreme heat (110°F+).
Cell coverage. Generally good. AT&T best. Verizon reliable.
Elevation profile
Apache Junction at 1,700 ft. Climbs to about 2,500 ft at Tortilla Flat.
Vehicle restrictions
- Paved section RV-friendly to Tortilla Flat
- Beyond Tortilla Flat: ADOT-closed indefinitely (since 2019 wildfire)
- Tortilla Flat has limited parking; tight turn-around for big rigs
What the closure means for trip planning
The 2019 wildfire damaged the dirt-and-gravel section of AZ-88 between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake. The fire denuded slopes destabilized, and the historic toll-road grade is no longer safe for through-travel. ADOT closed the section and has not posted a reopening date.
For RV travelers, the practical answer is: drive to Tortilla Flat and back. Tortilla Flat is a small commercial settlement with a restaurant and gift shop. Tight parking but doable for rigs under 30 feet. Class A motorhomes face tight turn-around.
To complete the Roosevelt Lake loop, use the alternative paved route: US-60 east from Apache Junction to Globe, then AZ-188 north to Roosevelt Lake. That route is fully RV-friendly with paved surface, gentle grades, and lake access at Roosevelt Lake Marina.
- Arizona ADOT — AZ511state-dot
Real warnings
Don't bypass the ADOT closure
Despite occasional reports of 'still passable' on unofficial forums, the closure is enforced and the road is genuinely unsafe.
dangerTortilla Flat parking is tight
Use the developed parking lot. Don't block the through-lane.
cautionSummer heat is dangerous
October-April only. Summer drives in this desert require water + cooling reliability.
caution
What Arizona tourism + Atlas Obscura doesn't tell you
Many Apache Trail write-ups still describe the full 40-mile loop including the now-closed section. The closure has been in place since 2019 but the obsolete travel coverage persists.
The genuinely good experience now is the paved section out to Tortilla Flat. The drive includes Canyon Lake views, Tortilla Flat itself (kitschy but enjoyable), and Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction. Worth a day-trip.
The Lake Roosevelt area via the alternative paved route deserves its own dedicated trip. Roosevelt Lake Marina, Tonto National Forest dispersed camping, and the Salt River canyon are RV-friendly destinations independent of the Apache Trail nostalgia.
Frequently asked questions
- When will Apache Trail reopen?
- No firm date. ADOT has not committed to a reopening timeline. Check AZ511 for current status.
- Can I get to Roosevelt Lake?
- Yes via US-60 + AZ-188 (paved, RV-friendly). Don't try Apache Trail.
Authoritative sources
Verify current conditions with state DOT 511 systems before departure. RV restrictions may change. Weather may close roads.
Planning an RV trip along Apache Trail?
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