State Route 88

Arizona State Route 88Arizona Scenic Road

Known as Apache Trail, Arizona State Route 88 is one of the oldest routes in the state highway system. The route was also part of the original Ocean to Ocean Highway until 1922.

The original route was constructed in 1904 as a wagon road to provide access to Roosevelt Dam during construction of the dam. Expansion work in the 1920s widened the road to accomodate automobiles. A final reroute taking the road around Canyon Lake and Apache Lake was completed by 1936.

The road remains in the same condition as it was in 1936. Due to the steep grades, the road was never eligible for the federal aid system, so it has always remained a state highway. While portions of the road are paved, the majority is covered either by decaying asphalt or is a dirt road.

SR 88 is designated as the Apache Trail Historic Road. The highway is a favorite weekend getaway of Phoenix residents. The route however navigates along a narrow and winding course with steep grades and sheer dropoffs. While it is a safe road, it is very challenging to drivers. Several sections of Fish Creek Hill have barely enough room for two cars to pass. The section from the Fish Creek overlook to Apache Dam is restricted to trailers of less than 40 feet, and RVs are not recommended on the route.

Special thanks to Thomas Gunther for his assistance with the photography of Apache Trail.

References:

  1. Goldfield Ghost Town. http://goldfieldghosttown.com/
  2. Lost Dutchman State Park - Park History. https://azstateparks.com/lost- dutchman/explore/park-history.
  3. Driving the Apache Trail. http://www.azcentral.com/travel/ drives/articles/fav-apachetrail-CR.html Azcentral.com.

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Page Updated Wednesday May 30, 2007.