20 Attractions to Explore Near Apache lake

Apache Lake is one of four reservoirs built along the Salt River in central Arizona as part of the Salt River Project.Apache Lake is a popular recreation destination within the Tonto National Forest, which is the authority that manages the facilities located at the lake. The lake is located along the Apache Trail and a number of other hiking trails can be found in the area. Situated along Apache Lake is Apache Lake Marina and Resort, which offers visitors various amenities.

Superstition Mountain is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon. It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine centers around the mountain.

Four Peaks is a prominent landmark on the eastern skyline of Phoenix. Part of the Mazatzal Mountains, it is located in the Four Peaks Wilderness in the Tonto National Forest, 40 miles east-northeast of Phoenix. In winter, Four Peaks offers much of the Phoenix metro area a view of snow-covered peaks. Four Peaks is the site of an amethyst mine that produces top-grade amethyst.

The Three Bar Wildlife Enclosure is a fenced wildlife study area operated by Arizona Game and Fish. The proximity of two recreation sites provides ample parking should you want to cool off in Roosevelt Lake after your ride. Scenery includes the riparian habitat associated with Roosevelt Lake and watershed as well as chaparral vegetation.

The Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail is a paved path that leads from the visitor center at Tonto National Monument to the Lower Cliff Dwelling where you can give yourself a self-guided tour of the ruins. The trail leaves from the top level of the visitor center. For those who have trouble with stairs or pets, use the Cactus Patch Trail to access the Lower Cliff Dwelling Trail. As the trail leaves the visitor center, it begins climbing immediately.

Tonto National Monument is a National Monument in the Superstition Mountains, in Gila County of central Arizona. It features two Salado-style cliff dwellings dating back 700 years ago. This site tells the story of the Salado people who resided in this part of Arizona. Visitors can learn about the architecture, agriculture, pottery and other artifacts with beautiful views of Tonto Basin and Roosevelt Lake.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake was formed by the construction of a masonry dam on the Salt River in 1911, making it the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona. The reservoir is a major center for fishing, boating, camping and general vacationing, and despite being quite close to Phoenix, the shortest route is via the partly unpaved Apache Trail.

Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs that were formed by the damming of the Salt River in the U.S. state of Arizona. It was formed by the Mormon Flat Dam, which was completed in 1925 after two years of construction. Canyon Lake, with a surface area of 950 acres, is the third and smallest of four lakes created along the Salt River.

Weavers Needle is an iconic Arizona summit, as the most striking peak among a wonderland of rock pinnacles in the Superstition Wilderness east of Phoenix. The Needle is a classic climb of the region, even though technical climbing is a very small portion of it. It's a worthy summit because of the formation's prestige, the view from the top, and the fun of a day out on desert rock. is set in a desert landscape of cactus and mesquite bush, with large Saguaro cacti particularly prominent.

Fremont Saddle is one of the more popular hiking destinations in the Superstition Mountains. This trail winds through the canyon and then takes you up switch backs until you reach the saddle. The breath-taking view of Weavers Needle may convince you to stop here for the day, but I suggest going a bit farther.

A beautiful mountain Summit in Pinal County Arizona. It is a very easy day trail for new off-roaders. There are just a few narrow shelf sections and occasional washouts but other than that there are not major obstacles.

This trail begins off of the Dutchman basically at the Peralta Trailhead and climbs through some scenic views until it reaches the Dutchman Trail 104 at Crystal Spring on the southeast side of Bluff Springs Mountain. Bluff Springs itself is northwest of Crystal Spring along the Dutchman another quarter mile.

The Peralta Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Superstition Wilderness outside of Phoenix, and for good reason. This hike is one of the gateways into the 160,000-acre wilderness just an hour's drive from Phoenix and offers spectacular scenery and a moderate difficulty for the day hiker.This hike is not to be missed for it's scenic value and the satisfaction of reaching "the saddle" for spectacular views of the Weaver's Needle formation and the Superstition Wilderness beyond.

Lost Goldmine is a mostly blue trail with some difficult ups/downs through arroyos. There are no man-made features, so enjoy the natural ones, including excellent up-close views of the Superstition Mountains. The trail features an abundant collection of cholla, ocotillo, barrel cactus, saguaro, palo verde and mesquite.

Superstition Mountain is a prominent mountain and regional landmark located in the Phoenix metropolitan area of Arizona, immediately east of Apache Junction and north of Gold Canyon. It anchors the west end of the federally designated Superstition Wilderness Area and is a popular outdoor recreation destination, home to numerous trails for hiking and horseback riding. The legend of the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine centers around the mountain.

The Flatiron trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is a rugged, strenuous hiking trail that will take your breath away with views.

The Lost Dutchman State Park covers 320 acres in the middle of Arizona, not far from the Superstition Mountains. The park was created in 1977, and it's named after the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine.The park offers camping facilities, day use parking and acts as a trailhead for the trails leading into the Tonto National Forest in which the Superstition Mountains are located. Many people confuse these National Forest trails with trails that are maintained by Lost Dutchman State Park.

This is such an enjoyably moderate trail that loops in Lost Dutchman State Park. While hiking you will witness some of the most breathtaking geological terrains. After a fire swept through this area some time ago, the land has recovered with low sparse vegetation; taller plants such as Saguaro, Cholla, Barrel Cactus, Palo Verde and Mesquite continue to survive.

The Siphon Draw Trail leads up the bajadas of Lost Dutchman State Park into a rugged canyon within the Superstition Mountain complex.This hike is somewhat unique in that in less than 2 miles. It traverses a State Park (Lost Dutchman), a National Forest, and a Wilderness Area while urban views of the Greater Phoenix Area are always at hand.

Saguaro Lake is the fourth reservoir on the Salt River, formed by the Stewart Mountain Dam in the U.S. state of Arizona. The lake is off State Route 87, about halfway between Phoenix and the ghost town of Sunflower. This lake is within the Tonto National Forest