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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesWest USAArizonaApache Trail Panoramic Road
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Apache Trail Panoramic Road

Phoenix - Apache Junction - Tonto N.M. - Claypool

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Road conditions Road conditions
Wildlife Wildlife
Apache Trail Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km165 h/stage0.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Apache Trail Panoramic Road in Arizona?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 174EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 219EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 380EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 470EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 177EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 402EUR
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Apache Trail Panoramic Road Itinerary

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Apache Trail Panoramic Road! This scenic road trip starts in Phoenix and ends in Claypool, Arizona, running for approximately 165km. The route passes through the towns of Apache Junction and Tonto National Monument, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It is best to take this road trip during the spring or fall, as the weather is mild and the colors of the landscape are especially vibrant. Be aware that the roads along the route are partially windy and the overall road conditions are poor. However, the Apache Trail Panoramic Road is suitable for all drivers and can be done on a moderate budget. With a recommended time of one day, this is an amazing road trip that you won't want to miss!
number of days 1 number of days
route length 165 km route length
budget fair budget
good for tourist good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Phoenix

Distance 165 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: modest 42.9 kWh Airports PHX
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Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is a great starting point for the Apache Trail Panoramic Road. Visiting the city is an opportunity to experience the desert, culture, and history of the American Southwest. Start your exploration of Phoenix at the Heard Museum, which showcases Native American art and artifacts. Then, take a walk in the desert at the nearby Phoenix Sonoran Desert Preserve. The museum district also features the Phoenix Art Museum, which is home to the largest collection of contemporary Latin American art in the United States. For a taste of the city’s history, visit the Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park, which is located on the site of an ancient Hohokam village. You can also explore the nearby Arizona Science Center and the Phoenix Zoo. If you’re traveling by air, the closest international airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (IATA: PHX). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to begin your Apache Trail Panoramic Road trip.

1 Phoenix - Apache Junction

Distance 53 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 15.9 kWh View map Itinerary
EV charging station dining venues scenic road junction of road trips interesting cultural site accommodation options
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Embark on a road trip from Phoenix to Apache Junction, a journey of only 33 miles that will take you fewer than 1 hour. The scenic road will take you through the beautiful Sonoran Desert, with its cacti, wildflowers, and wildlife. Along the way, you will pass by the Superstition Mountains, a range of rugged peaks and canyons that are home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered California Condor. Once you arrive in Apache Junction, you will be able to explore the Lost Dutchman State Park, which offers breathtaking views of the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding desert. You can also visit the Goldfield Ghost Town, a former mining town that has been preserved and is now a popular tourist destination. No matter which attractions you choose to visit, you can be sure that this road trip will be an unforgettable experience. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the stunning desert views, and don't forget to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

2 Apache Junction - Tonto N.M.

Distance 68 km Driving time 1.7 h Pace: modest 17.6 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road stretches of winding road accommodation options
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Starting in Apache Junction, United States, and ending in Tonto N.M., this 42 mile, two-hour journey will be full of surprises. As you drive, you'll be enchanted by the winding roads and the stunning views of the desert. Along the way, there are plenty of interesting places to explore. In Apache Junction, be sure to visit the Superstition Mountains and the Lost Dutchman State Park. Then, as you travel through Tonto National Forest, take a break to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and the diverse wildlife. Finally, in Tonto N.M., you can explore the Tonto National Monument, which is home to ancient cliff dwellings. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

3 Tonto N.M. - Claypool

Distance 44 km Driving time 0.5 h Pace: fast 13.3 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road junction of road trips
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Welcome to the Tonto N.M. - Claypool road trip! This 28 mile journey will take you less than an hour of driving, and you'll be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Make sure to pay attention to the scenic road as you drive! Your first stop should be the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park, located just a few miles away from Tonto N.M. Here you'll find a stunning natural bridge that was formed by the erosion of the creek. You can also explore the nearby trails and take a dip in the swimming hole. Next, you should head to the Claypool Reservoir. This reservoir is a great spot for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also plenty of picnic areas, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while you take in the stunning views of the lake. Finally, make sure to check out the Apache Trail Historical Park. This park is filled with historical artifacts, as well as a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You'll also find a variety of wildlife here, including birds, deer, and coyotes. For more information about attractions, accommodations, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary for this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Claypool

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Claypool, located in Gila County of Arizona in the United States, is the final destination of the "Apache Trail Panoramic Road", a breathtaking road trip that passes through rugged mountains and canyons, offering spectacular views and an opportunity to explore the beautiful Sonoran Desert. When you arrive in Claypool, be sure to visit the Apache Trail Historical Society Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. If you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten path, take a guided tour of the Lost Dutchman Mine, where you can explore the old mining tunnels and search for hidden treasures. For outdoor enthusiasts, Claypool offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping in the surrounding desert and mountains. You can also take a dip in the Tonto Creek, a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. If you’re flying into the area, the closest international airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). From there, it’s just a two-hour drive to Claypool and the start of the Apache Trail Panoramic Road. So why not plan your next road trip to the beautiful and historic Claypool, the final destination of the Apache Trail Panoramic Road? With its rugged mountains, canyons, and desert landscapes, Claypool is an ideal spot to explore Arizona’s wild beauty.

Apache Trail Panoramic Road at a glance

We hope that our itinerary idea has become a great inspiration for your future holidays.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be easily expanded into a complete journey – you’re limited only by your creativity.
If car travel is the preferred travel mode for you, there are a number of vital traffic regulations to follow and a list of elements to remember to turn your adventure into pure pleasure. These tips will surely become useful for holidayers who are considering renting a vehicle or renting a camper.
When driving around Arizona, there are a number of traffic regulations to be kept in mind. When moving around Arizona in a car, try avoiding alcoholic drinks at any cost. Drivers ought to remember that the amount of alcohol that can be consumed is very low and is only 0.5‰. Never exceed the speed limit when driving around the build-up areas, which is 40km/h. On the other hand, the maximum speed around rural areas is 72km/h. On highways, avoid driving faster than the permissible speed of 129km/h. In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on at daytime.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. The budget option that you select determines the total expenses during the whole adventure. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
The cost of gasoline for the budget option to cover the planned 4 stages across Arizona can cost approximately 25 EUR. Economy accommodation options can cost you more or less 77 EUR. The travel expenses connected with food and restaurants within this option can cost up to roughly 72 EUR. If you also aim for the budget rental car offer, you will pay approximately 45 EUR. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 174 EUR to about 219 EUR.
Travellers who are looking for greater comfort and the standard option will pay around 25 EUR for the fuel needed to cover the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses may amount up to more or less 121 EUR. When choosing this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost approximately 108 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire vehicle should expect a cost of roughly 54 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 308 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car hire and 254 EUR for those who are not interested in renting.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will live up to the expectations of the most demanding holidayers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 470 EUR for drivers who are considering car rental and 254 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium hire car should expect a cost of around 90 EUR. In the premium version of the road trip, the approximate cost of gasoline for 4 stages around Arizona will be 38 EUR. Holidaymakers who opt for top services in all aspects of their tour should expect to pay roughly 144 EUR for restaurants and food and about 198 EUR for overnight stays.
Our trip will also become interesting for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this mode of transport, you will pay up to approximately 225 EUR. Travellers will spend more or less 50 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the road trip. Holidaymakers who are considering camper rental should expect to pay roughly 55 EUR for accommodation and approximately 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the mentioned details in an easy to follow manner.
There are countless exciting adventures that we offer on our website if Apache Trail Panoramic Road has inspired you. The great versatility of trips will surely cater to the needs of the most demanding drivers.

Facts for safer driving in Arizona

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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