seetheworld

My husband wants to see the Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Lake. I won't ride the Apache Trail (tried some last visit and had to turn around -- I'm deathly afraid of heights).

I don't mind making a day trip out of it, but was wondering other than stopping at Tonto National Monument, what else is there along the way to do? Any place to stop for lunch?

We won't have a boat. I haven't found any info on this yet, but are there boat excursions available at the lake?

Also, for those of you who have driven both routes, will the 60 - 88 drive be as hair-raising as the Apache Trail? If it is, please tell me -- I'd rather just know that upfront.

Thank you so much!

Bill_H

for those of you who have driven both routes, will the 60 - 88 drive be as hair-raising as the Apache Trail?

Can't remember a single steep drop-off on 60 to 88 to the dam, but then I'm not afraid of heights and the Apache Trail seems pretty tame except for two spots where you gotta make sure your brakes are good. Anyway, should be OK with the (much) longer route, at least until you get to the dam itself.

but was wondering other than stopping at Tonto National Monument, what else is there along the way to do? Any place to stop for lunch?

Boyce Thompson arboretum is a great place, especially now during a wet spring, with all the flowers. This is off 60 just before you get to Superior (before you turn off to the road to the dam). The desert is beautiful and lush right now. The entire drive around the Superstitions Mountains is prime. http://arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/

Superior is probably the best place for lunch, not many options on that road. Or Gold Canyon (closer to Phoenix), depending on the timing.

seetheworld

Thanks for the response, Bill_H. Yeah, I know that the 60-88 route is much, much longer, but I don't mind since we're on vacation and all. I think a stop at the arboretum is a great idea -- thanks for the link.

seetheworld

Anyone have anything to add regarding the lake itself? Any boating excursions available there?

Thanks.

Snowflake25

We have done the paddlewheel cruises on Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake and enjoyed them both.

ksucat

We've had good meals at Tortilla Flats..lots of fun.
You should consider going tubing up the salt river..its a blast!
Your boys if they are going would really enjoy it too..bring a cooler full of drinks and beer and the water is warm and the scenery is gorgeous and I bet you don't get this kind of stuff in NY!
Have fun!

www.tortillaflataz.com

seetheworld

Thanks, snowflake -- I'll check that out!!

ksucat, no boys with us, but I like the idea of a cooler full of drinks. Thanks for the link.

ksucat

here is the link for the Salt River tubing..its a lot of fun and different..and who doesn't like a cooler full of adult cocktails!
There was another place at the Roosevalt Lake marina that has decent breakfast and lunch and you can sit out on the patio overlooking the water.
Some great hikes too.

www.saltrivertubing.com