A drive on the Apache Trail ( or AZ 88 as it is officially known) is one of the most scenic drives near the Phoenix area. It affords visitors an incredible view of canyons, geologic formations, desert plants and trees, mountains, desert and lake views, and wildflowers in season.

The Apache Trail in Arizona was a stagecoach trail that ran through the Superstition Mountains. It was named the Apache Trail after the Apache Indians who originally used this trail to move through the Superstition Mountains.
The current Apache Trail links Apache Junction at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake, through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.
American Indians, primarily Apaches, constructed over 100 miles of roads to provide access for men, equipment, and supplies to the dam site.

http://www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/AZ100/1900/apache_workers.html

The Trail winds steeply through 40 miles (64 km) of rugged desert mountains, past deep reservoir lakes like Canyon Lake and Apache Lake. The narrow, winding road is unpaved from just east of the town of Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Dam; there are steep cliff drops and little in the way of safety barriers. The trail requires caution when driving and it is not recommended for large RVs, SUVs, or caravans