20 Good Reasons Why You Should Stop Planning and Just Visit the Theodore Roosevelt Dam in Arizona

Do you know what’s so amazing about this engineering marvel? The Theodore Roosevelt dam contributed more than any other dam in the state, and also helped in the development of large-scale irrigation of central Arizona. Here are reason why you should stop planning and just visit this destination now!

1. The Theodore Roosevelt Dam used a Greco-Roman style of construction.

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Did you know that the Theodore Roosevelt Dam is unique in the way it was originally constructed? It was actually the world’s largest “cyclopean-masonry” dam, a Greco-Roman style of building that uses huge, irregular blocks.

It is now covered by new concrete, but it still looks “dam” fine.

2. The dam is a symbol of stability and hope.

Many will recognize the dam — and later, its hydroelectric powerplant — as a symbol of stability and hope in Arizona. It was part of the Federal Government’s new Salt River Project that reclaimed more land for farmers. In addition to that, it also helped bring electric power to area homes.

Given that Arizona is a desert area, water was key to the habitation of the 12,000-square-mile Salt River basin. Salt River begins in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona and flows southwesterly for more than 200 miles. It converges with Gila River, located west of Phoenix.

3. It is one of the highest masonry dams in the world.

Theodore Roosevelt Dam was one of the original five federal projects under the Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902. Construction of the dam took five years to complete, as it started in 1906 and ended in 1911. The amazing feat about this project is that it is one of the highest masonry dams in the world!

4. Theodore Roosevelt Dam is really big!

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This dam stands 280 feet high and is 723 feet in length. It actually cost over $10 million to build Theodore Roosevelt Dam, which was originally known as the Salt River Dam #1. To this day, many people still recognize the success of this dam because it is a major contributor to the development of central Arizona. That is because it plays a large role today.

5. You can go here for a decent stop along the road.

If you are enjoying a long Arizona road trip in the area, then you should definitely check this out. There is a nice lookout where you can see the dam and its amazing structure. You will even learn some historical facts at the “Inspiration Point.” If you prefer to just chill, you can stay there to enjoy the view, or join the people hanging out on their boats down below. It’s your choice!

6. Theodore Roosevelt Dam is so dam beautiful.

We already told you the facts about this structure. It sits at the northern end of the scenic Apache Trail on Route 88. When it was built in 1911, this became the world’s tallest masonry dam at 280 feet high. 85 years later, the dam was modified and its height was increased to 357 feet and expanded the lake’s water storage capacity by 20%. Despite this, you will still be able to see much of the original dam.

This dam is not only beautiful. It’s also an important project that helped develop central Arizona. You can come here and enjoy a nice day. You can go down the nice walkway and just take lots of pictures. There are photographers who get inspired by the Theodore Roosevelt Dam’s impressive build.

7. It’s also picturesque.

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Can we say that this place is so beautiful? If you are pressed for time, we suggest you to schedule another trip because it will take you about 2 1/2 hours to go from Apache Junction to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Still, the drive is worth it. You should stop at the little viewing place and rest area just before you reach Highway 188.

Don’t forget your phone or camera if you want to capture the picturesque view!

8. The views are great from the high points.

That’s right. You should come to the high points to see the rock walls of the canyon. You’ll also be able to get a glimpse of the one-lane road where you came in. If you prefer to be in a more laidback place, you can come to a bar and just enjoy the peaceful experience.

You will see the equally beautiful Roosevelt Lake Bridge that was built to take traffic off the top of Roosevelt Dam. It is an impressive two-lane, single-span, steel-arch bridge!

9. It’s the perfect family destination.

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This is a great place to see and that’s no exaggeration. You’ll be surprised to find such an area out in the desert. The lake is simply breathtaking and Theodore Roosevelt Dam might also remind you of other equally famous dams such as the Hoover Dam.

You’ll get to spend a whole day of family bonding minus the unbearable big crowd of tourists you usually see in famous destinations. We suggest that you take your time here and don’t rush.

10. You can go fishing.

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Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River formed the large reservoir which came to be known as Theodore Roosevelt Lake. And if you love fishing, you will probably fall in love with this lake. Some say this place is nirvana because you can catch some of the best bass waters in the country. You will also find some record-setting flathead or channel catfish, or killer spring crappie spawns. Come here during summertime when the massive waterway gives you and other anglers a full array of options.

If you don’t catch fish at Roosevelt, you’re probably not trying hard enough. It doesn’t matter what time of the year you come or what the weather is like, the bass in these waters will always be around.

The best thing about this place is that the fishes grow fast because it stays warm all year-round. It is relatively shallow, and has brush-filled bays that provide excellent spawning sites. Not to mention, the water is rich because of all the nutrients brought in from the two river inflows.

Some of the record catches include a 14-pound largemouth, a 36-pound buffalo fish, a 7-pound smallmouth, as well as a 50-pound channel catfish.

11. It is nice to look at!

Just come here on a fine sunny day and your eyes will be refreshed by the beautiful sight. Some visitors come here after getting off the Apache Trail and they all think Theodore Roosevelt Dam is scenic.

This may not be the world’s most impressive dam, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a gem!

12. The drive to Theodore Roosevelt Dam is worth it.

This destination is located about 76 miles northeast of Phoenix and 30 miles northwest of Globe. You will pass by varied beautiful terrains on and off the road to get here, and you will appreciate the spectacular views whether you are from above or below.

13. This is the best dam in Arizona.

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Why? When the Theodore Roosevelt Dam was built, it immediately became a symbol of success and a showpiece for the new agency. This dam actually contributed more than any other dam in the state, and also helped in the development of large-scale irrigation of central Arizona.

One of the purposes of the dam was to generate a moderate amount of hydroelectric power. Additionally, Roosevelt Lake, or the reservoir created by Theodore Roosevelt Dam, could hold more than 1,600,000 acre-feet of water. If that doesn’t amaze you, then we don’t know what will!

14. The outstanding renovation details of Theodore Roosevelt Dam will impress you.

Did you know that renovations at Theodore Roosevelt Dam used 444,000 cubic yards of concrete? If you have this much, you can actually already pave a two-lane road from Phoenix to Tucson. How cool is that?

15. The steel used in this dam is enough to cover Phoenix to Denver.

That’s right. This dam used 6.7 million pounds of reinforcing steel for its renovation. If we convert that to miles, then the total would be 849 miles long if placed end to end. This distance already covers Phoenix to Denver.

16. The spillway is mesmerizing to look at.

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Back in 2019, the crew at Theodore Roosevelt Dam conduct an annual test of two of the four north spillway gates to ensure that these will operate properly in the event of a flood. For this test, the crew opens each of the two gates on Roosevelt’s north side in one- and two-foot increments, until each was opened 3 feet. This spillway test takes less than an hour, and it looks mesmerizing.

The 2019 runoff season helped produce more than 1.1 million acre-feet of water between January and May. That is why the photo shows a “stunning waterfall effect,” when compared to most tests in the previous years that appear dry. During the test’s peak flow, over 20,000 gallons of water per second was released. This water will be stored in Apache Lake. It will eventually be released downstream into the canals that deliver water to the Valley.

17. The dam formed the beautiful Roosevelt Lake.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake was formed by the construction of the masonry dam. It is known as the oldest artificial reservoir in Arizona. Check out some of the cool lake statistics:

Length: 22.4 miles
Shoreline: 128 miles
Capacity: 1,653,043 acre-feet
Surface acreage when full: 21,493 acres
Maximum depth: 188 feet

18. It changed Arizona.

Theodore Roosevelt Dam controlled the erratic flow of the Salt River and harnessed that water for irrigation. Through this project, it turned the dry and plain Arizona desert into a land that could be farmed. It’s really something, huh?

The dam was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service, but it got its “historic” designation withdrawn in 1999. If you are wondering why, the National Historic Landmarks Program found that it ceased to meet the requirements for “historic” status. Still, you can’t take away that it is still a fascinating structure and an engineering marvel! It may not be historic, but it’s pretty dam cool!

19. This is the perfect socially-distanced destination.

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You won’t find that big of a crowd when you come here during normal days. What more during this time? You need to ride along the edge of a cliff with a tight switchback at the bottom to get to the viewing area on the downstream side. Just park your car and you can walk towards the Salt River for a great view of the dam.

If you want to do more fun activities, you can explore the large lake on kayaks or even get on a boat. Roosevelt Lake is right near the major lakes that are also perfect for fun activities such as stand up paddleboarding. You can even try swimming, jet skiing, as well as water skiing!

20. It looks majestic from up above.

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Imagine going on a helicopter that will take you above Theodore Roosevelt Dam. Can you believe that it looks even more amazing that way?

Before you go, check out 15 things you only see in Arizona.