The Tortilla Flat/Apache Trail ride is the fourth of the five best motorcycle rides from the Phoenix area.
Tortilla Flat, Apache Trail
This 223-mile adventure ride features spectacular scenery to rival any in the state. The twenty mile graded dirt section of the trail provides magnificent views of twisted igneous mountains with dense forests of saguaro and ferocactus with several deep blue lakes along the way. Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps the most awe-inspiring section. The road hangs on the side of this high-walled canyon and winds its way along tremendous precipices that sink sheer for hundreds of feet below.
The road was originally constructed in the 1930s to support the development of dams along the Salt River. The trail is a day-trip from the Phoenix area and the ride is an experience you will never forget. You can avoid city traffic by approaching the trail via Saguaro Lake and Usery Pass. At the foot of the Superstition Mountain, the one that you are just about to conquer, you can get a glimpse of the old west by stopping at Goldfield Mining Town. This recreated ghost town was a booming gold mine over a hundred years ago. The Mammoth Mine produced about three million dollars in gold between 1892 and 1896.
Tight switchbacks lead your way to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. The name of the lake couldn't describe it any better. Steep canyon walls tower over the clear cool water with twisting ravines. Tortilla Flat is the only authentic stagecoach stop to survive the 1900's along the Apache Trail. A remnant of the old west, and still serving adventurous travelers of the mysterious Superstition Mountain area. The pavement ends eight miles from Tortilla Flat. Occasional sand patches colorize the packed dirt road that winds along the canyon and the Apache Lake, on the way to the Roosevelt Dam.
A few miles south of the dam and along the shore, a short side road leads to the Tonto National Monument. The monument features two fascinating cliff dwellings built in the 14th century. It lies at the head of a lush side canyon with fine views of Roosevelt Lake. Along the way back to Phoenix there are the historic mining towns of Globe, Miami, and Superior. There were originally silver strikes here, but the principal ore has long been copper. The huge mountains of tailings are quite evident along the road.
If you still have time and the desire to take another walk, visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, three miles west of Superior, one of the west's finest desert botanical gardens. You can finish the ride with an absolutely unique dining experience by stopping at the Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa. The restaurant was designed and built around a four manual Wurlitzer organ, which was originally installed in the Denver Theatre in 1927.
Note: Before you plan a ride on unpaved roads, make sure that your bike is equipped for such a ride and the bikers are prepared with the appropriate riding skills.
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #1: Fountain Hills, Bartlett Lake
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #2: Wickenburg, Prescott
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #3: Payson, Mogollon Rim
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #4: Tortilla Flat, Apache Trail
Motorcycle Ride From Phoenix #5: Lake Pleasant, Castle Hot Springs
