Apache Trail, Arizona

[Warrior]

Took a week off of work to get some things done around the house with a little bit of riding thrown in there. Today was supposed to be an early morning run to Tortilla Flat and be back by 10:00am to do some more work around the house. Oh how things change.

Got to Canyon Lake around 7:30am and was the only person on the road, and there was absolutely no one on the lake. Just one big mirror to reflect those canyon walls.

[Warrior]

The Apache Trail twists through Canyon Lake and past Tortilla Flats to run out of pavement in about 16 miles. I usually turn around and run the road again.... and again... and again until traffic gets too heavy.

Today I was feeling a little spunky and decided to keep going beyond where the pavement ends. Well I should say kindof ends, there's still pavement there but it's detoriated and covered in dirt. So no more lean angles here. The point of riding this road is to bathe in the splendor of nature and determination and ingenuity of man.

Fish Creek Hill creeps along the side of cliff at a 10% grade, and seems to drop a couple thousand feet in 7-8 miles. The scenery is made up of towering cliffs above you and the rest of the road below you. It's really amazing to experience this section of road.

Once you get to the bottom and look up you realize you dropped altitude in a hurry. Whoever thought of building a road here, thank you very much. To those who decided it to let it go and not keep up on repairs, sleep with one eye open.

[Warrior]

Once to the bottom the pavement actually improves and there is little dirt present, was able to kick it up to 40 mph for a little bit, but after encountering these vultures having breakfast, I decided discretion is the better part of valor.

After the reminder to slow down, you round a turn and are surprised at whats before you. Trees!!! Big, green, beautiful trees! Mind you we are in the middle of the desert, so this was a nice little treat.

[z_bassman]

Is that the road that ultimately ends at Theodore Roosevelt Lake?

[Warrior]

After cruising for a couple more miles, and wondering why this road isn't paved I cross a ADOT yard. Wow maybe they are actually thinking of repaving this section. I round the next bend and the pavement is completely gone, now all that's left is washboard dirt road. It's a well maintained dirt road so I'm not complaining too much, but pavement would be so much better.

As I get reaquainted with my dirtbiking skills, I catch my first glimpse of Apache Lake. What a beautiful lake, it stretches some 15 miles from the Apache Dam to the Roosevelt Dam. It stays with as you wind up and around hills surrounding the Lake/River until you reach Roosevelt Dam.

I couldn't understand why people would make the trek trailering their boats out to Apache when there are 4 lakes that are closer and easier to get to. But now I understand why, the beauty is amazing and the seclusion is something to be desired by all other lakes. Nothing like being in the middle of the desert, in the middle of nowhere, with a lake like this to play on.

After cruising along the lake/river for about 8 miles, you finally reach Roosevelt Dam. Once to the top of the dam the Roosevelt Bridge welcomes you back to pavement.

The Apache Trail was an experience, with the terrain changes and surprises that it gives you. Would I recommend it, most definitely, the dirt sections aren't too challenging, just keep your momentum down and any street bike will be ok, I'm pretty sure the Warrior could make it, but it wouldn't be my first choice. But the duel sporters and V-Stromers out there should love this road.

[G8ESCAP]

Arizona might be hot, but it sure is beautiful. Great photos. I din't know Malina's bike was a dual sport!

[Backmarker]

Nice Jason. I haven't been down there in forever it seems. Apache is the nicest of the lakes in the chain but you can't fully appreciate it until you're out on it. We took the watercraft out there and I just shut the boats off and drifted. Listened to the quiet and looked at the surrounding wonder. It didn't feel at all like typical AZ lakes. It's worth it to make the trek.

I'm gonna have to make it down that road again soon. Just for fun. I don't think I'll be taking the Mille though... Thanks for reminding me about how great that area is.

[redzdvl]

man , this just reminds me that I am gettin tired of the snow we get here in VA ... want to move where there is more year round riding opportunities... AZ is right up there on the top of the list... (helps that wife can transfer to the AZ office with her current work) my job is disposabe & i could find another one...

[wa.tarider]

Very nice pictures. We were there last year in a rental car and that was the best part of Az. I saw. We got stoped by some jerk in a big truck pulling a large R/V trailer stuck at the corner by the dam in your shot of the end (or in this case the beginning) of the pavement, right after he passed the sigh that says No Trailers Over xx feet. He had to back the rig a long ways.
Beautiful place. You did well on those tires.

[Steve1962]

Jason ,
Nice report and great photos ............. all that space and no - one else around , the best reason for getting up early .
I was imagining that the next photo would have a large bird of prey in it !!

Steve

[Still pouring with rain in Oxford ]