Where to park and ride in Apache Trail

[sajor75]

Im pondering doing the Apache trail as my 1st bikepacking adventure, where is a good spot to park my vehicle and ride, i dont want to get back and find my cars been jacked lol but i plan to take extra easy and do some lake swimming, so most likely it will take me at least 2 days to complete.

[nonot]

I believe it is closed due to the fire? Be aware that most is unpaved. I am not sure it is allowed to bike this trail where it is unpaved - fish creek hill is particularly dangerous?

[sajor75]

@nonot
Yes, i was asking for future outings. It is allowed to bikepack the main apache trail that ends at 188az, just see all the youtube videos on it.

[SuperstitionGuy]

If you really like danger go ahead an bike the full length of Apache Trail or Arizona highway 88 as it is know.
But before you go take out a short term life insurance policy and designate the proceeds to go the founder of HAZ Joe Bartels......
Just sayin....

[rcorfman]

Oh come on people, there's no issue with riding a bike along the whole length of the Apache Trail. Fish Creek hill wouldn't be a problem at all; taking a bicycle on it doesn't even compare to pulling a boat along it. What is the purpose of throwing out stupid ignorant comments instead of trying to answer the question?

[nonot]

The guy posted about biking on a dirt/gravel road that is narrow with heavy traffic, that also is the northern edge of a current wildfire. Biking it may not be the brightest idea...

If you have something to contribute, why don't you? If you want to complain about stupid ignorant posts, look no further than your own?

[ALMAL]

@sajor75
[ photo ]

[sajor75]

@ALMAL
Whats your point buddy

[gummo]

@sajor75
Park on Tomahawk Rd, Hackmore Rd, or on or near the road leading to First Water Trail (best option). I think you can park at Goldfield Ghost town. A better road to ride is Bush Hwy (Power Rd north of Thomas Rd).

[ddgrunning]

I've mountain-biked the Apache Trail from Canyon Lake (Tortilla Flat) to Roosevelt Lake. If the road is open generally, I'm not aware of anything that prohibits biking it. It is a tough haul, with a surprising amount of elevation gain. And, of course, this time of year, it will be roasting. I parked near the store/cantina at Tortilla Flat, but mine was just a day trip--not overnight. Also, parking there starts you off with 1100 ft. climb in the first 5.5 miles up to the "end of pavement"--where the road bikers who head out to Canyon Lake generally turn around.

There is a parking area and bathroom just before you descend to Fish Creek Hill. I assume you could park there with a Tonto Pass(?). I'd probably recommend that as a better starting point. I don't know how "safe" it is there in terms of car vandalism, but haven't heard any horror stories.

As for safety of bike riding the route, the road into Canyon Lake itself is much more dangerous, in my opinion. I did that too once on my road bike. It's a cool ride, but there are no shoulders and tons of blind curves.

The dirt road involves much less risk of getting hit by a car, IMO. Just exercise caution and be a defensive bicyclist--and make sure your bike is in good condition (esp. brakes on Fish Creek Hill!). Be prepared for a dusty, wash-boardy conditions, going up and down/in and out of innumerable draws.

[CannondaleKid]

I assume you could park there with a Tonto Pass(?).

No need for a Tonto pass to park there.
I can't remember if there is a sign prohibiting overnight parking but I personally wouldn't leave my vehicle there overnight.

[nonot]

There is a parking area and bathroom just before you descend to Fish Creek Hill. I assume you could park there with a Tonto Pass(?). I'd probably recommend that as a better starting point. I don't know how "safe" it is there in terms of car vandalism, but haven't heard any horror stories.

A more appropriate place to park overnight would probably be the trailhead for JF/Peters trail about a half mile before that, assuming they ever open up Apache Trail the remainder of the year.