Wikipedia wrote: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 (33.4152°N 111.5807°W) at the edge of the Greater Phoenix area with Theodore Roosevelt Lake (33.6725°N 111.1531°W), through the Superstition Mountains and the Tonto National Forest.
Today, the majority of Apache Trail remains unpaved, turning into a dirt road a few miles up from Tortilla Flat, and continuing as such for nearly the full remainder of its length. The section east of Apache Junction is known officially as State Route 88. It is also the main traffic corridor through Apache Junction, turning into Main Street as the road passes into Mesa, and regains the Apache name by becoming Apache Boulevard in Tempe, ending at Mill Avenue. Prior to the completion of the Superstition Freeway in 1992, the Apache Junction portion of the Apache Trail was part of US Highway 60, which was rerouted to the Superstition Freeway once it was completed.
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. Some large RV rental companies in the US do not allow their vehicles to be taken on this route.
The Apache Trail will be closed for some major road repairs from November 15 - January 21, 2011. major delays will occur prior to and after those stated dates. Plan your outings accordingly.
Interesting they aren't doing anything about the narrow cliff edge down to Fish Creek with nineteenth century railings. Just reinforcing areas. Guess that''d be a huge project to blast out a wider lane. Keeps it authentic old west
I'm guessing to expect more hikers going to Reavis Ranch and falls these next two weekends. Getting in those hikes before having to go the extra long way around through Roosevelt. Maybe I'll see some other HAZer's out there!
Is Hwy 88 closed past Tortilla flats? I've heard there is roadwork being done and am wondering if you can get to this trailhead going north past tortilla flats. Thanks. Jason
GLOBE — A four-mile segment of State Route 88, the historic Apache Trail, is scheduled to open at 6 p.m. today (January 21). The highway has been closed since November between Tortilla Flat and Apache Lake for repairs to storm-damaged retaining walls and roadway sections.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will continue working through the end of February with intermittent weekday closures of up to 20 minutes.
Drivers are reminded to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at http://www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.
As of an hour ago, ADOT is reporting that SR88 is closed between Tortilla Flat and Roosevelt Lake due to a large boulder blocking the road near milepost 226. They implied that they would be blasting the rock out another day, so I'm guessing it will be at least an overnight closure.
SuperstitionGuy wrote:It is reported to be near the beginning of Fish Creek Hill and is five feet in diameter.
I had heard the same size estimate, then I saw a photo of one guy standing atop the boulder with another climbing up... it was at least 12 feet high. Going to need some blasting to get that guy out of the right-of-way.
On every trip into the Superstitions, I find another Gold Mine. Today the mine was filled with Memories. I can not wait for the next trip.
12 foot high same distance across I would use five to seven sticks of dynamite depending upon the rock type. That would reduce the rock to pieces no larger that 3 feet in diameter or less. If the front end loader will not handle that size you would have to use more dynamite or blast them individually after the first attempt. And yes I have blasted granite boulders a number of times and some times to gravel but I would not want to do that on Fish Creek Hill as it may damage the road as well as maybe create more down fall. I miss those days of blasting rocks, trees, stumps and ditches. LOL Oh, also they may drill into the rock, fill the drill hole with less than a quarter stick and split it that way to avoid to much potential for creating additional rock fall above or below the road bed. I wish they would video the effort for all to see.
A man's body may grow old, but inside his spirit can still be as young and restless as ever.
- Garth McCann from the movie Second Hand Lions
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