Apache Junction To Canyon Lake And Tortilla Flat, Arizona -- A Scenic Drive
A GOLD STAR GOES TO THE FIRST ONE TO SPOT THE BIG HORN SHEEP RUNNING ON THE HILLSIDE
The southwestern leg of Arizona State Route 88, better known as The Apache Trail, starts at Apache Junction, Arizona at the base of the Superstition Mountains and heads into the Tonto National Forest where the road soon turns steep and very curvy on it's way to beautiful Canyon Lake. A nice inviting lake isn't exactly what one would expect to see in this very rugged dry hostile terrain, but Canyon Lake is the 3rd in a string of four, of over 100-year-old man-made lakes on the Salt River that has been supplying the Phoenix area and Central Arizona with it's much needed waters. Just a few miles beyond Canyon Lake and over another pass, is the famous old Apache Trail tourist attraction of Tortilla Flat. On the many very pleasant wintertime days that this area enjoys, this little wide spot in the road with it's bar/grill restaurant and gift shops is jammed wall-to-wall full of snowbirds, tourists, and motorcycle riders out for a nice day trip into the historic Superstition Mountains. However, crank the temperature up to 114°, as it was the day that I shot this, and it's a whole different story!
This video is actually a composite video shot on 2 different days, August 20 & 22, 2019, from 3 different clips, because as it turns out, like snowbirds and tourists, my camera apparently also doesn't enjoy cooking in 114° heat and it shut down a few times. I hope you all enjoy the ride and share and thumbs-up and subscribe.
The song: Light Awash by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: incompetech.com/music/royalty-...
Artist: incompetech.com/
Пікірлер: 22
We love Canyon Lake
@espeescotty
3 жыл бұрын
Yes, it's a nice place.
I sure miss arizona traveled that road many times.
@espeescotty
4 ай бұрын
It really is a cool drive. Someday, when the road reopens, I'd like to get the whole Apache Trail on video. Thanks for watching.
Beautiful video. Such an amazing memory of this drive....wish I were back there. Best wishes from Kent/London, England
@espeescotty
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much! I'm sorry for my LATE response. I sometimes lose track of the ones that I feel need a more personal reply. I'm glad you got to visit our little piece of the world and experience the drive to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. I hope you were able to go beyond T.F. and see more of the Apache Trail. That is an amazing drive too. When the conditions are right, I'd like to do a video of the drive over the whole stretch from Apache Junction to Roosevelt Lake. I hope you are able someday to come back and visit again. Thank you, from Gold Canyon, Arizona.
Every week we go to canyon lake
@espeescotty
3 жыл бұрын
Cool! It's a really nice lake.
Bicycled this route daily when I worked at canyon lake.
@espeescotty
7 ай бұрын
From AJ or Mesa??
I have been exercising my high-performance cars on this road for over 35 years. The ride up to Tortilla Flatt is pretty casual, I like to be at Tortilla flat at around 5.30 in the morning on a weekday in the summer when the sun is first coming up and there is no traffic. The ride back down starting at the iron bridge At Canyon lake with its super-tight corners is brutal. I currently have a 2015 Z06 Corvette with over 600 HP and 600-foot pounds of torque. It will pull over 1 lateral G in the corners. I have had quite a few grownup passengers wanting me to pull over so they can hard puke pieces of candy bars and gum they swallowed when they were children. So most of the time I go alone. I didn't see the sheep because I watch the video at twice the normal speed.
@michaelmichael8582
2 жыл бұрын
Sounds fun, let's meet up there sometime lol, I drive it somewhat hard within my capabilities but have never gone full beans. I'd love to see the vette
Another NICE trip! YOu're a FINE chauffeur, Scotty but as you started to climb that black car wanted their half of the road out of the middle, looked like. You'd do fine here as far as driving. The roads are very similar off the main but the greenery is a lot different. You'd like the parkway and a few roads here and there. But that's sure BEAUTIFUL country! Thanks, BUNCES, Pal! Blessings 2 U!
@espeescotty
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you Lewie, thank you! And a big happy father's day to you too! Yes, that black car's driver definitely thought the safer option was to crowd me vs. crowding the edge and that cliff. As I drive these AZ roads and watch these videos that I shoot, I often do think of you and your NC corner of the world and I wonder if this is like North Carolina minus all the trees and lush greenery, so it was funny how you mentioned that comparison. Anyway, I hope Cheryl your kids and grandies are all making you feel like a proud happy pappy today and we'll chat you up on down the way.
@lewiemcneely9143
4 жыл бұрын
@@espeescotty A LOT of the views and drops and curves remind me of places here. You'd have no problem getting around and you';re right. The main difference is the greenery. These are mountain tropics with an absurd amount of rainfall and it shows it. THANK YOU for me being able to see your part of the world. I'm afraid you'll have to hit the Parkway to see mine but we're not far from it so you could still run by! Anyway, Thanks again! Always a good day when you put one up! A-PLUS!
@espeescotty
4 жыл бұрын
One day I'd sure like to make it out that way. Maybe I'll have a camera to prove it too! Thanks pal!
@lewiemcneely9143
4 жыл бұрын
@@espeescotty The Parkway runs from up North to way down South. Like an airplane ride since you're running ridge and high tops pretty much. And sure, you'll have to bring a camera. You'd be naked without one! ave a happy evening and BLESSINGS 2 U!
Sounds like Steve Miller
Is the road dangerous to drive?
@espeescotty
2 жыл бұрын
It can be. But if you pay attention and stick to the speed limit, it really is fine. There aren't guardrails in many spots and there isn't always much in the way of shoulders, but again, just be smart and pay attention, and you'll be fine.
Congratulations. Great video, beautiful views. Please, when you have time, give us a video of Apache Junction town. Thanks a lot. God bless you
@espeescotty
7 ай бұрын
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. If ever I get a 360° camera, I will do a drive around AJ for you.