Here’s an exciting update from the Arizona DOT! azdot.gov/good-news-those-drawn-apache-trail?fbclid=IwAR32z2_539khRugleywpE1Tan7RZBQLRd2xQqoVt20rDPGAbRl8_73nE40E_aem_AfH4-Oykpt0IJYv87sYbbm2L3oqhT2SaC_x6sIID7eO89xEuRb6d8kxgI-SE156r1vs

I spent 4yrs in Arizona when in the USAF. Lived at the base of the Superstitions Mountains. I'll always love that Mountains.

I spent several years in Tempe as a ASU ALCP student and then I got my masters degree at the Western International University and then I worked at SPRINT ROC for two years and I cycled many times from 13th street and Normal (Tempe) to Lake Canyon......I loved Superstition Mountain.....and Tortilla Flat... those were best years of my life.....(Fei Wen, if you read this.....big hug)

Nice vid. I live in Alaska, but spent a rare winter down outside of Payson and discovered the Apache Trail. Camped out a few times along the Trail and really fell in love with that old country. Good Karma, and kindred spirits inhabit that place. It is very special.

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

We certainly feel the same way. Very special place indeed. Thanks for watching and for sharing your memories. ❤️

I've driven on the trail over a hundred times day and night since 1971. I used to camp out at apache lake and Roosevelt lake for many years, been through snow storms, seen many flash floods but it's ever lasting beauty never changes.

Couple weeks ago I was at the closure .. got there in the afternoon and as night came on everybody left .. but me! There were no signs saying no camping so I camped there for the night .. nice having a pit toilet close. 🤠

My Dad, the insistent explorer, drove my mom & I to Apache Trail in 1960 or 1961, when I was 10 years old, along the dusty dirt road in our 1956 Pontiac! The main purpose was to visit the site of the James Stewart movie “The Mountain Road” filmed along the Apache Trail. Fond memories!

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

Wow! It must have been quite an adventure for a 10 year old! Thanks for watching!

My husband and I drove this trail in our pickup truck on a three month stay in Arizona in July-October of 1984. It left memories etched in my mind of how stressed I was as a passenger on this drive! I am originally a city girl and I was so out of my element! The beauty was amazing! We drove the trail from Phoenix to the damn. I told my husband there was NO way I was driving back the way we came placing ME (the passenger) on the edge of the road! LOL! So we took the long way back around the mountains through Globe. I have amazing photos and will never forget this amazing day trip! It makes me sad to see what mother nature's wrath did to this beautiful road. I hope they have amazing engineers who can figure out how to restore her to here original glory so that future generations can hopefully benefit from the beauty that lies along the trail. Sadly, there is no guarantee that there won't be another heavy rainfall to cause even further damage. I am sure repairs will be very costly and no small feat. Thanks for sharing!

Lucky enough to have driven the trail in 2009

Goodness this brings back memories ! We have been RVing in America for quite a few years (we are a couple of Brits) rather foolishly we were told this was passable with an RV and we did drive from Tortillas Flats to the Dam - wouldn’t recommend it in a 27 foot rental RV but it truly is amazing and slightly terrifying in equal measures ! We also now know what a grey road is on Rand McNally and sidewalk means pavement in England - hence pavement runs out didn’t bother us to start with ! One of our favourite memories from our RV travels - and we’ve done the whole of the Rockies too !!

@ForTravelsSake

7 ай бұрын

Great memories! We saw some RVs on the Apache Trail back when it was open. It could be a harrowing drive in our truck or even our Jeep, but you’re very brave (and foolish! 😱) to have done as you did! Thanks for sharing and happy new year! Safe travels wherever you roam! ❤️

My wife and I drove it in February 2018 and it was the most epic drive I have ever been on. Hopefully, the roads will be repaired and made safe again (but not too safe!!).

@ForTravelsSake

2 жыл бұрын

We drove it January 5, 2018. One of many times. We hope we all get to make the drive again someday! And we agree it was epic because it was not too safe! Thanks for watching! 💚

Miss going that way to the lake. Have to go the other way now!!!!

I drove that trail 3 dozen times or more in the late 80's.

Fabulous video !! My parents and I travelled the “Fish Creek Road” to the Rosevelt Dam. I couldn’t believe the road we were driving on. I was scared shitless as I don’t like heights. My Dad was very proud showing his snowbird visitors this road through the area. I visited the area in February of the year 1990. Any later it would be getting too hot to see it. It is too bad it has gotten ruined. I hope they are able to fix it. I can tell it will be a gruelling task, but it is well worth it for the many tourists that come. IMO Arizona has some of the most interesting areas to see. You will never ever get bored of it.

@ForTravelsSake

2 жыл бұрын

We hope they fix it, too! Thanks for the kind words and sharing your memories of the Trail. ❤️

i used to camp just a couple miles from apache junction , but THAT was closed down maybe 20 yrs. ago.......since then , i 've crawled over the hills to camp just above tortilla flat , one of my usual go to places.not too many people , and spectacularly beautiful......i've done many paintings up there............only issue is the target practice guys can be a bit loose

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

It’s definitely spectacular! And we agree with you on the target practice! Thanks for watching! 🙏🏼

Visited this back in the mid 1970’s. It was our first trip to AZ. An amazing journey. After family moved here in 86 se did several runs. Always an amazing day trip to Roosevelt Lake. Since the closure been on the western portion to the closure. So sad. What a wonderful 4x4 road this was. A piece of AZ history.

@ForTravelsSake

2 жыл бұрын

We agree! We miss driving that wonderful historic old trail. Thanks for watching! Safe travels!

Thank you so much

Drove this route more than once circa 2015 in my 2008 smart car..love this road and its really sad to see this...I see also they are paving the lower portion

@ForTravelsSake

6 ай бұрын

azdot.gov/good-news-those-drawn-apache-trail

Camping in Fish creek canyon in the rain. Most beautiful site ever. Waterfalls everywhere .!!!! A little risky but calculated

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

Sounds amazing!

You have some beautiful shots of the scenery along Apache Trail. I have driven the Trail many times over the years, even when the road went right on top of the Roosevelt Dam. Three things have changed over the years, 1. The dam was increased in height. 2. The big suspension bridge carries traffic now instead of the dam. And 3. The highway out to Jakes Corner is now paved. I have driven it when it was all dirt.

I have a new found love and appreciation for the desert....Really enjoyed the video, informative narration and historical photos. I appreciate the time and effort you put into each and every video. Not only are the videos entertaining, but I know each time I watch I will learn something new. One should never stop learning....

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the kind words! We never know who is going to connect with our videos. We’re so glad our videos have helped you to see the desert in a new way, and maybe taught you one or two new things. 🌵 Thanks for watching!

Spent alot of years deer hunting around Apache lake and camping at Burnt corrals miss going there via fish Creek hill

When I was 16 and a new driver my father and I were fishing at Roosevelt lake. He asked me if I wanted to drive the truck back home with the boat. Mind you this was a 16.5 foot bass boat. I said sure we headed out and I followed his directions and he took us back home down Apache Trail. Boy did that scare the blankety blank out of me going down fish creek hill! But it sure gave me the confidence to haul a trailer. I hope they do something with it. Such a beautiful drive!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like quite an adventure! Thanks for sharing. I hope you get to drive it again someday - but maybe without the boat! 😎

Without a doubt my favorite road in America. I have been lucky enough to have travelled throughout the United States and hope to again be lucky enough to drive The Trail in the future. I always stop at Fish Creek, walk in the stony creek bed and enjoy the beauty of the mountains. Thank you for the video

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

We agree! And we’ve picnicked with friends in the cottonwoods along the creek in the past. It’s a very special place. So glad you’ve had the chance to drive it. And thanks for watching. Maybe we’ll see you along the Trail someday.

One of the best ever trail we have done, half of it during night so we had sunset at the lake coming from NE. We went back during daytime a few days later its amazing, hope they opening it soon for all of you who wants go there.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching. It’s such a great trail. Glad you had the chance to experience it. As of today, there’s no sign of any work being done to reopen it, but we remain hopeful. 🙏🏼

thank you for the update, The Apache Trail has been on my bucket list ever since I watched your 2018 video. I pray it is repaired soon.

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Helene! We’re always happy to have you along for the ride. We’ll keep you posted on the status of the Trail - and all of our travels. ❤️

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Helene! We hope you’re doing well. Stay healthy! We’re thinking of you! John & Cat ❤️

Great video. Interesting history. Will be waiting ti hear about updates to the trail.

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Lavonne Aman Thanks! So glad you liked it! ❤️

A ton of editing to find clips of before and after. Well done you deserve more views. I’ll miss the Apache trail I just want to hang out at fish creek bridge again and go in the cave!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Zachary Skogen Thanks for the kind words. We enjoyed putting this video together, but it was bittersweet knowing it could be years before we travel the Trail again. Not sure why we’re not getting more views on this video, either. The mysteries of KZread, I guess. But we’re really glad you discovered it, and we’re grateful for your taking the time to comment. Feel free to share the video. I hope we see you on the Fish Creek Bridge someday. We’ll be driving our old Cheap Jeep! 😎

A beautiful but scary drive. We visited once with 7 of us in my Suburban. Didn't know what we were getting into. Most exciting, beautiful and scary drive EVER!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Dsailor - A perfect description of the Trail! Thanks for watching, my friend. Hope to see you guys soon!

Everything really does look small when seen from those heights. Nature always prevails! Thanks for this update, I'm curious to see what the future holds for this historic road!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

We are so happy to have you along for the ride! ❤️

Wow! I’m glad you took me jeeping there last spring! It will be a lot of work to get it re-opened. Great video!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Laurie Marienau Thanks!! We did have a blast driving that road in the old Jeep! Fingers crossed they get it repaired by next season. ❤️

They got the whole trail but let drive right on the edge!

Luckily i have driven it twice beeing on vacation to Arizona from Sweden. So fantastic scenery. Hope it will reopen.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Tack Hans! Du har verkligen tur! Vi hoppas att vägen öppnas igen snart! ❤️

I used to go back in the now closed area in the 90’s with my family, there was a long pit mine there south of horse mesa dam that my grandpa and his friends used to search in, I would love to get back there with my kids now, but seems like they don’t want to open it back up…kind of fishy to me

Miss you guys! Had such a blast traveling together.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Don! Great to hear from you! I hope you’re doing as well as possible these days. I hope we can make some trips together in the future. Safe travels and be well. Thanks for watching and saying hello!

@driegler01

3 жыл бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake Sound great, keep those videos coming, such awesome work you guys do! Looking forward to all the world has to offer.

There is a lot of conversation about this now and we are working on expanding awareness. Your video is quite incredible! Would you mind if we share in our socials to save the trail?

@ForTravelsSake

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind words. 🙏🏼 Definitely feel free to share. We would love to help save this amazing and historic old trail any way we can. ❤️

I just saw an article online about this closure. Though sad that it had been closed, there are still open sections to enjoy the road though not a drive through from one end to the other. This is the current status: Apache Junction (milepost 194) to Fish Creek Hill Overlook (milepost 222) is OPEN TO TRAFFIC. Fish Creek Hill Overlook (milepost 222) to MP 229 (Apache Lake Marina) is CLOSED INDEFINITELY. MP 229 (Apache Lake Marina) to MP 242 (Roosevelt) is OPEN TO TRAFFIC.

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

The Trail is definitely worth driving as far as you can access! There are fires burning in the Tonto National Forest right now that may impact your access, but you should be able to get to the Fish Creek Overlook. And if you can get to the Roosevelt Dam via 60 and 188 out of Superior and Miami, then go for it. But the Trail is unfortunately closed between the mile markers you mentioned. You should be able to get as far as the Burnt Corral from 188, but double check with the AZDOT website before you go. Thanks for watching and have a great trip!

I love the Apache Trail... it's a beautiful ride, but you must take your time. Time to enjoy the scenery, and time enough so that you don't destroy your auto... My story is that a few years ago, my sister and brother-in-law were headed to Phoenix, and I told them about the Trail. They left Michigan and I didn't hear anything from them until they got back home. I was asked over to their place, so they could tell me about their adventures. My sister was waiting at her front door for me... When I saw her through the screen door, she pointed at me and said in a loud voice... "I should shoot you right through the heart!"... I then knew that they had driven the Trail...

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Great story and good advice! The trail looks so deceptively tame on the map. It makes you wonder how many people over the years have started down the Apache Trail thinking it was a shortcut toward home. Thanks for watching!

@bfryb

4 жыл бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake Thank YOU for the video and commentary on why it is closed. We now live in Green Valley and have the time to drive it again, and found that we cannot... Alas... Now we know why...

This is a delicate situation. Too much public interest and the road will end up paved. Too little and it will be abandoned entirely. I'd hate for the trail to be paved. But as a "State Route" it is technically a highway. And it is far far below road quality and maintenance requirements to be listed as a highway. It really needs to be recategorized as a national forest road. But that changes funding sources for continued maintenance, from Arizona DOT to the National Forest Service.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

You make some very interesting points! Paving the road would dramatically change its character and its appeal. And closing it permanently would be a tragic loss of a historic road. It needs our advocacy and a balanced solution to keep it as it has been for more than a century. Thanks for your thoughtful comments, and thanks for watching! ❤️

Thanks for the recap, bummed I didn't know about it. Did you launch your drone from the overlook?

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

Hi Wendy, yes we launched from the road by the overlook. It’s beautiful country. We lost contact with the drone briefly because of the distance.

Believe it or not: That´s the end of the road!

Watched this video several times.. you did a beautiful job on it, my question is after all this time, do you know if the Apache trail is open again?

@ForTravelsSake

8 ай бұрын

Unfortunately, it’s still closed, but there are indications that ADOT is working on feasibility studies. It makes take a decade, but we are optimistic that it will be open again someday. Thanks for watching! And thank you for the kind words. Safe travels to you! 💚

@garyjones2582

8 ай бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake Thank you for your quick response, I'd love to travel that road one day, if the government doesn't screw it up... hope to see some more videos soon.. Take care my friend and God Bless...

What a terrible loss! Hope it gets repaired and reopens. I plan to winter in Apache Junction starting this winter and would like to ask you if there is still a lot of trails to ride in the area surrounding the superstition Mtns. and AJ? It's one of the main reasons for choosing this area is the Atving oppurtunities. Thanks.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! It is sad that the Apache Trail is closed, but there are so many trails in the are you’re rides will be endless. There are a lot of good guide books out there for the trails of Arizona! Have fun!

@billvarga8336

3 жыл бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake Thanks so much for the reply and good news. Any suggestions on must have maps to best cover the area?

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

@@billvarga8336 We picked up a spiral-bound copy of Arizona Backroads & 4-wheel Drive Trails by Charles Wells, and keep it in the Jeep. He has written a couple of other guides, and there are also some great online guides and downloadable apps. You’ll have a blast! Happy trails!!

I will be in Arizona in 3 weeks. Where is this trail closed at from 188? From the Roosevekt Lake on 188 to the Apache Lake Marina & Resort is about 12 miles. Is that whole 12 miles section closed? Or can one drive from 188 highway for like 7 miles and get to Burnt Corral Campground? I would like to drive on it a bit, even if for like 5 miles or 7 miles.

@garywatson6561

11 ай бұрын

You can still get to burnt corrals just have to come in from Roosevelt side of 88

Wow beautiful video.. Do you recommend any scenic drives 🚗 that are as beautiful as the one n your video.. When this reopens, is it a drive that can be made n a VW dune buggy? Thx for sharing the information.. subscribed..

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It’s definitely doable in a dune buggy - if it opens again. Another great drive is the Four Peaks Road, some of which is shown in our “We Bought a Cheap Jeep” video. Arizona has so many amazing scenic drives! We hope you find some beautiful trails of your own. Thanks for watching!

@garyjones2582

3 жыл бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake thx for the information.. I would love 💘 to do both of those drives.. What would be the best time of year to make those drives.. I haven't driven through Arizona since the mid 70's, when I got out of the military.. One more question, what kind of camera 📷 do you use? It makes gorgeous videos.. Thx for taking us along... God Bless.. John I didn't think to check the description before I asked about the camera .. That drone footage is great.. Check out the dragons 🐉tail in N.C. and Tennessee.. 318 curves in 11 miles.. Thx again...

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

@@garyjones2582 The drives we mentioned would be best in the fall and spring. Four Peaks takes you up to an elevation that can get pretty chilly in winter, and summer is too hot with a real fire danger. We have a bunch of friends who have done the Tail of the Dragon on motorcycles. It’s definitely on our list! Have fun and safe travels!

So, did you have to drive all the way back to Roosevelt lake to get off of the Apache Trail?

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

We drove in from Apache Junction to film this portion of the trail. It was initially closed at Apache Lake from the east. Then there was a landslide on the road above the dam. That has been opened again, but the trail is still closed at the Fish Creek Hill. The fires in August closed many of the trailheads, including the Peralta Trail. It’s been a couple of very tough years.

I would take family and friends from other states that came to visit me down this part of the road. They would say that it was a mini grand canyon. I'm sure it will be restored when there is money to do it.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Desert Maverick We feel sure about that too. It’s such a remarkable and historic road, and a beautiful canyon. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. See you in the desert! 🌵

@andrewmarwick4880

2 жыл бұрын

Don't count on ADOT doing anything ever to fix the Apache Trail. ADOT is a complete tool of the big money developers. ADOT deliberately leaves problems unresolved like the Broadway Curve and US93 near Wickenburg to create an excuse to promote ADOTs developer puppetmasters projects like Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway and Interstate 11 through the Hassayampa Valley.

How can we fix this?!

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

We believe the ADOT will eventually do the right thing and restore this historic trail. Fingers crossed! Thanks for watching!

I'd been trying to get my wife to go and now it looks like we missed our chance. What about motorcycles and bicycles... can they get through?

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

vorhese The barricades say “No Trespassing,” so we didn’t risk going in on foot. I’m sure that goes for motorcycles and bikes as well. The road is virtually impassible in some places, so it’s just not safe. We hope they’ll fix the road soon and you’ll be able to make the drive yourselves! Thanks so much for watching. We’ll keep you posted!

@ForTravelsSake

4 жыл бұрын

Update: It is currently possible to hike down to Fish Creek bridge from the Fish Creek Vista parking area. I’m not sure whether it’s permitted, but lots of people are making 1.7-mile hike down.

@andrewmarwick4880

2 жыл бұрын

I have hiked down Fish Creek Hill many times and it is safe for hiking. One final thought, go to he'll Governor Ducey and take most of ADOT management with you. Screw your no trespassing signs horse backsides.

Has it reopened?

@ForTravelsSake

7 ай бұрын

Sadly, it’s not. But there is some indication that the ADOT is studying the feasibility of reopening the road someday. Thanks for watching!

@derrickwillie4449

7 ай бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake can I walk it?

@ForTravelsSake

7 ай бұрын

@@derrickwillie4449 Good question! For a long time there were signs prohibiting trespassing. But many people simply walked around the gate or climbed over it. We even saw people riding mountain bikes down the trail. Last we checked, it’s still off limits due to the danger of rock falls. But it’s worth driving out past Tortilla Flat to the overlook. Check the signs and obey the posted rules. Safe travels!

@derrickwillie4449

7 ай бұрын

@@ForTravelsSake I’ll take my bike and let you know

Still closed 2/21/21 hopefully COVID will be a thing of the past and this will be reopened in the next year or two. I cannot understand why hikers aren't allowed. Nothing is safe in these mountains so if people want to hike out that way why can't they?

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

We agree, but some of the rock slides on the Fish Creek Hill look pretty sketchy! Thanks for watching!

@andrewmarwick4880

2 жыл бұрын

The first mile beyond the closure is still in pretty good shape and safe. I had no problem passing the rockfall near the bottom of the hill. Arizona loves to put threatening signs on state trust land while lunatics and drunks rule the freeways.

How did you get permission to fly your drone in a Federal No Fly Zone. John M.

@johnm7262

3 жыл бұрын

My mistake. Not a no fly zone. John M.

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

Great question. We launched from outside the wilderness area and maintained visual line of sight throughout. We did not take off or land within the wilderness area.

Scenes change too fast, can’t see anything

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

You watched the entire video? 🤔

@ForTravelsSake

3 жыл бұрын

We totally agree! It must have been cool living at the resort. It’s a beautiful place, and so wonderfully remote. The stars must be amazing there at night!

Fix the damn road!!!

@ForTravelsSake

Жыл бұрын

Rumor has it the ADOT has allocated money to study the feasibility of reopening the Apache Trail. Stay tuned!