Thanks for the shout out! Like I said, luckily I stopped right there to take my camera off the roof or I would have missed you. We filmed about an hour or so apart. It is a nice scenic drive. I turned around at the concrete bridge, maybe a tad too soon, no private tours for me. lol If you go back late Nov/early Dec, whenever desert "fall" hits the leaves on those trees around the creek should have turned.
just crossed this trail 2 days ago........oct.28th, passed a couple of work trucks pulling big trailers. we were in a roadtrek van, some narrow spots, and only room if you can move over, funny i had no idea that work had been and are still working on the entire east side of this road.after high mtn.roads in colorado, this is one of the most hairraising in a couple 3 spots.....stay safe.
@@lindasmith4luv yup…paving it on the east side from Apache to Roosevelt. Great scenery. Some of those mountain roads in Colorado are definitely on the side of sketch! Thanks for watching
I was born in Mesa in 1960. When I was in diapers, we moved to Government Wells Arizona State Highway Maintenance Yard. That is now the first lookout as you go north out of Apache Junction past the Lost Dutchman State Park. Dad was the jackhammer and explosives engineer who widened 88 in the 1960s. Including Fish Creek Hill. After you pass the bridge over Fish Creek and the road curves right, on the top of that small flat area used to be the old Stagecoach Hotel and Saloon. The ground is covered in cactus, Mesquite, catclaw, broken glass and old nails, old concrete foundations, and a water well.
Glad it's finally open. Been both ways to the closures, but obviously not all the way through. Was going to head out there this weekend to cover this opening, but prepping for my Overland trip next weekend. Thanks for getting out there and doing a video Todd. Let's hit another trail soon man!
@@keithmiller3422 it was an interesting part but was very impromptu. It started off as a general conversation on the side of the road that wasn’t being recorded. Maybe we will go back in the future.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to experience that. I did see where they bored a tunnel through the rock to allow the road over the dam. Has a big gate on it now but was open the day we ran it. Looks like they still use it for access.
Really timely video! I was thinking of going up to the Apache Trail tomorrow, though my little "SUV" isn't 4x4...but I see literally nothing in the video that would be cause for concern. Just need to do the inner debate if it's worth chatting with the state troopers when I get up there. Perhaps wait a few weeks till the novelty of the road being reopened has worn off.
Sometimes I wish I would have stayed in Arizona after my mom passed. Back here in PA, there's not a lot of off road opportunities unless you want to pay to play in one of the few private offroad parks. Thankfully, I have three close to my house, but still. There's no substitute for being able to go just about anywhere and ride a trail through the desert.
@@Trucker316 I grew up in PA but was too young to know the difference. With living out here now, there is so much opportunity to get out and see the beautiful landscape. I just enjoy the scenery. It never ceases to amaze me. Sorry to hear about your Mom. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for the sub. Right now the trail is probably the easiest it has ever been. I was running 4-Hi but probably could have run it in 2WD. There were AZ State Police at the top and bottom but I think they were really looking for people hauling trailers. There are signs saying 4WD required but like I said it was pretty easy going.
@@jlrecoder1 the trail starts where the pavement ends on AZ state Route 88 about 5.3 miles east of Tortilla Flat. The coordinates are 33.53797, -111.32504 hope that helps.
@@davestevens3197 I don’t have any drone footage in my video….. the current project they are working on is to pave the road from Apache lake to Roosevelt dam. They have been working on it for a while and it isn’t finished yet. You will come across sections that are paved and sections that are going to be paved.
Im pretty sure the sign for 4x4 and utv is just to cover themselves in case anything happens. Ive done some crazy off roading in a honda civic and been fine.
@@your_average_enthusiast yeah it certainly could be to remove liability or something. But even with it being so smooth right now, there are definitely people that should never even attempt going down that hill. lol.
The 4wd restriction is a humorous attempt at reducing people from enjoying the road. I just went down and up it with ease in a 2wd 8 inch clearance 90’s buick with 0 problems. Passed a brand new dodge charger with 6 inches of clearance as I got to the vista haha. Passed a Sheriff he didn’t say a word
Yeah, I would agree with you 100%. Surprised they still have Sheriff out there. Probably looking for boat trailers or something. No idea why they have it posted that way. Maybe for liability once the rain starts cutting up the road. 😂
was hoping you would show the stretch that has a high wall that is so high you can't see the top, did not let go of the wheel to take a shot.........coming in from roosevelt there is no sign that says 4x4, guess i have had some good luck on this one. or ? and there was plenty of washboarding........
I showed the sign at 16:07 in the video. There is also another one near the Apache Lake Vista. How are the conditions? Still good? We haven’t gotten any real rain so I would expect it’s still pretty smooth.
@@Trail89Adventures came in at the end of the day,afterseeing the Primitive sign, i was definitely on alert,a low vehicle, and glad i have had 30+ years of navigating,there is no sign that says 4 wheel, i had no desire to retrace, there is a lot of wash board and some smooth areas, i cant imagine the repair done is going to hold for long.....some one hand set little rocks all along the edge, seriously? what are they thinking, we will see soon enough, rain coming by sunday/monday. take care out there.....enjoy the cooler temps
Yes, done it many times over the years in 2WD/FWD. And now it's been graded and filled. The 4x4 requirement is stupid and if legally challenged, is also unlawful.
@@rickanna8662 you know it would have been super fun to record it but I didn’t. It all started as just a conversation on the side of the road. Cool guy though.
According to ADOT, the project completed to open the road as it is now, cost about $4M. The recommended alternative project is the $35M. This $35M project includes the following: (copied from ADOT website) The study team identified a Recommended Alternative that is a hybrid of the three main Build Alternatives and was presented to the public and stakeholders in August 2023 as ADOT’s Preferred Hybrid Alternative. It would provide the following benefits: -The roadway would be widened to a minimum of 15 feet on Fish Creek Hill -The roadway would receive a chip seal surface. -New colored (or painted) concrete barrier would replace existing guardrail on Fish Creek Hill. -The existing bridges would be repaired and rehabilitated to extend their service lives. -Several retaining walls would be constructed to avoid impacts to the wilderness area. -The drainage facilities would be upsized and increased to accommodate medium-large predicted storms. -Safety improvements would include new signs, reflectors, and pullouts to allow vehicles to pass in narrow sections. -Some rockfall improvements would be made. -The potential for environmental impacts is moderate based on the size of the disturbance area and potential for work outside the ADOT easement on Tonto National Forest Lands.
The 4-wheel drive requirement is nonsense. Done the Trail in a sedan, a minivan, many times long before the road got closed, and regraded. It used to be rutted, potholed, washboarded. And now most of the Trail is paved to Roosevelt Dam. ?? Prohibiting RVs and trailers, that makes sense.
Thank you for the video and update. It's been almost 10 years since I last went that way.
@@justinstruyck9989 thanks for watching!
Thanks for the shout out! Like I said, luckily I stopped right there to take my camera off the roof or I would have missed you. We filmed about an hour or so apart. It is a nice scenic drive. I turned around at the concrete bridge, maybe a tad too soon, no private tours for me. lol If you go back late Nov/early Dec, whenever desert "fall" hits the leaves on those trees around the creek should have turned.
@@cw50must the leaves on those trees were such a solid green it looked way out of place. But when they are that green, you know there is water.
just crossed this trail 2 days ago........oct.28th, passed a couple of work trucks pulling big trailers. we were in a roadtrek van, some narrow spots, and only room if you can move over, funny i had no idea that work had been and are still working on the entire east side of this road.after high mtn.roads in colorado, this is one of the most hairraising in a couple 3 spots.....stay safe.
@@lindasmith4luv yup…paving it on the east side from Apache to Roosevelt. Great scenery. Some of those mountain roads in Colorado are definitely on the side of sketch! Thanks for watching
I was born in Mesa in 1960. When I was in diapers, we moved to Government Wells Arizona State Highway Maintenance Yard. That is now the first lookout as you go north out of Apache Junction past the Lost Dutchman State Park. Dad was the jackhammer and explosives engineer who widened 88 in the 1960s. Including Fish Creek Hill. After you pass the bridge over Fish Creek and the road curves right, on the top of that small flat area used to be the old Stagecoach Hotel and Saloon. The ground is covered in cactus, Mesquite, catclaw, broken glass and old nails, old concrete foundations, and a water well.
Oh that is a cool story. Being up and so close to that part of the history. Appreciate you sharing that.
That was AWESOME fun, Hi Nick. every now and then I have a Nick pop up in my videos. Thanks for the ride along.
Glad it's finally open. Been both ways to the closures, but obviously not all the way through. Was going to head out there this weekend to cover this opening, but prepping for my Overland trip next weekend. Thanks for getting out there and doing a video Todd. Let's hit another trail soon man!
For sure AJ. Have a great trip!
Hallelujah!
Great video! Hoping to get back on that trail soon!
Thanks. We had a great time out there. Enjoy your trip!
Loved it!!!
Enjoyed this, but wondered why you didn't record the Maverick Ranch dialo. You made it sound like it was the best part of the excursion.
@@keithmiller3422 it was an interesting part but was very impromptu. It started off as a general conversation on the side of the road that wasn’t being recorded. Maybe we will go back in the future.
In the 1960s, we used to drive over Roosevelt Dam.
Unfortunately I didn’t get to experience that. I did see where they bored a tunnel through the rock to allow the road over the dam. Has a big gate on it now but was open the day we ran it. Looks like they still use it for access.
Really timely video! I was thinking of going up to the Apache Trail tomorrow, though my little "SUV" isn't 4x4...but I see literally nothing in the video that would be cause for concern. Just need to do the inner debate if it's worth chatting with the state troopers when I get up there. Perhaps wait a few weeks till the novelty of the road being reopened has worn off.
Thanks for watching! I am sure it will be busy this weekend.
Sometimes I wish I would have stayed in Arizona after my mom passed. Back here in PA, there's not a lot of off road opportunities unless you want to pay to play in one of the few private offroad parks. Thankfully, I have three close to my house, but still. There's no substitute for being able to go just about anywhere and ride a trail through the desert.
@@Trucker316 I grew up in PA but was too young to know the difference. With living out here now, there is so much opportunity to get out and see the beautiful landscape. I just enjoy the scenery. It never ceases to amaze me.
Sorry to hear about your Mom. Thanks for the comment.
6:55 bro could have put it in reverse to pick you up after the shot 😅
Edit: Great video after watching the whole thing 👍
@@3RAN7ON HaHa yeah could have but…..
Hey guys great video! Just subscribed! Do you think a 4WD is truly necessary? 2WD Ford Ranger truck could handle it okay?
Thanks for the sub. Right now the trail is probably the easiest it has ever been. I was running 4-Hi but probably could have run it in 2WD. There were AZ State Police at the top and bottom but I think they were really looking for people hauling trailers. There are signs saying 4WD required but like I said it was pretty easy going.
@@Trail89AdventuresSuper helpful! I imagine if things got wet or muddy it'd be a different story! Feeling pretty confident we'll be just fine!
Can’t find the directions to the trail head or maybe it’s the app I’m using? Mind sharing the cords for the trail head
@@jlrecoder1 the trail starts where the pavement ends on AZ state Route 88 about 5.3 miles east of Tortilla Flat. The coordinates are 33.53797, -111.32504 hope that helps.
Thank you so much!
I also just subscribed! Great video
@@jlrecoder1 awesome glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the sub
Trying to plan a trip what is the time of travel to Apache Lake and back to tortilla flats you think?
@@doza7520 probably an hour to an hour and a half each way.
@@Trail89Adventures Thank you so much! What a pretty ride!
Hi. So you said in your video apache trail is paved all the way to roosevelt lake,but your drone footage shows its not paved after burnt corral?
@@davestevens3197 I don’t have any drone footage in my video….. the current project they are working on is to pave the road from Apache lake to Roosevelt dam. They have been working on it for a while and it isn’t finished yet. You will come across sections that are paved and sections that are going to be paved.
I've pulled a 24ft deck boat up and down that hill 100 times. Never an issue. Why would it be now? Road looks better than it ever did.
The road is super smooth. Not a pothole in sight. Not sure of the reasoning.
Im pretty sure the sign for 4x4 and utv is just to cover themselves in case anything happens. Ive done some crazy off roading in a honda civic and been fine.
@@your_average_enthusiast yeah it certainly could be to remove liability or something. But even with it being so smooth right now, there are definitely people that should never even attempt going down that hill. lol.
Tripod guy has that T-Rex arm going while getting back to the car.
The 4wd restriction is a humorous attempt at reducing people from enjoying the road. I just went down and up it with ease in a 2wd 8 inch clearance 90’s buick with 0 problems. Passed a brand new dodge charger with 6 inches of clearance as I got to the vista haha. Passed a Sheriff he didn’t say a word
Yeah, I would agree with you 100%. Surprised they still have Sheriff out there. Probably looking for boat trailers or something. No idea why they have it posted that way. Maybe for liability once the rain starts cutting up the road. 😂
was hoping you would show the stretch that has a high wall that is so high you can't see the top, did not let go of the wheel to take a shot.........coming in from roosevelt there is no sign that says 4x4, guess i have had some good luck on this one. or ? and there was plenty of washboarding........
I showed the sign at 16:07 in the video. There is also another one near the Apache Lake Vista.
How are the conditions? Still good? We haven’t gotten any real rain so I would expect it’s still pretty smooth.
@@Trail89Adventures came in at the end of the day,afterseeing the Primitive sign, i was definitely on alert,a low vehicle, and glad i have had 30+ years of navigating,there is no sign that says 4 wheel, i had no desire to retrace, there is a lot of wash board and some smooth areas, i cant imagine the repair done is going to hold for long.....some one hand set little rocks all along the edge, seriously? what are they thinking, we will see soon enough, rain coming by sunday/monday. take care out there.....enjoy the cooler temps
Hey u guys forgot me
Sorry, skipped the g in dialog
Can u take suv down fish creek hill just 2 wheel drive?
Well, the sign says 4-wheel drive is required so I can't recommend it.
Yes, done it many times over the years in 2WD/FWD. And now it's been graded and filled. The 4x4 requirement is stupid and if legally challenged, is also unlawful.
@@wngimageanddesign9546 wonder if this is just some type of liability thing?
@@Trail89Adventures Thanks, Bro😃✌
@@wngimageanddesign9546 Thanks
YOU WON'T LET ME POST ON YOUR PAGE. ANSWERED YOUR QUESTION 3 TIMES.
Not sure what you are referring to….what question?
Well? Maverick gave you some good stories and you're not going to share them?? 👎
@@rickanna8662 you know it would have been super fun to record it but I didn’t. It all started as just a conversation on the side of the road. Cool guy though.
So what was the point spending 35 million dollars to fix road if you cant trailer a boat to apache lake?!?
According to ADOT, the project completed to open the road as it is now, cost about $4M.
The recommended alternative project is the $35M. This $35M project includes the following: (copied from ADOT website)
The study team identified a Recommended Alternative that is a hybrid of the three main Build Alternatives
and was presented to the public and stakeholders in August 2023 as ADOT’s Preferred Hybrid Alternative.
It would provide the following benefits:
-The roadway would be widened to a minimum of 15 feet on Fish Creek Hill
-The roadway would receive a chip seal surface.
-New colored (or painted) concrete barrier would replace existing guardrail on Fish Creek Hill.
-The existing bridges would be repaired and rehabilitated to extend their service lives.
-Several retaining walls would be constructed to avoid impacts to the wilderness area.
-The drainage facilities would be upsized and increased to accommodate medium-large predicted
storms.
-Safety improvements would include new signs, reflectors, and pullouts to allow vehicles to pass in
narrow sections.
-Some rockfall improvements would be made.
-The potential for environmental impacts is moderate based on the size of the disturbance area and
potential for work outside the ADOT easement on Tonto National Forest Lands.
The 4-wheel drive requirement is nonsense. Done the Trail in a sedan, a minivan, many times long before the road got closed, and regraded. It used to be rutted, potholed, washboarded. And now most of the Trail is paved to Roosevelt Dam. ?? Prohibiting RVs and trailers, that makes sense.
@@wngimageanddesign9546 I can only assume trailers were ending up in problematic situations in the past.
Keeps less traffic I’d say
Film nature, not your face
Nice! Tell Mav hello and remember to tip the camera crew 😊 🛻🌵
@@jess5252 the camera crew got a solid lunch and a beverage at Tortilla Flat
@@jess5252 Mav hooked us up with a couple of Coors Banquets