We used to pull a 20' Sea Ray with a 2WD pickup from Chandler to Burnt Corral ( Apache Lake) over Fish Creek Hill when the road was WORSE than it is now; narrower with washboard road conditions ( 15 years ago); you DO NOT need 4WD to run that road!!! In fact there is another video of Fish Creek Hill with cars (2WD) going up and down!!!
I agree - the road is definitely doable in any kind of car. I saw all kinds when I had gone through. There were a few rocky spots on the Eastern end but rest is just flat dirt or washboard. Nothing intense other than the few blind turns along cliff edge.
We drove it about a month ago, it was washboard but no need for 4×4 . We met a small car and later a minivan both of them drove all the way through. Although I would not recommend these type of vehicles.
I'm sure that back when the trail was completed (1905) to make it available for motor-vehicles, given the cars they had back then the pass was way more challenging than it is today. Not to mention how challenging/rough it was before when it was a stagecoach route. At least today you don't have to worry about Apache war parties. ;-) -- BR
The last time I drove it was in 2012 and the road was miserably washboarded. Thanks to ADOT being asleep at the switch in maintenance. Nothing to conquer except keeping your teeth in place.
Great video! I drove it Saturday morning. ADOT did a good job with the repairs.
They really did! Much better drive get to Apache Lake now rather than having to go almost up to Payson and backtrack.
Great video and nice work storytelling! We're hitting the Apache Trail in a few weeks. I've missed it. Keep up the good work - subscribed!
Thanks so much! I hope you have a great time, let me know how it goes!
Dig the music in the intro! 🤘
Thank you! Felt it fit the theme well for a historic western trail
We used to pull a 20' Sea Ray with a 2WD pickup from Chandler to Burnt Corral ( Apache Lake) over Fish Creek Hill when the road was WORSE than it is now; narrower with washboard road conditions ( 15 years ago); you DO NOT need 4WD to run that road!!! In fact there is another video of Fish Creek Hill with cars (2WD) going up and down!!!
I agree - the road is definitely doable in any kind of car. I saw all kinds when I had gone through. There were a few rocky spots on the Eastern end but rest is just flat dirt or washboard. Nothing intense other than the few blind turns along cliff edge.
We drove it about a month ago, it was washboard but no need for 4×4 . We met a small car and later a minivan both of them drove all the way through. Although I would not recommend these type of vehicles.
I definitely agree - washboards make it uncomfortable for regular cars but doable 👍
Uhhh ....Isn't it still a state highway? 🤔
Yep, starts out as SR88 in Apache Junction and goes out east to Roosevelt.
Conquering? Apache trail itself can be with a passenger car 🤣
It definitely can be! “Conquering” makes it sound more fun 😄
I'm sure that back when the trail was completed (1905) to make it available for motor-vehicles, given the cars they had back then the pass was way more challenging than it is today. Not to mention how challenging/rough it was before when it was a stagecoach route. At least today you don't have to worry about Apache war parties. ;-)
-- BR
The last time I drove it was in 2012 and the road was miserably washboarded. Thanks to ADOT being asleep at the switch in maintenance. Nothing to conquer except keeping your teeth in place.