Notable Campground

Tortilla - Worlds way from Phoenix, Arizona

The Apache Trail, a scenic drive on a rustic road, is an adventure to remember for several reasons. Build in the early 1900, the road's purpose was to transport supplies and construction equipment the Tonto Dam. Later, the dam would be renamed Roosevelt and the supply route would became Apache Trail. Since then the roadway has been maintained in more or less its original condition giving today's traveler a huge sense of discovery.

Starting at the Roosevelt Dam and heading west, there is a long stretch of road paralleling the Salt River/Apache Lake. The cool green-blue ribbon of water meanders through a saguaro dotted canyon. Here, multi-colored mountains and buttes tower above, changing appearance as the sun moving across the sky.

Next comes the magnificent and magical Fish Creek Canyon. The lush green of the canyon's many trees and bright flashes of colors are its birds. If not enough, shear cliff walls echo the magical sound of the creek invites travelers to stop and enjoy. A stop is recommended either before or after the Fish Creek stretch of road out of the canyon. The Apache Trail reportedly has 11% to 15% grade and most are here. The grade, the road's cliff-hugging route, and single lane should get the most experienced traveler heart's pumping.

Five miles from the top is Fish Creek Canyon is perhaps best discovery (or at least it is this author's favorite stop) of the Apache Trail: Tortilla Flat and adjacent Tortilla campground. Initially a stage coach stop, in its heyday, Tortilla Flat boasted a robust population of 125. Today, it is reported the town's population is six. not many but each residents brings a wonderful uniqueness to the tiny community. There is the tatooed dotted cashier, the water-pistol totting waitress, pseudo-therapist bartender, and, of course, an old hound dog perched on the General Store's front porch watch the passing traffic.

Tortilla Flat has a general store (with yummy ice cream cones) and a tavern (with bar stools of either craved horse's back-end or mounted pony saddles) connected by a patio (closed during summer months). Across from these buildings is a desert oasis experience. A very short scramble down the roadbank, lined by clusters of reeds and cottonwood trees, is a creek. Meandering between bleached white boulders, polished smooth by years of moving water, the creek attract iridescent dragonflies, busy bumblebees, and other insects to its life-supporting moisture.

Inside the tavern humans will find an assortment of life-supporting fluids plus one of the best burgers around these parts. (Our recommendation is the Cowboy Burger.) Ladies, on the way out, be sure to visit the restroom!!! (Hope someday they install the same treatment for the men's room.)

The Apache Trail ends is a few miles west of Tortilla Flat. But the Trail will be revisited in the photos and memories of the traveler who accepted the challenge and discovered its many wonders. The only thing better than those memories would be another drive along Apache Trail, discovering even more wonders, and may be having a bowl of Tortilla Flat's Killer Chili. Click here to see the campground's springtime wildflower display.

Click on campground name for detailed description of Tortilla campground.