Overall Route Rating
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3.45 out of 5 Rider Rating 3.45
41 Reviews

Tortilla Flat

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By 18Bravo (5 McR Points) on Dec 30, 2011

Rider Reviews

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fairbanksdmt
6 McR Points
February 11, 2017
This road simply put is a total waste of time for…
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mudbug63
2 McR Points
June 21, 2018
As of 6/9/18 this road has been resurfaced. Nice…
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Written Directions

Begin at the Old West Highway and Apache Trail in Apache Junction, Arizona. Take Apache Trail Northeast and stay of Apache Trail. The route ends a couple of miles past Tortilla Flat where the pavement turns to a dirt road. If you have an enduro bike, feel free to continue on the dirt road all the way to Roosevelt lake, otherwise turn around and have lunch at Tortilla Flat.

Scenery

This route covers scenic desert landscapes with desert mountains and even Canyon Lake. If you continue on the graded dirt road there are high wall canyons and some of the most beautiful scenic areas you can find in Arizona. But I don't recommend the dirt road for street bikes. HDBIKERRIDER added the following in Nov of 2013: RUNS THRU DESERT CANYONS BEGINNING ON FLAT STRETCH PASS GOLDFIELD MINE GHOST TOWN INTO INCREDIBLE UP AND DOWN TURNS, SWITCHBACKS AND PASS CANYON LAKE TO TORTILLA FLATS.

Drive Enjoyment

The road is curvy with a few switchbacks and one lane bridges. The pavement is decent. The dirt road is only recommended for enduro style bikes. HDBIKERRIDER added the following in Nov of 2013: 4 MILE BEGINNING OF FLAT AND STRAIGHT LEADS TO UN-ENDING SERIES OF HILLY TURNS, SOME SWEEPING AND SOME DEALY HAIRPINS. PAVEMENT GOOD EXCEPT STEEP FALLOFF ON SOFT SHOULDERS ON THE CANYON LANE SIDE. FEW SECTIONS OF GUARDRAILS ON SHOULDER LANE SIDE OF THIS 2-LANER.

Tourism Opportunities

Fun little stage coach stop in Tortilla Flat. The food and ice cream is good. Other than that, nothing but scenery to stop for. HDBIKERRIDER added the following in Nov of 2013: NOTHING TO STOP YOU BUT GOLDFIELD MINE GHOST TOWN AT THE BEGINNING, 1 VISTA POINT, CANYON LAKE MARINA BRIDGE AND TORTILLA FLATS RESTAURANT AT THE END OF THE RIDE.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

HDBIKERRIDER added the following in Nov of 2013: NOT A BEGINNER ROAD!! ABSOLUTELY DO NOT TRY THIS RUN IF IT HAS RAINED WITHIN A DAY OR LOOKS LIKE IT WILL THAT DAY (RAINS ARE TREACHEROUS IN AZ)
 

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HEC
February 22, 2012
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Nice ride. Don't ride the trip on a holiday; way too much traffic. I am sure I wil enjoy the ride more on a non holiday ride.
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Tundra Hawk
April 4, 2021
13 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
Riden this route dozen times....even before state fixed the road up. Much better now and there are plenty of out of state riders too. Enjoy the ride and a burger once a month at least.
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robgadv
March 18, 2017
2 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Enduro
I just rode this today. Holy cow, this road is TERRIBLE from Apache Junction to Tortilla Flat! There are huge asphalt blisters in the middle of the lane, both directions, about every 10-12 feet. Then like others said, you have plenty of out of state people going 15 mph and NOT pulling over when traffic stacks up behind them.

HOWEVER, once past this disaster, the road is quite pleasant. Yeah it turns to dirt, but it's an awesome view and the road quality is vastly better than the pavement. my V-Strom handled it just fine. For a great (but long) round trip, go to Roosevelt Lake and take 188 SE to 288 and take it north all the way to 260. Then go west and then south on 87 back to Phoenix. Note: 288 turns into "512" north of Young, and elevation exceeds 7500' so it may get chilly.
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