Tortilla Flat, Arizona

November 13-15, 2010
From Clear Creek, we drove to the Glendale, AZ to the Cabela's store. There were about 30 “teardrop” campers in front of the store, all with a different theme.

Someone we met along our travels suggested that we visit the Tortilla Flat, along the historic Apache Trail. We headed toward Apache Junction and up the 17 miles of winding, narrow switchbacks with lots of sharp corners. It was an interesting trip pulling the 5th wheel. Along the way, we passed Canyon Lake, a gorgeous lake for sailing, fishing, kayaking.

Tortilla Flat located in the Tonto National Forest in the Superstition Mountain Range, dates back to 1904 when it was a stage coach stop. It looks like an old west town complete with a boardwalk leading to the Superstition Saloon with dollar bills pasted on the walls and saddles for bar stools.



Across from the “town” is Tortilla Campground that sits on a ridge above Tortilla Creek with some scenic views of the mountain bluffs. We loved the spacious sites and the solitude of the campground. Our daily visitors included the rock squirrels, grackles, and cactus wrens. The campground host told us about a trail to Canyon Lake and one up the mountain called the “Boot”.

We enjoyed a nice leisurely walk to the lake and relaxed in the sun before heading back. The campground hosts told us that the campground closes in April because when it gets warm it is full of rattle snakes. Even though it is November, I kept my eyes peeled for any kind of movement. We also had to be careful not to get to close to the cactus along the trail!



Since the cell service was poor in Tortilla, we drove into Apache Junction to check in with the family and get some groceries. On the way back, we stopped at the Superstition Mountain Museum, full of artifacts, history, and folklore displays.

The Superstition Mountains is rich in legend and intrigue. You might remember the story of the Lost Dutchman Mine made famous by Jacob Waltz, who supposedly took the secret of his mine to the grave in 1891. Several of the locals believe that there is not a mine, but perhaps a cache of gold that he found. Others believe that he was a miserable old man and used the lure of the mine to entice people to take care of him in his old age. Apparently, to this day treasure hunters still search for the Lost Dutchman Mine, some never coming back. In fact, the remains of 3 men who were searching for the Mine were recently found in the Superstition Mountains in the area where we were hiking.

The museum also offers reproductions and authentic parts of many old buildings, including the Elvis Memorial Chapel, the Apaceland Movie Land Ranch, and a 20 stamp ore crusher. In the 1800s, this mill was state of the art technology for recovering gold.

Many well known TV Shows (Have Gun Will Travel) and full length movies (Charro with Elvis Presley and Arizona Raiders with Audie Murphy) were filmed at Apaceland Movie Land Ranch.

We would like to come back to Tortilla Flat again and make the 30 mile drive to Roosevelt Lake to do some fishing.
Click HERE to see where we are.