Ancient Travel Route gets Paved? Apache Trail, Arizona "SR 88"

[@Javelina_Poppers]

73 year old Arizona native and I've driven that road dozens of times usually dragging a boat in a 2 wheel drive truck. Their signs about 4 wheel drive are a joke, that road's in 1000x better shape now (especially Fish Creek Hiil) than it's been in all the years I've driven it. Just my 2 cents worth and thanks for the great videos and drone shots.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Yeah, I've driven the whole trail. before the closing and in a lot worse condition in FWD car and a 2WD minivan. No problems. The 4x4 only is nonsense and discriminating AZ registered vehicle owners.

[@frankiefurbag9030]

took my 90 year old dad through there in his chevy Malibu. He used to go that trail in the 50s in his oldsmobile, he wanted to see it again. no problem.

[@bobfincher1767]

Before the road closed I was coming down Fish Creek Hill I met a 1 ton dully pulling a big 5th wheel RV trailer. Only way for me to go was back up the hill in reverse. Thankfully a motorcycle was coming down he went back to the top and stopped all traffic from coming down the hill. He should not have been on that road.

[@Emotional-Damage-Failure]

@@bobfincher1767Bass tracker and an F150 should make it through.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! I appreciate you sharing your story. after speaking with a state trooper and a couple other locals, the 4x4 sign is to help prevent sedans from going down there, getting stuck and holding up traffic and I agree, the road is in much better shape now than its ever been, but I got a feeling after a few months of people traveling on it, and a good rainfall....it aint gonna smooth much longer after that.....thank you again for checking out the video 👍

[@BUD100ify]

I drove that road in 1971 in a GTO. Roosevelt Dam was the original big red granite blocks and we drove across the dam. That was 50 years ago and my memory of this is still vivid. Posi track on the GTO worked well.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Just a shout out to AZDOT for their fine job on repairing and restoring the Apache Trail.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

YES!!! props to AZDOT! they worked wonders getting this restored!

[@lvid9323]

I'd prefer they never pave that road. It keeps traffic down and the speed. People push their speed as it is, which causes accidents. Let's not invite more damage with more traffic and more debris from crashes.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

good point!

[@SuperCoopdogg]

This is exactly how i feel. Just going to make it easier for all the idiots to ruin it

[@MyJohnjimenez]

Drove that road with with drivers permit with grand parents in the 80s. The car was a 1973 Plymouth fury III. Big green boat. Grandma cried the whole way. Mom's eyes were closed. Grandpa just sat back smoking the whole time.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha oh wow, thanks for sharing!

[@JayPoo1321]

We drove the trail this past weekend. It's paved sporadically. Super duper washboard in places. My wife is a cactus baby and has never been on the trail. That high clearance, 4x4 warning is complete bullshit. I got stuck behind a mini van for a while before they finally let me by. Stopped by Tortilla Flats had a great meal. We started in AJ. Drove all the way to Roosevelt and came back home through Globe/Superior. All in all took us about 4 hours total including lunch. It was a fun drive. Next drive will be to Young and possibly further north. Wife wasnt a fan of the trail so i might be making this drive to Young by myself. Lol.

[@walkingman9171]

If the said 4X4 required when wet, I might except that. But otherwise yes its BS.

[@JayPoo1321]

@@walkingman9171 I don't think I'd be on that road when it's wet in 4x4 or any other vehicle, short of a tank. Lol. I imagine you'd be slipping and sliding all over the place.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha, oved the story!

[@BarbaraSalisbury-st7bu]

Georgeous scenery - can't get enough of the Arizona desert! Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for the great video!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problemo! glad you enjoyed! Arizona scenery is top notch!

[@johnjohnb8024]

Absolutely NO pavement, that should have stayed dirt 100%. Arizona trails are dangerous enough with the idiots on SxS...

[@soap1056593]

Paving it is just asking for people to speed and fall. And drown. Kinda sad if you think about it

[@dalejensen5828]

I drove the entire road west to east in 1983 in a 1981 Trans Am. Met many large RV;s and rigs pulling boat trailers. Coming down Fish Creek Hill was an adventure meeting these large vehicles climbing uphill. Before Roosevelt Dam was rehabbed and raised.

[@petewright1468]

Just went from Apache Jct to lake Roosevelt in a 2 wheel drive suburban 5 days ago . Fish creek hill was a piece of cake!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Sounds great!

[@Beanieweenieable]

I’ve driven that road in a Ford Taurus…it was totally doable and not scary at all. Waterfalls in abundance and beautiful views!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hoping one day I can make down there when the waterfalls are going....just as long as i dont get stuck haha, thanks for checking out the video!

[@1812Productionz]

I love reading all the comments from the old timers about driving this road. I drove it with my buddy in 2018, a year before it closed. I had an ole Dodge Durango, and the washboard literally rattled pieces of the interior apart. Other than that, it really wasn't bad. I ought to make a trip back out there and see how it is for myself, thanks for the video!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

hey no prob! thanks for checking out the video....and I agree with you....love reading the comments from the old timers!

[@danhoffman9232]

If your worried about how fast you can drive the Apache trail your kind of missing the point of driving the Apache Trail

[@robertallen6710]

Turtle fast is plenty fast for that road...

[@danhoffman9232]

@@robertallen6710 Especially if you have pets, young children or anyone prone to motion sickness.

[@theil6]

Just did it today as well! Tortilla Flats to Roosevelt! Excellent Drive ! Had a Blast exploring!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Awesome! Glad to hear!

[@vvgmhod4]

Over 30 years prior to the rockslide and closure, I drove the Trail countless times to camp and fish the Apache and Roosevelt impoundments. Most trips were done in my '74 Jensen Healey roadster, with a kayak resting on the windshield frame and a fabricated rack strapped to the trunk. Monsoon season was irresistible, as the brief but dramatic late-afternoon storms were followed by a fragrant peace that is distinctive to our desert. The condition of the road was highly variable, sometimes deteriorating to a jarring washboard, but that generally kept speeds down. Pavement and few guardrails will likely result in further "improvements" in the coming days. Easy access has resulted in the degradation of virtually all wonders of nature and I lament the paving of that stretch of road.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

thank you for sharing!

[@fredtello]

Thanks.... good video

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

no probs! glad you enjoyed it!

[@gpocat4518]

I've been at Fish Creek Bridge when there was water rushing down the creek and it was only a matter of 2-3 feet under the bridge. It was crazy!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

amazing!

[@susanherman3707]

Love your drone following you on the road. Gives us a great view of the road, landscape, and river. Great job! I've driven the road from Tortilla Flat to Roosevelt Lake several times in a 2 wheel drive before they ever made any improvements. Pretty scary!! One of the most beautiful drives in AZ. We are blessed to have such a beautiful state.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you! I enjoy utilizing the follow feature, it offers such a unique perspective! and I feel like people can really gauge how wide and how good the road is! thank you for sharing your story!

[@JK-zw8ec]

Thanks!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you thank you thank you! It means the world to me. all contributions are greatly appreciated and invested right back into the channel! Appreciate you taking time out the day to check out the video! thank you once again! 🙏

[@dawnr9158]

Oh, I'm sad I missed this live.😟 Hope you're doing well ❤

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Doing great dawn!!! hope your doing well too!!

[@alanhelton]

I just drove that for the first time in a LR3. What a discovery!

[@alanhelton]

Remember descending vehicles have right of way.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

amen to that!

[@dougnering9028]

Since early days in my teens, I always considered it 2-wheel anything with minimal caution. But with a manual trans you can goof-up and get trouble. I have a 4Runner now and the deal is AT gets me to other 4x4 places like Reavis Ranch northside. For now, while Fish Ck Hill is limited access I need to get out there. I so miss those places. It just needs to cool off a bit.

[@harveylin3548]

Just made this drive from Apache Junction to Apache lake in my Subaru SUV, very drive-able save for a few stretches of road that is a bit rough. Will go back for sure for such wonderful wilderness.

[@Colleen1978]

Love this!!! This is the section of road we never got to see! Love the Fish Creek Bridge and the Roosevelt Bridge. I'm sure we'll end up back in AZ at some point. Quite different from Wisconsin and we loved our time there. Thanks for another great video!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey thanks again for checking out the video! you will definitely have to take this way next time your out in AZ, so much to see along the way, im actually heading out there again today to do some more video stuff....Love Wisconsin though! I grew up in southern MN so we always went to Wisconsin Dells every summer! its on my bucket list to do a video out there next im in back in the midwest. Thanks again for checking out the video!

[@thebauminater]

I really love watching your videos of these areas as I grew up in Phoenix back in the 70-80s. Makes me seriously consider moving back to the area. Keep up the great work!

[@jagvette1]

Sorry we’re full 😂😂

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you so much! AZ is a home you are always welcome back to! thank you for checking out the video!

[@thewanderingpinto5979]

18 years ago we drove the entire length to the dam in a Ford Focus rental car! It was no problem, just a little hairy going on the one lane sections along the cliffs. Other than that it was a super easy drive.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

thank you for sharing!

[@thehoneybadger8089]

When Roosevelt Dam was being built, my grandfather and a couple of his cousins drove horse-drawn freight wagons on that road during the summer when they were on summer break from high school in Mesa. They would leave early monday morning amd wouldn't get back until Friday evening.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing 👍

[@MrDutchVegas]

Hope you save up enough in the future to help the channel grow. One of my favorites. Greetings from Europe.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate that! any funds that i get from my viewers goes 100% right back into the channel in one way or another!...cant say thank you enough! this channel is just getting started! thank you for watching all the way from Europe! 👍

[@MusicGunn]

Drove the road last Thursday 10/3/24 and the part that was closed is now in excellent condition. Some of the road leading from Tortilla Flat to the top of Fish Creek Hill are a bit bumpy, but nothing a regular car can't do at slow speeds. Don't take a low rider though. We specifically went to Apache Lake for lunch and a beer and we were the only ones there. Then we kept going on up to Roosevelt Lake. Beautiful drive.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thanks for the info!

[@1davechandler]

Thanks for the footage, I just rode my motorcycle by there today and think I will have to drive down that road soon in our vehicle.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Hey no problem! thanks for checking out the video 🙏

[@OYisit]

The non paved sections are in good shape now hopefully they will survive the next monson season...

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

only time will tell

[@goldviper5280]

I was out on the Apache Trail today. Did the reopened Fish Creek Hill. Lots of traffic today (Saturday). I should have known better. Great drive.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Yea, weekends are pretty busy!

[@garybalanesi610]

Driving with caution is always wise. You never know what to expect.. Be safe..

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Exactly!! I'd rather go slow and play it safe vs going fast and Wish I had played it safe 👍

[@robertallen6710]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 That road...you know it's gonna be a side by side yahoo sooner or later...lol

[@NiccoDiazDesigns]

Thanks for this video. I haven't been down HWY88 all the way to the dam since 2017.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

no problem, hopefully you can make it down there again soon!

[@HalJalikakik]

😅 love the Cherokee Rock Crawler‼️I’m so anxious to get my Xterra out there with my buddy. Great video

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

right! the rock crawler is BA! Xterrz would be fun! thank you for checking out the video!

[@Kerry-od4cl]

If you ever come to NoCal, another gorgeous drive is 299 between Salyer and Weaverville - not frightening but absolutely beautiful; although can be dicey when rainy and/or snowy; well known for rock falls and landslides; right along the Trinity River

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I will keep that in mind...Thank you!

[@dminter1234]

pulled my tent trailer with my old f150 from apache junction to apache lake. It was a little harry going down fish creek hill. My wife insisted we go back the long way past Rosevelt and Globe. We heard from some people after we came down that someone tried to drive their 40ft motor home up fish creek hill and got stuck trying to go by a guy towing his boat down the hill. The boat ended up getting torn up by the hillside rocks trying to get by the motor home.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

yikes!!! thank you for sharing!

[@789Zelez]

Miss being able to drive Fish Creek hill, looking forward to being able to use it again! We always stay in the Crabtree Wash area as we have access to one on the cabins there.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for sharing!

[@confuseatronica]

nice, black and white river from before they invented color rivers

[@AdventuresIntoTheUnknown]

Thanks for sharing. Towed a small bass boat on the road in the past. Not sure why anyone would want to see more pavement in the wild...

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

hey no prob! thank you for checking out the video!

[@Colleen1978]

One more thing... when we were at the Roosevelt Dam standing out on that little shelter at the rest stop, all of a sudden a helicopter flew straight up out of there and flew down the canyon. It came back carrying something on the end of a long cable and dropped it off and took off again. Very cool!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

oh!!!! I know exactly what you mean! heck I even got some video of it, but I didnt wanna put it in this video as the video i got was too jittery. im guessing that chopper was picking up water. they usually have a long rope with an orange plastic carriage on the bottom , they use this to scoop up water from the lake/river and then dump in on the forest fires!

[@mikej238]

I drove my fwd Honda Element end to end in Oct of 17. No problem manual transmission, wife hated it 😅

[@jhoe434]

Such a wonderful place And amazing aerial footage Let me guess, you're using the follow me mode 😊👍 I enjoyed watching my friend

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you! The views never get old!

[@johnchedsey1306]

I did the full drive from Roosevelt Lake to Apache Junction last Sunday in my Nissan Juke. Definitely no issues, despite my rule breaking with a 2WD. Though the ADOT truck and the state patrol up top obviously didn't care. It's just so nice to finally be able to do the full drive as I moved back to AZ in 2021, making this my first time being able to do so. I appreciate your previous video that showed it was perfectly fine for a crossover SUV. I do hope they pave the north section clear to Apache Lake. Incidentally, I'd say the west side of Fish Creek Hill would be harder on a passenger car as there are more rocks sticking up than on the east side.

[@brentbarrie23]

How long does the full drive from the dam to AJ take?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you for checking out the video! glad to hear you made it in the juke!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

roughly an hour, really depends on what your driving and how busy it is....weekend will take a lot longer

[@bobmirror7164]

I drove that in about 1984 in a 76 Camaro. Girl friend from Boston who had a drivers license, but did not really drive, was biting her nails and asking to stop for a cigarette break all the way down fish creek grade. Yes it can be very scary for flat launders with no guard rails on a steep narrow gravel road with limited edge clearance for opposing traffic.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Camaro!!! thats my dream car! I even had one for a while, wasnt a 76 though....and that is my favorite generation of camaros! thanks for sharing your story!

[@nicksmacro]

I still take the jeep if only to have options when I meet another car head on. With the 33s, I can be the guy to stick a wheel on the birm or in the ditch. If i'm in the Mini Van, I have to hope they can make the appropriate room.

[@JK-zw8ec]

Great video...

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Thank you! Im glad you enjoyed it!

[@melodyhart1331]

the first time I saw this type of drone,I honestly though so that is how Captain Kirk did it on the away missions,lol.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol, its a great drone!

[@daveloper-l1v]

I was there today, your car will make it all the way through.

[@58Repairables]

That XJ needs to be yellow, like the #MORR Banana.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha, well I do have a yell Chevy K10 that might make an appearance i next weeks video!

[@Tom-d9x]

Bicycled this entire way out and back from Apache Jct.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

nice! ive biked part of it, but not the entire thing

[@wje2]

Jessie, great video as always. I really need to try out the follow me on my drone. Perhaps after I get back from Philly. We do live in a beautiful state don't we. You really made me laugh with the speeding comment. I had a troll yell at me in all caps in a very early video I made because he felt I was driving way too fast. After that I felt I had to put a disclaimer. LOL. Keep up the great work.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Heck yea we live in a beautiful state! and yes, definitely try out the follow mode, its a wonderful feature. just a couple days ago I was mountain biking out near south mountain and I had my drone following me there as well! got some amazing footage that I may include in a future video! thanks again for tuning in!

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

I was kinda sad when it burned up. We drove to the lake righ before the fire and saw a ton of animals going the other way. Almost like they knew it was going to burn.

[@tomjoad1363]

"except authorized vehicules" means that all cars can go. they just don't want you to.

[@mikej238]

I drove my fwd manual transmission Honda Element end to end in Oct '17 . No problem, it was fun. Wife hated it. She hates most back country drives in AZ.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha, its always the wives that dislike it

[@jonatdrmarlo]

You mentioned the confluence of the Gila and Salt rivers South of Phoenix. If you haven't yet been there yet, there is a survey monument on the top little peak near there that marks Arizona's baseline and meridian.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

ooooh interesting! I've been out there once, but it was only for a brief amount of time. thank you for the info!

[@tomjoad1363]

Does your dorne have some kind of terrain level detector ? HOw did it managed to not crash into the moutain while following your car ?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

it doesnt have any terrain level detector. it just detects obstacles, and I would say its really good at it. The 3d sensing system is always scanning the surround area and searching for a clear path

[@roaddog1973]

I drove that road back in 2000 and 2001 in a 1994 Mustang Cobra. 4x4 has never been needed.

[@gordonisaac1618]

Does anyone have any additional information on what the remaining “off road part is like? I know it mentioned clearance and trucks but is it rock crawlers or would a capable pickup truck be fine?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

capable pick would be just fine

[@jagvette1]

Before it was closed I drove the road a couple of times, once in a 4x4 Jeep Liberty no problem, the next time was on my Harley, that made my bum twitch, especially when a cyclist passed me going down hill.😮😮

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

lol thank you for sharing!

[@markc6207]

Now you need a full size Jeep Cherokee

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Oh believe me!..I'm working on it! one day, this channel will have a full sized jeep!

[@markc6207]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 Hopefully soon. I have a 2000 cherokee. 4 in lift 31x10.5R15 Mickey Thompson Baja Legend tires. Billstien shocks. I highly recommend the tires and shocks

[@rogerout8875]

​@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 check out factory 5's F150 pre runner conversion kit.. way more capable than a raptor for a fraction of the price.

[@shakehandswithdanger7882]

Paving it increases the odds of someone speeding off a cliff

[@SDRob01]

Do you think a 4WD is truly necessary? 2WD Ford Ranger truck could handle it okay in normal dry conditions?

[@johnchedsey1306]

I took my 2WD Nissan Juke on the full road last weekend and it was perfectly fine. You'll do great!

[@SDRob01]

​@@johnchedsey1306Awesome thanks! Sounds like it'll be just fine. Drive with common sense and enjoy the road.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

you'll be just fine 👍 have fun!

[@ElRobo1956]

How many minutes can your DJI fly before replacing the battery?

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

That depends on which battery you use. One battery, which is the intelligent flight battery, will give you 34 minutes of flight time, and the intelligent flight Plus battery will give you 47 minutes of flight time.

[@ElRobo1956]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 That beats the 15-20 minutes from a few years ago!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

@@ElRobo1956 right! one of the first drone I had, had a maximum flight time of twenty minutes, but i always stopped flying when I got down to 5 minutes left........just to ensure I had enough time to return, so realistically is was only 15 minutes of solid flight time

[@LionKing15520]

👍👍👍

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

thank you !!!! hakuna matata!

[@mcoffroadinaz4075]

mount a gopro on that little XJ!!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

Doing that today! Heading back out the Apache trail!

[@robertallen6710]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 Better yet...a DJI Osmo Action 4 or 5...the best!

[@TKSung]

I drove from Gold Field to Roosevelt Lake in a Tesla with 4.3" clearance today. You don't need SUV or 4x4. Spectacular scenery. I highly recommend.

[@silvermineband2719]

Paved??!? How disappointing.

[@rickanna8662]

Allowing RVs on this road is a terrible idea. The fact that it's paved opens it up to more bad drivers. 👎

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

agreed!

[@johnpanko9118]

Been there done that many times, Screw it and lets pave it to Mt. Whitney and beyond! You fools --------

[@mjmeadowsaz]

They should never pave as the late Gov. Rose Mofford said.

[@CBub1971]

It’s unfortunate they are making this a paved route. It will ruin this area for the true enthusiasts

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

i agree

[@jgrenwod]

How about a paved four lane with a couple of gas stations along the way.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

haha, and throw in a few resorts and casinos!

[@javig5045]

Merica? explain, you could of done the entire length in your car, there is no 4 wheel drive only parts, why they post it is a mystery, I think they old signs that do not apply now....Javi G.

[@robertallen6710]

Someone interpret this comment for me...plz

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I spoke with a state trooper thats been camped out just before you go down fish creek hill, and I asked him if they plan on citing people that go down fish creek hill in a sedan "or anything thats obviously not 4x4 or high clearance...he said "its their discretion if they decide to cite someone or not" Merica is something I always say when I see the US flag

[@javig5045]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 seems disrespectful to the flag and what it stands for, America!

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I love the beautiful state that I live in and my country!

[@MrFrogman54]

I vote for no more paved roads…imo we have enough,,, enjoy your hard work, thank you.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

hey thank you for checking out the video! its much appreciated 🙏

[@jimp.7286]

This whole only 4x4 and no awd or anything else is another power grab by those who want newbies out of their play area. They just pulled a similar move in Colorado. Has nothing to do with safety or towing. There are awd's that often outperform 4x's and plenty of 4x4s that have to be towed or get stuck. I used to fly past those folks in my baja-bug. As an off-roader on four and two wheels since young,...like many others, I think I've just about seen it all.

[@jessiesdroneadventures7464]

I would agree!

[@jimp.7286]

@@jessiesdroneadventures7464 👍