
This is an epic ride with awesome scenery.
Tortilla Flats bike ride is a beautiful ride in the Superstition Mountain range that takes you past Canyon Lake. As you can see from the elevation profile there is a fair bit of climbing. This ride is best to do during late fall, winter and early spring. During the warmer months the road is packed with boaters heading to the lake. Best to get an early start to avoid the traffic if you plan to ride this route during late spring, summer and early fall. The road is in good condition. There is not much of a shoulder on the road so be careful. One of the bridges that you go over is metal as long as you slow down you won't have a problem. You won't be disappointed. This ride is extremely scenic. If you plan this ride during March and April the wildflowers will be in full bloom. Potential Hazards: From late spring, summer and early fall the boating traffic is extremely dangerous, some tight turns on the descents, and a metal bridge that can be slick.
Park at the Red Mountain Park which is located in Mesa, AZ at Brown and Sterling.
This is an out and back ride. Head east on Brown Rd. Brown will turn into Lost Dutchman Rd. Lost Dutchman Rd. will intersect Apache Junction Hwy. Turn left at Apache Junction Hwy heading northeast. Follow Apache Junction Hwy until the paved road hits a dirt road. Turn around and follow the same road back. If you want to shorten the distance of the ride park at Lost Dutchman and Apache Junction Hwy. This will shorten the ride to 40 miles.
Bring some money and stop in at the Tortilla Flats convenience store and restaurant which is about 5 miles past Canyon Lake.
Canyon Lake rest areas and Tortilla Flats convenience store and restaurant.
There are no bike shops along this ride. Make sure you bring extra tubes, CO2 and or pump just in case you flat.
SCENIC RIDE
posted by Tyler Ford on 03/21/08, 10:06 pm
This is an awesome ride in the Superstition Mt. range. You will not be disappointed.
Frigid ride
posted by jgurley on 12/31/69, 5:00 pm
A group of 3 of us hit the road to tortilla flats yesterday morning (Dec 27)....34 degrees when we started. The river was flowing and there was ice and a bit of snow to be found. Very scenic and a great ride. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is because with the river crossing, the temp and wind I almost lost 3 toes.