MODERATE: Tortilla Flats in the Superstition Wilderness

Details
MODERATE: Tortilla Flats in Superstition Wilderness area

Hike leader: Ed Moleri 602-980-2723
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Trailhead: Tortilla Flat

Description: Great hike location beyond Tortilla Flats along the Apache Trail Road (Hwy 88). We begin our hike with some stone steps leading up to a ridgeline where we enjoy a 360-degree vista of the Superstition Wilderness area. After hiking along the ridge line we walk down into a valley floor and pass corrals, water tanks, and other remnants of the historic Tortilla Ranch and its headquarters. A fallen windmill lies near our half-way point. We will have lunch along the Tortilla Creek, water may be present. You will enjoy the beauty and the long views of this hike.
There are no facilities at the trailhead. Bathrooms are available at the

Quik-Trip at the corner of Idaho Rd and E.Old West Hwy
Hike Distance: 6.4 miles; In and Out
Accumulated Elevation Gain: approximately 450 feet
Trailhead Elevation: 2880 feet
Driving Distance: 120 miles R/T
Drivers Fee: $10 plus a $2 dirt road fee.

Meetup: 7:45 Cottonwood parking lot

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Using Google maps, find directions to Tortilla Flat Trailhead.
Leaving Cottonwood, right on Riggs road for ~2.5 miles
Left on Mcqueen Rd for ~4 miles
Right onto AZ-202 loop E ramp for ~16 miles
Take exit 30A for US60 E towards Globe for ~5.7 miles
Take Exit 196 For AZ-88/S Idaho Rd. Left onto AZ-88/S Idaho Rd for 1.6 miles
Right onto N. Apache Trail. At the traffic circle take the 2nd exit to stay on AZ-88 E/N.
Follow Apache Trail for 23 miles.
The pavement will end 2 miles from the Trailhead turn off. The dirt road is wide but rough with some potholes (drive with care).
Turn right onto Srvc Rd #213. The trailhead parking area is small and rough,

Drivers Fee: $10 plus a $2 dirt road fee
Hike leader: Barb Smith 970.241.0838