Apache Trail Canyon, AZ :: Old Road

[hikeaz]

On topo! there appears a "trail" that could make a return route back to the start after completing this canyon (rather than a road-walk).
Does anyone have direct knowledge of its existence and/or its condition?
igallery/image_page.php?id=5031

Many thanks!

[SuperstitionGuy]

It is a service road for the power line and I drove it many years ago. You can easily find both ends but you most likely will need a sturdy four wheel drive vehicle to traverse it. There may be a gate with a lock at the east end.

[nonot]

Part of that is the old Apache trail, I believe. You will pass the old bridge site about halfway through your planned trip.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Nonot is correct as I was assuming the canyon in question is north of highway 88. You can drive the old Apache trail from the west to the bridge site but you cannot drive the section from the bridge sight to the east. I have driven the west and walked the east and found some interesting items using a metal detector on the east portion including a 1948 aluminum Arizona license plate. Target shooters and plinkers drive in on the west road and shoot up the old bridge site. Use caution while hiking there.

[hikeaz]

Thanks for the replies, guys - Much appreciated.
In re-reading my original post it occurred to me that I was unclear and it may have been difficult to understand my question.

The section of trail/road that I was questioning is now shown in yellow on my 'new, improved' map. >> igallery/image_page.php?id=5032.

[SuperstitionGuy]

Yes, the yellow marker is the original Apache Trail.

The spur road going west and then north from BM 2143 may not have been. I am just not sure when it was built or for what purpose. Also I did not walk that part of the old road.

The old Apache Trail at this point BM 2143 turned and headed south to where the bridged crossing used to be. After the crossing as you can see it head north northwest back to the current Apache Trail.

The View Point at the eastern end of the route was open for traffic and visitors for many years but I believe it was closed because it created a problem for law enforcement. Beer parties, target shooting and dangerous cliffs, etc. etc.

The side spur near the middle of the map that goes north to the highway still exists and you can park just west of it and hike to the old road from that point. This is probably the best access point for those of you that want to explore the old section of Apache Trail.

[nonot]

I don't know anything about the part of the yellow line from BM2143 that runs west and curves north but I can see it on the sat map, looks to be decent, though the road looks long gone. From BM2143 heading east (both E and SE) is the old apache trail, there are tracks from some people that have hiked portions of it scattered on HAZ, but none that show them walking all the way out to BM2143 (most head towards BM2143 and elect a shortcut/steeper route in/out east of that point). You can make out the old rd on the sat maps. I'd say it looks to be a solid plan.

I have never actually hiked it, but the old apache trail is commonly used as a return route for those doing the Apache Trail Canyon. Gonna be hot this weekend, have fun!

[hikeaz]

the old apache trail is commonly used as a return route for those doing the Apache Trail Canyon

Thanks Steve & S.G.! That was the purpose of my question. I have road-walked back after the canyon, but wanted to try something different.