⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I first wrote about exploring this historic hamlet during a visit in July, 2022. The area had not completely recovered from the Covid pandemic, so the businesses were not fully open. Most of the photos on the original post were just building exteriors. For this return visit in June I came back with my partner and the same friend from the previous time because we were all eager to come back and have an actual meal at the Tortilla Flat Bar & Grill. The last time there was only a bartender serving beer and very limited food!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
In 2022 tourism was pretty sparse, and we were among the few visitors contributing to that ghost town atmosphere many small places in Arizona are known for. The visitors are back in force now, and it appeared that many of them were Europeans experiencing the desert – maybe for the first time. The three of us were glad to get the same seats at the bar we had four years previously, but they aren’t ordinary bar stools and are actually horse saddles! Apparently nobody else was willing to sit on them but we were happy to sit there again.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
We were glad nothing had changed, the walls are still covered with thousands of dollars, other currencies, and business cards of visitors from all over the world during the past four decades or so. The restaurant is famed for its chili but I was satisfied with a double cheeseburger and Parmesan-seasoned fries. The aromas of everything cooking smelled awesome and the place was almost full. Remember, when visiting desert places like Tortilla Flat (especially in summer) always bring PLENTY of water! While at the Bar & Grill I drank two full 8 oz. glasses – – and it sure tasted great with the burger & fries.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
I was pleased the gift shop was open this time because I love poking around and always find something I can’t seem to live without anywhere I visit. The general store was also fully functional this time around and has a great selection of ice cream that we dove into. It’s also one of the few places where Prickly Pear 🍐 Gummy Bears and gelato are found as far as I can tell. Also, as a former stage coach stop from back in the days Tortilla Flat is on the path of the Old Apache Trail (which we traveled the whole length of during this road trip).
This mostly unpaved, rugged 40-mile trail is not recommended for low-riding sedans like a Cadillac we saw laboring it’s way through the twists and turns! The lighter SUV’s like our Mazda CX-30 or Jeeps, and other four wheel-drive vehicles and a full tank of gas are recommended for traversing this old 19th century pioneer route.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Along with Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and the Roosevelt Dam ending at Roosevelt Lake were also part of our itinerary on this adventure. The dam was on a separate story a couple of months ago so this post wouldn’t be too long, and because I had never written about it before. Keep in mind this region is also part of the fabled Superstition Mountains of the Lost Dutchman Mine and Goldfield ghost town fame. Anyways, I say “Happy Trails” just like Roy Rogers & Dale Evans sang back in the days for any potential visitors who want to discover this illustrious historic and scenery rich part of Arizona. For further fun reading and useful info ℹ️ check out this site: tortillaflataz.com
