PHOENIX – A stretch of State Route 88, which had been closed since flooding in 2019, has reopened as a “primitive road” suitable for use only by high-clearance four-wheel drive and utility terrain vehicles, state transportation officials said.

The Arizona Department of Transportation completed a $4 million interim project to restore limited access to mileposts 222-227. The reopening comes with signs carrying a warning:

CAUTION: PRIMITIVE ROAD

No Trailers

4-Wheel Drive and UTVs Only

(Except Authorized Vehicles)

The signs apply to the steep, winding stretch of State Route 88 between the last eastbound turnaround point, Fish Creek Vista at milepost 222, and the bridge crossing Fish Creek at milepost 223.5. The last turnaround for westbound traffic is Reavis Trailhead Road at milepost 227.6.

“Motorists towing trailers and boats can continue to safely access Apache Lake traveling on the east side of SR 88 from State Route 188, while Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat and other points west of the restricted section remain accessible from the East Valley,” ADOT officials stated in a release.

“ADOT continues seeking federal funding for more extensive upgrades, estimated to cost $33.7 million, that would make the stretch accessible to other vehicles and more resilient to storms.”

Greg Byres, ADOT state engineer and deputy director for transportation, said: “We understand Apache Trail’s place in the hearts of many Arizonans and are proud to have restored this limited access for people with the proper vehicles.

“We are committed to exploring all possible funding opportunities to continue expanding access in the future.”

A 5-mile stretch of SR 88 has been closed between Fish Creek Vista and the Reavis Trailhead turnoff since the 2019 flooding, which was made worse in areas by runoff from the Woodbury Fire scar, transportation officials said.

ADOT reopened 1.7 miles west from Apache Lake Marina to Reavis Trailhead Road in 2022.