Apache Trail Adventure with Dolly Steamboat
From$174
8 hours
Phoenix, USA
About this activity
Experience Arizona's rich history and stunning landscapes on this full-day tour, featuring the Apache Trail, a scenic boat ride on Canyon Lake, and a visit to the Goldfield Ghost Town.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Apache Trail
- Cruise the serene Canyon Lake
- Discover the Goldfield Ghost Town
- Learn about Arizona's mining history
- Enjoy breathtaking desert landscapes
Full description
Set off on an unforgettable journey through Arizona's rugged beauty. Traverse the historic Apache Trail, renowned for its winding roads and panoramic vistas. Glide across the tranquil waters of Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat, where you'll be captivated by towering canyon walls and diverse wildlife. Step back in time at the Goldfield Ghost Town, once a bustling mining hub, now a fascinating glimpse into the past. This tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal escape from the city.
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Apache Trail
- Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake
- Visit to Goldfield Ghost Town and Mine
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Only minutes from the city, the Apache Trail is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert. Arizona’s first designated “Historic Highway” and a scenic byway, the original Apache Trail was a footpath by which the local Apache Tribe traveled through the Superstition Mountains.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Pass by: View these stunning desert mountains as you drive along the Apache Trail
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
During your tour along the Apache Trail, you will also be treated to a steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake by the famous Dolly Steamboat.
Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
4
As part of the six mile narrated nature cruise, there may be opportunities to see bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals as well as unforgettable views of 1,300 ft. volcanic cliff walls of Canyon Lake.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
5
Pass by: Tortilla Flat has become a fixture of the Apache Trail since its inception in 1904. Not fire, drought, or bandits could destroy this hearty stage stop which holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. If you get too warm, you can quite literally “saddle up” to the bar and enjoy a cold beverage to cool you down. This rugged landscape in the Sonoran Desert has been the jewel that some men were looking for with the most famous involving the Lost Dutchman Mine. Rumored to have found the largest gold vein in the west, German immigrant Jacob Waltz trusted his newly found gold deposit to no one and the secret of its location was buried with him. If you have the “golden eye” maybe you can spot it while on tour!
Admission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6
Two of the more colorful stops along the Apache Trail are Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat.
Duration: 30 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
7
Goldfield, aptly named after the precious metal found in the area, was incorporated in 1892. For five long years this town was a gold miner’s paradise, however, soon after the vein stopped producing Goldfield quickly turned into a gold mining ghost town. During the tour you will have a chance to spend time in this restored ghost town practicing your gold panning techniques, marveling at the original mining gear, or even spending some time at Lu Lu’s Bordello if you dare.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves moderate walking; ensure you're comfortable with this level of activity.
- The Dolly Steamboat cruise is subject to weather conditions; check the forecast before booking.
- Confirm the tour's departure time and location upon booking to ensure a smooth experience.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for walking and varying weather conditions.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historic sites.
- Consider bringing a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can vary throughout the day.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
Good to know
- DETOURS American West is not responsible for road or viewing conditions due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
- Arizona state law requires children under 8 years to have either a child seat or booster. Child seats are not provided, please bring your own and notify supplier ahead of time.
- Minimum age is 3 years - you must notify supplier if you have any small children and confirm you will provide car seats.
- Wheelchairs or walkers that can fold up are acceptable on tour - you must notify supplier ahead of time
- You must let the supplier know if there are any mobility concerns that they should be aware of.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any tours booked after 7:00PM Arizona time the night before the tour date might not be confirmed. You will likely have to meet at another hotel for pick up. Our office will contact you prior to 6:00am on the tour date.
- A snack bar is available on board the Dolly Steamboat with water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol. Cash only.*
Traveler reviews
4.7272 reviews
5
223
4
24
3
13
2
8
1
4
Great day and beautiful landscape
Great day with fun driver. Very informative and knowledgeable and you can see his compassion for life and its beauty. Highly recommend. Aldo was our guide!
Cynthia_FMay 18, 2026VIATOR
Apache tour in the Old West
A beautiful and well-organized tour. I really appreciated that they came to pick me up at the hotel even though it was not on the list. The guide was helpful and explained a lot of things. The cooler with water included was also very appreciated. The boat ride was nice, and especially having everything booked in advance and not having to wait in line.
fabiogQ3937KGMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great Scenic Views the whole trip!
Very beautiful scenery and informative. Our guide Jordan was great! He took it nice and slow around the winding road which was appreciated!
Vicki_WMay 11, 2026VIATOR
Great adventure to have with friends!
We had a great time and Jay our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. The steamboat trip was spectacular.
Kathryn_PMay 7, 2026VIATOR
Awesome fun,
Fun adventure we took as a family, it lasted 8 hours, driver did a great job talking about history and locations of places we was going to and things along the way, We booked this as a way to see some places we wouldn't find on our own and I didn'thave to drive, the steam boat ride was a blast. The tour bus fit 14 people so it definitely was a small group
Gus SMay 1, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
DETOURS American West is not responsible for road or viewing conditions due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Arizona state law requires children under 8 years to have either a child seat or booster. Child seats are not provided, please bring your own and notify supplier ahead of time.
Minimum age is 3 years - you must notify supplier if you have any small children and confirm you will provide car seats.
Wheelchairs or walkers that can fold up are acceptable on tour - you must notify supplier ahead of time
You must let the supplier know if there are any mobility concerns that they should be aware of.
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any tours booked after 7:00PM Arizona time the night before the tour date might not be confirmed. You will likely have to meet at another hotel for pick up. Our office will contact you prior to 6:00am on the tour date.
A snack bar is available on board the Dolly Steamboat with water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol. Cash only.*