Apache Trail Tour From Phoenix & Scottsdale

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. Two of the more colorful stops along the Apache Trail are Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat.

Explore Goldfield Ghost Town & Tortilla Flat
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.

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!

Enjoy a Dolly Steamboat Cruise
During your tour along the Apache Trail, you will also be treated to a steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake by the famous Dolly Steamboat. 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.

DEPARTS: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday between 8:00am and 9:00am
RETURNS: Between 4:00pm and 5:00pm
DEPARTS FROM Select hotels in the Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe area. In efforts to cut down on the amount of time it takes to do pick ups, we may need you to meet at another hotel. Our office will contact you upon booking.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Dolly Steamboat Cruise
Unlimited bottled water
All taxes

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Guide gratuities
Third party activities
Meals

What about food?
You will have opportunities to buy food at either Goldfield Ghost Town or Tortilla Flat Saloon. You are also welcome to bring your own food. Snacks are available for purchase on the nature cruise but cash only. We provide bottled water all day.

Is this strenuous?
No. This tour can accommodate children, seniors and anyone in between. Casual walking is to be expected. Children under the age of 3 are not permitted on PUBLIC tours. You are required to provide your own child safety seat for anyone under 8 years old.

Is the boat air-conditioned?
Yes, the interior portion of the boat is air-conditioned. There is also a shaded outdoor area.

What type of vehicle is used?
For public tours, we use customized High Roof Ford touring vans seating a maximum of 13 guests. Each vehicle is equipped with individual leather captain’s chairs and oversized windows, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey. Plus, a speaker system for a clear and audible guided tour.

Terms & Conditions
Please read HERE.

Look out for important emails from DETOURS American West about your tour and please check your spam or junk folder if you are not seeing those emails. You will also be emailed the afternoon before your tour date with specific pick up details.

Refund Policy: Item eligible for full refund up to 48 hours before tour date. This tour requires a minimum to operate. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be cancelled and you will receive a refund. The tour will be on standby status until minimum is met. You will be contacted by email for confirmation.