Apache Trail Tour

Highlights / General details

Only minutes from the city, the Apache Trail is a true wilderness adventure and a perfect day in the Sonoran Desert. Arizona's first designated "Historic Highway" and a scenic byway, the original Apache Trail was a footpath in which the local Apache Tribe would use to travel through the Superstition Mountains. When western expansion began to take hold, this once small footpath became a stage coach trail for miners and mountain men who were in search of their fortunes. Two of the more colorful stops along the Apache Trail are Goldfield GHOST TOWN and Tortilla Flats. Goldfield, aptly named after the precious metal that was found in the area, was incorporated in 1892. For 5 long years this town was a gold miner’s Mecca, 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 with opportunities to practice your GOLD panning techniques, marvel at the original mining gear, or even spending some time at Lu Lu’s Bordello if you dare.
During your tour along the Apache Trail, guests will be treated to a steamboat ride on Canyon Lake by the famous Dolly Steamboat. As part of the 6 mile narrated nature cruise, there may be opportunities to see Big Horn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and a host of other desert animals as well as unforgettable views of 1300ft volcanic cliff walls of Canyon Lake. Following our steamboat ride, the tour will continue to Tortilla Flat and just beyond that Fish Creek Hill in the Superstition Wilderness. 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. We continue to the Fish Creek Hill overlook which gives you an amazing vantage point to peer off into the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Wilderness. The Superstition Mountains are truly a breathtaking sight to behold. 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!

Inclusion

Bottled water; Professional guide; Roundtrip air-conditioned transportation, including pick-up and drop-off service in Phoenix; Lunch; Entrance fees; Dolly Steamboat tickets and all taxes.

Exclusion

Gratuities.

Hours of operation

Available Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Departs Phoenix at approximately 8:30 am and returns to Phoenix at approximately 4:30 pm.

Policies

Reservation confirmation is required. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher. Guests must provide child safety seats for children 4 years and 40 lbs. (Arizona State Law). For the East Valley, Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler, guests will meet at the Mesa Hilton, 1011 West Holmes Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85210. For the West Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Litchfield, guests will meet at selected hotels along the Route 17 Freeway.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation