Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Day Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Tour Highlights

• Dolly Steamboat Nature Cruise: A 90-minute narrated cruise beneath the towering 1,300-foot volcanic cliffs of Canyon Lake.
• Goldfield Ghost Town: Walk the authentic remains of a 1890s mining boomtown and feel the spirit of the Old West.
• The "Tortilla Flat" Tradition: Visit the long-running stagecoach stop known for its Old West architecture and quirky dollar-bill decor.
• Wildlife Possibilities: Watch for bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and other desert animals during the cruise.

Tour Itinerary

• Hotel Pickup: Morning pickup across Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe in comfortable touring vans.
• Goldfield Ghost Town: Explore the historic 1892 mining settlement, historic buildings, and panoramic Superstition Mountain views.
• Tortilla Flat: Visit Arizona’s historic stagecoach stop (pop. 6) with time for refreshments and lunch.
• Dolly Steamboat Cruise: 90-minute narrated scenic boat tour on Canyon Lake beneath 1,300-foot volcanic canyon walls (watch for bighorn sheep and bald eagles).
• Return Transit: Relaxing scenic drive back through the Salt River Canyon corridor to the Valley.

Pricing

Adult: $169 per person
Child: $95 per person (ages 3–12)
*For parties with children 3-12 please reach out through our contact page
Due to increased fuel prices there is a $5/person fuel surcharge.

Requirements

• Skill Level: No experience necessary; a relaxing day out.
• Minimum Age: 3+ years old.
• Physicality: Low-impact; involves casual walking on boardwalks and gravel.
• Gear: Sunscreen, hats, and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended; casual walking is expected.

What’s Included

• Elite Transport: High-roof touring van seating up to 13 guests with oversized windows, USB charging ports, climate control, and an onboard speaker system for clear narration.
• Safety-Certified Navigation: Professional guide to handle the historic "Trail" driving.
• Admission Included: Full 90-minute Dolly Steamboat cruise tickets.
• Hydration: Unlimited bottled water throughout the day.
• Fees Covered: Fuel surcharge and all taxes.

What’s Not Included

• Lunch & Refreshments: Guest lunch, snacks, and specialty drinks (available for purchase at Tortilla Flat Saloon or Goldfield Ghost Town).
• Gratuities: Optional guide and steamboat crew gratuities.
• Personal Expenses: Souvenirs and optional museum/attraction entries.

What to Bring

• Attire: Dress comfortably for a low-impact day with comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers. We recommend checking the local forecast before departure.
• Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Personal Items: Camera, medications, and a small bag for personal essentials.

Season & Departure Times

Public tours depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, year-round; a minimum number of participants is required. Expect a morning pickup between 8:00am and 9:00am (from May through August, departure may be up to one hour earlier), returning you to your hotel by late afternoon (approx. 4:00pm–5:00pm). Pickups are from select hotels in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe; in some cases you may be asked to meet at another nearby hotel, and our office will contact you upon booking.

Important Notes

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Bring cash for the Dolly Steamboat snack bar if you want a mid-cruise treat (water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol are available; cash only). Meals are not included, so feel free to pack a snack or enjoy the local fare at our stops. Tour minimum is 6 guests; we may combine parties to meet this minimum.

Hotel & Resort Pickups: We provide round-trip transportation from designated hotel and resort hubs throughout the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro areas. Exact pickup times and meeting details will be sent via email/SMS confirmation the afternoon prior to your tour departure.

Cancellation Policy

This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please see your confirmation email for details.