Apache Trail & Steamboat Cruise Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

Travel along the historic & legendary Apache Trail. This is the ultimate "no-stress" desert expedition where we handle the narrow switchbacks while you keep your eyes peeled for Bighorn sheep. Visit a 115-year-old ghost town and the deck of a classic paddlewheel steamboat. This tour is a masterclass in Arizona history and scenery.

Duration: Approx. 8–9 Hours
Departure: Select Valley Hotels (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe)
Destination: Superstition Mountains & Canyon Lake
Bonus Stops: Goldfield Ghost Town and the tiny town of Tortilla Flat
Tour Style: Guided historic sightseeing & scenic nature cruise
TOUR FAQ – HERE

You've heard the stories of the Wild West, but are they true? Well, some of them are!! Come with us and learn which legends are, and arent...maybe.

MORE DETAILS BELOW

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Tour Highlights

Dolly Steamboat Nature Cruise: A 90-minute narrated voyage beneath 1,000-foot volcanic canyon walls.
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 last surviving stagecoach stop on the trail, famous for its dollar-bill-lined walls.
Expert Wildlife Spotting: Your guide and captain know exactly where the Bald Eagles nest and the Bighorn sheep graze.
The Photography Tip: From the desert landscape of the Superstitions to the reflection on the lake, we'll show you the spots for hero shots.
The Insider Payoff: Explore the “scary” side of the Sonoran Desert at the live reptile & arachnid museum—where you can safely encounter the locals with scales, stingers, fangs, and rattles.

Tour Itinerary

Your journey begins with a comfortable pickup in our high-roof touring vans, designed for maximum visibility and cooling. We head east, where the jagged skyline of the Superstition Mountains dominates the horizon. Our first stop is Goldfield Ghost Town, where you can explore historic buildings and learn about the gold-mining era that put this rugged landscape on the map.

As we wind deeper into the Sonoran Desert along the historic Apache Trail, the road reveals the sheer scale of the Fish Creek Hill area. We’ll pull into Tortilla Flat, a town with a population of six, for a chance to grab some prickly pear gelato or snap photos of the historic boardwalks. The landscape transitions from saguaro-studded hills to the deep blue of Canyon Lake.

The centerpiece of the afternoon is the Dolly Steamboat. Feel the desert breeze as you cruise through secluded coves and past towering cliffs. Your captain shares stories of the "Lost Dutchman" and the geology of the canyon. We finish the day with a smooth ride back to the Valley, leaving the dust and the legends of the trail behind us.

Tour Price

Adult – $169 per person
*For parties with children 3-12 please write to: [email protected]

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.

What's Included

Elite Transport: High-roof touring van with USB ports and climate control.
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.

Season & Departure Times

Public tours depart every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, year-round. Expect a morning pickup between 8:00am and 9:00am, returning you to your hotel by late afternoon (approx. 4:00pm–5:00pm).

Important Notes

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Bring cash for the Dolly Steamboat snack bar if you want a mid‑cruise treat. 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.