apache trail tours

• 1-480-633-9013

Apache Trail Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

From $169/person *includes all fees and taxes, no surprise costs.

Explore the wonder of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert during this Apache Trail Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include…

• Scenic drive along Arizona’s first Historic Highway
• Quintessential Sonoran desert landscapes
• 90 minute Dolly Steamboat nature cruise on Canyon Lake
• Experience the wild west at Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat
• Constant views of the scenic Superstition Mountains
• Tour Itinerary

Apache Trail Tour Itinerary

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.

• BACK TO TOUR MENU

Photo Gallery

Apache trail tour faqs.

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.

No. This tour can accommodate children, seniors and anyone in between. Casual walking is to be expected.

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

Your credit card will be charged 72 hours prior to the tour date, at which point all sales are final and no refunds will be given.

**DETOURS does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled flights or illness. (unless we are notified outside the cancellation period) We HIGHLY recommend booking your tour on a date that occurs at least two days after you arrive.

**Purchasing the optional Tour Cancellation Protection at checkout allows a full refund of the tour cost if the customer should need to cancel within the cancellation period due to any reason. Tour Cancellation Protection fee is non-refundable. Tours can only be cancelled up to one hour prior to scheduled pick up time. This protection excludes jeeps, hikes, helicopters, lodging and Antelope Canyon Tours.

Tour Details

*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

What's Not included

• Guide gratuities
• Third party activities

Other Tours You Might Enjoy

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• United States

The Apache Trail: A Complete Guide

Things to Do

Tips for visiting, how to get there.

 Haralambos Babaletskos / EyeEm / Getty Images

Arizona’s Apache Trail is a veritable gold mine (no pun intended) of tourist opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a scenic desert drive, an afternoon out with the kids, or a day at the lake, the Apache Trail offers options.

The historic trail gets its name from the Apache Indians, who originally used the trail to navigate through the Superstition Mountains. It then became a stagecoach route in the early 1900s and now winds its way through both the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest .

The Apache Trail, known more officially as Arizona State Route 88, is a 40-mile drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The road is very winding, with switchbacks and sharp turns, so amateur drivers should take caution. Once you reach the trail's end, you can either turn around and go back the way you came or continue onto the circle route, which takes you back through Globe.

It’s important to note that the trail is only partially paved but well-maintained. Any reliable vehicle should be able to make the drive, but RVs are heavily discouraged beyond Tortilla Flat.

There are multiple scenic stops and fun activities along the 40-mile stretch of the Apache Trail. The drive could be as short as an afternoon outing or a full-day adventure, depending on the stops you choose to make. The following suggestions are in the order in which they appear along the trail.

Goldfield Ghost Town

The first main stop (4.5 miles from Apache Junction) on the Apache Trail is a reconstructed 1890s ghost town. Highlights of Goldfield Ghost Town include tours of the now-defunct gold mine, Old West gunfights, a history museum, panning for gold, a narrow-gauge train, a reptile exhibit, and much more. Some attractions do charge a small fee, but access to the ghost town itself is free. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat before heading on down the trail at the old-timey Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon.

Lost Dutchman State Park

This 320-acre state park features several great trails into the wilderness surrounding the Superstition Mountains. There is a small entrance fee per car, so bring cash. The park is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and RVs. Lost Dutchman State Park gets its name from a longstanding legend about a lost gold mine within the mountains that was discovered, then lost to time by an infamous “Dutchman.” Even today, treasure hunters continue to scour the Superstitions looking for the lost gold.

Canyon Lake

One of three man-made lakes along the Apache Trail, Canyon Lake is by far the most scenic. It boasts a large marina, sandy beaches, an RV park, and campgrounds. Dramatic red rock cliffs surround the lake—if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles. You can rent a boat at the marina or book a ticket on the Dolly Steamboat to tour the lake.

Tortilla Flat

Founded as a stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail in 1904, Tortilla Flat is one town that’s refused to be swept away by the desert sands of time. The stop includes a saloon and restaurant, a country store, and a mercantile shop. The Country Store is known for its prickly pear gelato, and the town boasts of its population—a total of six people. Inexperienced drivers or those not wanting to leave the paved road should turn around here.

Fish Creek Hill

The drive from Tortilla Flat up to the Fish Creek Hill Viewpoint is quite challenging but very scenic. You’ll likely want to stop at the viewpoint for dramatic photos of the Sonoran Desert vistas. Beyond Fish Creek Hill, you’ll start a steep decline down to the canyon floor. RVs and large trailers are strongly discouraged, and this portion of the Apache Trail is not for the faint of heart.

Apache Lake

Less popular than Canyon Lake due to its isolated location, Apache Lake boasts a scenic overlook, fishing, and camping grounds. Because of the difficulty in reaching it, Apache Lake is significantly less crowded than the other lakes along the Apache Trail.

Theodore Roosevelt Dam

This massive cement structure marks the end of the roughly 40-mile journey along the Apache Trail. Originally constructed between 1905 and 1911 to control the flow from the Salt River, Roosevelt Dam was expanded in 1996. It’s here you’ll either turn around and back the way you came via the Apache Trail or head east on Arizona State Route 188 toward Globe.

Tonto National Monument

If you opt to head east along AZ 188 toward Globe at the end of the Apache Trail, you’ll pass Tonto National Monument . Located in Tonto National Forest, the monument features two ancient Native American cliff dwellings dating back 700 years. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open for viewing year-round and is accessible via a steep, 0.5-mile walk via a paved path. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is accessible only by guided tour from November through April on the weekends. Tonto National Monument charges a $10 entrance fee per person, and children under 16 are free.

• Arguably the best time of year to drive the Apache Trail is in the spring. This is when wildflowers will be the most prevalent (rain permitting), but the trail is open year-round.
• Certain parts of the trail are susceptible to flash flooding, so if inclement weather is in the forecast, it’s recommended you reschedule your visit for another, dryer day.
• The Apache Trail is a major tourist draw, so keep in mind there will be people driving the trail who are unused to the desert terrain and taking in the dramatic scenery perhaps for the first time. Be sure to make use of the viewing points and turn-offs, keeping the road clear. Also, drive with caution throughout the trail. Some portions are quite steep and winding and have cliff drop-offs on one side.
• There is no fee to access AZ 88, and most of the trail attractions are free.
• If you want to bring your boat or other water recreational vehicle, Canyon Lake is the best bet. It has the most facilities and is easily accessible for all types of vehicles and trailers.
• There aren’t any hotels or traditional accommodations along the Apache Trail. There are some amazing campgrounds, however. The nearest hotels can be found in Apache Junction or Globe.

The Apache Trail starts approximately 50 minutes east of downtown Phoenix and just outside the city of Apache Junction. Continuing past the end of the Apache Trail and east onto AZ 188 will take you through the city of Globe and is a 120-mile circle route.

Related Articles

More related articles.

• About Our One-Day Van Tours
• Grand Canyon with Sedona & Oak Creek Canyon
• Sedona, Jerome & Montezuma Castle
• Phoenix, Scottsdale & Heard Museum
• Antelope Canyon and Horsehoe Bend Tour
• Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat
• About Our Two-Day Van Tours
• Monument Valley, Grand Canyon & Sedona
• Tucson & Tombstone
• Custom Van Tours
• About Our Corporate Tours
• Apache Trail & Dolly Steamboat Corporate Tour
• Grand Canyon & Navajo Reservation Corporate Van and Bus Tour
• Grand Canyon & Sedona Corporate Tour
• Phoenix, Scottsdale & Desert Botanical Garden Corporate Tour
• Phoenix, Scottsdale & Heard Museum Corporate Tour
• Phoenix, Scottsdale & Taliesin West Corporate Tour
• Sedona & Montezuma Castle National Monument Corporate Tour
• Sedona & Wine Country Corporate Tour
• Tombstone Corporate Tour
• Tucson & Sonora Desert Museum Corporate Tour
• Discover Arizona
• The Grand Canyon
• Northern Arizona
• Southern Arizona
• Book Your Tour!
• About Across Arizona Tours
• Our Van Tours
• Customer Reviews

One-Day Van Tour

• About This Tour
• Tour Highlights

Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa

Tour Itinerary

Tour schedule & pricing.

• Departs: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
• Returns: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
• Adult: $160.00 $144.00
• Child (age 0-9): $80.00 $72.00

Freaky Foot Tours doesn't sell ads. When you buy through links on our site we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you

Apache Trail Day Trip Including Dolly Steamboat

Maximize your Arizona adventure with a captivating day tour along the Apache Trail from Phoenix. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and rich history as you visit key attractions such as Tortilla Flat, the Superstition Mountains, and Goldfield Ghost Town. Experience the beauty of Canyon Lake with a 90-minute steamboat cruise, capturing picturesque moments from Canyon Lake Vista. With round-trip transportation included, you can savor the journey without the hassle of driving. This 8-hour small-group tour, limited to five people, ensures an intimate and personalized experience, allowing you to appreciate the scenic Apache Trail, marvel at the Superstition Mountains, and explore the last surviving stagecoach stop at Tortilla Flat. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town, including a glimpse of a historic gold mine. Hotel pickup and drop-off are sea

Experiences

Other tours in flagstaff, more about flagsatff, get in touch, top destinations, ghost cities.

© 2022 Divhunt, All right reserved.

© All rights Reserved. Freaky Foot Tours

Book Today: (480) 982-7661

• 480-982-7661
• News & Press
• Book Now: 480-982-7661

Trail Masters

From the Smokey Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and now to the Superstition Mountains, Flapjack has always had a bond with the great outdoors. But the legendary Superstition Mountains, Apache Trail and Four Peaks Wilderness have captured and held Flapjack’s full attention. Step back into history as Flapjack weaves the trails with the tales of the days of old. A picture is worth a thousand words – being there becomes priceless on one of his tours.

Since Smokey retired in 2008 from Portland, OR he's enjoyed educating and entertaining tourists at places like Crazy Horse Memorial in Custer, SD and at Ruby’s Inn (outside Bryce Canyon, Ut). Now Smokey enjoys his winters in Apache Junction leading tours at Apache Trail Tours. His goal is to have tourists leave tours knowing and understanding much more of an area than when they arrived.

Fast Eddie spent most of his life a horseback from rodeos to roping. Today he still team ropes and rides his horse in the desert. He loves to educate and entertain and has lots of experience: from operating a guest ranch in Colorado to the Sonoran Desert trail riding business he and his wife owned for many years. Join him on a tour for that special cowboy flavor he brings to every tour.

Lobo has spent years doing tours from the Arctic Circle to the Sonoran Desert and everywhere in between. As a wildlife photographer he has photographed creatures from grizzlies and wolves (‘lobos’) in the far north, to the rattlesnakes in his Superstition Mountain foothill’s backyard. Bring your cameras! Lobo loves helping people bring home lifetime memories. With his knowledge of the local desert birds, and appreciation of the Apache Trail territory, a great time will be had by all.

Raised in Southern California, life was a beach... until Sandman got a driver’s license! From that moment on the desert was constantly calling. Every chance possible he would be exploring the trails from the Mojave to the Sonoran. Hop on board for the Sandman experience.

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Rooster has spent most of his life exploring the great outdoors. He has a passion to learn as much as possible and loves to share that knowledge with others. He has found his home here at Apache Trail Tours and is excited to have you along for the ride.

Attractions

Featured On:

Proud Supporter:

Experience Scottsdale uses cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By closing this message or continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies on this browser. For more information, read our  Privacy Statement.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience possible. Learn more

• Special Offers
• Accommodations
• Getting Here
• Transportation
• Inspiring Programs
• Meeting Space Search
• Meetings by Industry
• Submit a RFP
• Meetings FAM Application
• Newsletter Signup
• Maps & Guides
• Photos + Videos
• Virtual Backgrounds
• Virtual Site Visits
• Voluntourism
• Stay Another Day
• Sustainbility
• Meet Scottsdale Safe
• Why Scottsdale
• Top Reasons to Visit
• Itinerary Ideas
• Request Rates
• Fact Sheets
• News Bits & Quick Hits
• Photo Requests
• B-Roll Requests
• Individual + Group Press Trips
• Promoting Scottsdale
• Recent Advertising Campaigns
• Destination Champions
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Board of Directors
• Visitor & Industry Research
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Request a Speaker
• Testimonials
• Events in Scottsdale
• Book a Meeting, Event or Wedding
• Keeping Scottsdale’s tourism industry strong
• Increasing International Flight Service a Win for Scottsdale
• Scottsdale’s Culinary Scene Earns National Acclaim
• Protecting Scottsdale's Tourism Industry
• Recognizing Scottsdale's Tourism Heroes
• Kickstarting Scottsdale Tourism’s Recovery
• Experience Scottsdale Community Update
• Tourism Industry Webinar
• APPLICATION FOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
• Community Partners
• Eligibility
• Member Benefits
• Application

• Outdoor Adventure
• Spa + Wellness
• Art + Culture
• Signature Experiences
• Holiday Trip
• Scottsdale Summer Itinerary
• In the News
• Explore Arizona
• Visitor Services
• Sustainability
• Explore Scottsdale & Beyond
• Eat Like a Local
• Seek Adventure
• Stay Awhile
• Play After Dark
• Find Your Muse
• Relax & Unwind

Apache Trail Tours

Seen on the Travel and History Channels and on Arizona Highways Television! Incredible guided off-road adventures around the awesome Apache Trail and the legendary Superstition Mountain Wilderness areas. It has been said that our off-road desert tours are "better than the Indiana Jones rides at Disneyland!" And the Apache Trail takes you on a journey through a spectacular showcase of nature flaunting its irresistible beauty with mighty canyons, jagged mountain peaks, steep summit ridges and sparkling desert lakes. Join us as we explore this Wild West territory and step back in time. Tours from 1 to 4 hours.

Additional Info

• Reservations URL: Click Here
• Cancellation Policy: 48 Non Refundable

Hours of Operation

• Monday: 8am-5pm
• Tuesday: 8am-5pm
• Wednesday: 8am-5pm
• Thursday: 8am-5pm
• Friday: 8am-5pm
• Saturday: 8am-5pm
• Sunday: 8am-5pm

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Heritage & Culture

Arizona's Mining Attractions

Fascinated by underground activities? You'll hit pay dirt in Arizona, home to the most famous gold mine that might never have existed and...

• 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd.
• Goldfield, Arizona 85119
• Hours Tour hours vary.
• (480) 982-7661
• Add to your saved items Save
• Learn more about this on Facebook
• Learn more about this on Twitter

Listings on VisitArizona.com are intended to serve as a guide for visitors to and within Arizona, and all information is provided and maintained by each business owner or representative. Listings do not imply an official Arizona Office of Tourism endorsement, recommendation, favoring, or guarantee of products or services advertised. We highly encourage visitors to conduct their own research and assessments.

• Link to site translated for China
• Link to site translated for Japan
• Link to site translated for France
• Link to site translated for Germany
• Link to site translated for Mexico
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Facebook page Facebook
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Instagram Instagram
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Twitter Twitter
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official Pinterest Pinterest
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official YouTube channel YouTube
• Link to Arizona Office of Tourism's official TikTok TikTok

Most Searched Stories

Request Your Copy

Official State Travel Guide

Top Annual Events

Sustainability

Appreciate AZ

Travel Inspiration

Plan Your Trip

Cities & regions.

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.

An inside look at Apache Trail restoration project after devastating 2019 storm

TORTILLA FLAT, AZ (AZFamily) —For the past five years, State Route 88, also known as the Apache Trail, has been a road with an abrupt end, torn, broken, and impassable in a section just past Tortilla Flat following a devastating storm.

Soon, this historic highway will become whole once again.

Arizona’s Family got an inside look into the progress being made to restore and reopen this historic highway .

ADOT said the 2019 storm caused massive chunks of the canyon to crash down on the road, and some parts were washed away in flood waters.

This summer, crews worked to grind up those boulders into dirt and gravel and use them as part of the new road.

As ADOT nears completion, they warn people that this road won’t suit everyone.

“It’s very important for the public to know this is a roadway only accessible to four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicles. ADOT’s message is that you drive this road at your own risk,” said Garin Groff, a spokesperson for ADOT.

It’s taken nearly five years for the Apache Trail to reopen because ADOT struggled to get funding for the project.

ADOT originally did a study about making the road more accessible and resilient to weather, but the cost was estimated at about $33 million.

While they wait for the money, the agency spent about $4 million on this project, allowing them to reopen a portion of the roadway for certain vehicles.

Once ADOT gets closer to opening this road, they plan to put up plenty of signs warning people that they will need high-clearance vehicles and that people will be entering at their own risk.

See a spelling or grammatical error in our story? Please click here to report it .

Do you have a photo or video of a breaking news story? Send it to us here with a brief description.

Copyright 2024 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

Latest News

GateWay Community College offering cannabis certification programs in Arizona

New cannabis certification programs to begin at Arizona community college

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff speaks on reproductive rights in Tucson

Candidates discuss accusations of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office racial profiling

Evacuation warnings grow as Siphon Fire remains uncontained on Friday morning

Maricopa County Sheriff candidates face off in debate

Arizona cub scouts need help after trailer stolen with supplies inside

Phoenix Cub Scouts asks for help after supply trailer is stolen

Senate committee to vote to hold Steward Health Care CEO in contempt

Steward Health CEO may face criminal charges after no show at hearing

Candidates for Maricopa County sheriff air dirty laundry during debate