Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour With Dolly Steamboat From Phoenix

Set out on a captivating small-group adventure along the historic Apache Trail from Phoenix. This intimate day tour includes a serene cruise on Canyon Lake aboard the iconic Dolly Steamboat, showcasing the Sonoran Desert’s stunning volcanic landscapes and native wildlife. Venture to the Goldfield Ghost Town and quirky Tortilla Flat, enjoying Arizona’s rich past. With limited group size and expert narration, this enchanting excursion promises an unforgettable day of scenic exploration.

Key Points

• Explore the breathtaking Sonoran Desert on a small group day tour from Phoenix, including a cruise on Canyon Lake and visits to a ghost town and quirky desert town.
• Witness the striking volcanic cliffs and wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles during the 6-mile Dolly Steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake.
• Immerse in Arizona’s mining history at the Goldfield Ghost Town, with opportunities for gold panning and learning about pioneering women.
• Discover the eccentric charm of Tortilla Flat, a tiny desert town known for its motto "The Town Too Tough To Die."
• Enjoy a personalized experience with a limited group size of up to 13 people on this full-day adventure in the Sonoran Desert.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This small group Apache Trail Day Tour from Phoenix offers visitors a full-day adventure in the breathtaking Sonoran Desert.

Venture to a ghost town, cruise on Canyon Lake, and explore the quirky town of Tortilla Flat.

Learn from a knowledgeable guide about the area’s history, wildlife, and desert survival skills.

Take in scenic views of the Superstition Wilderness from Fish Creek Hill.

The tour is limited to 13 people, providing an intimate experience aboard a custom van with leather captain’s chairs.

This comprehensive tour showcases the best of Arizona’s natural and cultural attractions.

Itinerary and Activities

The Apache Trail originally served as a footpath for Native Americans before becoming a stagecoach trail.

This full-day tour takes visitors on a narrated 6-mile cruise along Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat. Guests may spot bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and volcanic cliffs up to 1,300 feet high.

The tour also includes a stop at the historic Goldfield Ghost Town, founded in 1892, where visitors can pan for gold, explore historic displays, and learn tales of female pioneers.

Finally, the tour visits the quirky town of Tortilla Flat, known for its motto "The Town Too Tough To Die."

The Apache Trail: A Storied Path

Originally a footpath for Native Americans, the Apache Trail later became a storied stagecoach route that traversed the rugged Sonoran Desert landscape.

This historic trail provided a vital link between Phoenix and the remote mining towns of the Superstition Mountains.

Today, the Apache Trail offers visitors a glimpse into Arizona’s rich past, with stops at ghost towns, quirky roadside attractions, and stunning natural vistas.

From traversing winding mountain roads to cruising along the placid waters of Canyon Lake, this tour transports travelers back in time, immersing them in the spirit of the American West.

Cruising Canyon Lake on the Dolly Steamboat

Cruising along the placid waters of Canyon Lake aboard the Dolly Steamboat, visitors can admire the striking volcanic cliffs that rise up to 1,300 feet above the shoreline.

The 6-mile nature cruise provides an opportunity to spot local wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles soaring overhead. Knowledgeable guides share insights about the history and ecology of the region as the boat glides past the rugged Superstition Wilderness.

This scenic lake excursion offers a serene respite from the day’s explorations, allowing participants to soak in the natural beauty of Arizona’s iconic desert landscape.

Exploring Goldfield Ghost Town

Founded in 1892, Goldfield Ghost Town offers visitors a glimpse into Arizona’s mining past. Guests can explore historic displays, try their hand at gold panning, and hear tales of the town’s female pioneers.

The old-west style buildings and dusty streets transport visitors back in time, evoking the spirit of the Wild West. Key highlights include:

• Historic exhibits showcasing the town’s mining heritage
• Opportunities to strike it rich panning for gold
• Captivating stories of the brave women who settled the region

Goldfield Ghost Town provides an immersive and educational experience, allowing travelers to connect with Arizona’s rich history and pioneering spirit.

Visiting the Quirky Tortilla Flat

What makes Tortilla Flat such a quirky and memorable stop on the Apache Trail tour? This tiny desert town, with a population of just six, is known for its motto "The Town Too Tough To Die."

Visitors can explore its eccentric collection of shops, saloons, and restaurants, including a bar with 50,000 business cards tacked to the walls.

The tour guide shares tales of the town’s colorful past, including its origins as a stagecoach stop and its survival despite fires, floods, and economic hardships.

Tortilla Flat’s quirky charm and unique history make it a delightful and unforgettable part of the Apache Trail adventure.

Scenic Vistas From Fish Creek Hill

As the tour winds its way through the rugged Sonoran Desert, one of the most breathtaking moments comes when the custom van ascends the steep switchbacks of Fish Creek Hill.

The panoramic views from the top are simply stunning:

• Sweeping vistas of the vast, sun-drenched desert landscape stretching out in all directions
• The jagged, volcanic peaks of the Superstition Wilderness looming majestically on the horizon
• Glimpses of the azure waters of Canyon Lake, sparkling in the distance

Guests have ample time to soak in the serene beauty, snap photos, and learn about the region’s unique geology and ecology from the knowledgeable guide.

Tour Inclusions, Logistics, and Requirements

The Apache Trail Day Tour includes professional guide services, hotel pickup and drop-off, all taxes and fees, and a 1.5-hour nature cruise on Canyon Lake.

Bottled water is provided, but food isn’t included. The tour is limited to 13 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Arizona law requires car seats for children under 8 (not provided). Travelers should notify the supplier of any mobility concerns, as folding wheelchairs and walkers are accepted.

The minimum age is 3 years, and the supplier should be notified for small children.

Cancellation is possible if minimum numbers aren’t met, with an alternative or full refund offered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Start and End Times for the Tour?

The tour is a full-day excursion, but the specific start and end times are not provided in the knowledge summary. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, suggesting it runs throughout the day.

Are Food and Drinks Included in the Tour Cost?

Food is not included in the tour cost, but bottled water is provided. Guests are responsible for their own meals and snacks during the day’s activities. Gratuities for the guide are also not included in the tour price.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour itinerary cannot be customized, as it’s a pre-set group tour. However, there may be some flexibility for guests to spend more time at certain stops if time permits and it doesn’t disrupt the overall schedule.

How Much Time Is Allowed for Exploring Each Stop?

The tour allows ample time at each stop, with around 1-2 hours typically spent exploring sites like the Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flat, and taking the Dolly Steamboat cruise. The exact durations may vary to accommodate the group’s interests and pace.

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour is available on most days of the week, though availability may vary. Customers should check the tour operator’s schedule at the time of booking to confirm the specific days the tour runs.

The Sum Up

This small group Apache Trail day tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the stunning Sonoran Desert. From the serene Dolly Steamboat cruise to the captivating Goldfield Ghost Town, the tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Arizona’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. With knowledgeable guides and a intimate group size, this adventure is sure to leave a lasting impression.