Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Cruise Canyon Lake for 90-minutes aboard Dolly Steamboat. This narrated cruise explores a slot canyon. Keep your eyes open for long horn sheep and eagles. Venture east of the Valley, deep into the Sonora Desert, along the Apache Trail. The Southwest and northern Mexico are the only places on earth where this lush desert exists. Visit Tortilla Flat, a former stage coach stop, which boasts a population of 6 people! There will be some browsing time here. Take a short walk into the desert where your guide will point out the desert plants.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Children 6 years and under are required to ride in a car seat that the guest must provide
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered for most hotels/resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, plus in Mesa at the Mesa Hilton. *Please confirm with local operator
Across Arizona Tours, LLC is not responsible for viewing conditions at the sites visited and reserves the right to alter tour itineraries due to road or weather conditions.
What To Expect
Apache Trail Scenic Drive
Venture east of the Valley, deep into the Sonora Desert, along the Apache Trail.
Tortilla Flat
Stop for lunch and shopping at Tortilla Flat, a former stage coach stop in Arizona, with a population of 6 people!
Options
Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Stretch 15 passenger vans with maximum 10 per van
Driver/guide
You must check your emails, and your Spam folder the day before the tour to learn pick up details.
Fuel surcharge
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
Gratuities
No animals allowed in van.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
206 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend!
L6431HJkirstenb,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip was excellent. Frank really goes above and beyond not just with the narration but the overall experience. Highly recommend!
Excellent tour, highly recommend!!
Debra B,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was awesome and Frank was more than awesome! He picked us up promptly, offered exceptional commentary, was thoughtful, professional and extremely well versed about the area and history. Provided relevant facts and info throughout our tour! Dolly steamboat was excellent, Frank coordinated our lunch arrival in Tortilla Flats so we did not have to wait! Super thoughtful tour guide! Highly recommend!
First visit to Arizona Must Do Tour
Sue B,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00One of the most interesting tours we have ever taken. Full of history and interesting facts. There never was a dull moment. If you are lucky enough to have Frank as your guide, you will not b disappointed. Such a great experience
Great trip
653genia,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Frank was very knowledgeable and engaginf
The tour guide was great...
Dennis B,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was great and gave us a lot of great information about the history of the area and the vegetation that is found in the desert. Helped us get some of the best seats on the boat tour. Helped us was able to us in the restaurant with no waiting after the boat tour.
Dolly steamboat and Apache Junction tour
Amy C,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Make sure to wear clothes that match the weather and comfy footwear because there is exploring to do outside the vehicle but so worth it. Also if you get Cynthia she is amazing and knowledgeable about anything Az. She even took time to help us find something else to do in Mesa after the tour. Above and beyond what was expected. Awesome person!
It was a very organized tour
Maryam A,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Patric was an amazing tour leader, very knowledgeable, the place was very unique too. Definitely recommend this tour.
Excellent way to spend the day
Y7363JOlorib,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the scenic Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour. Our guide, Frank, was wonderful! He's a great story-teller who taught us about the history of the area, the growth habits of Saguaro cactus, and so much more. Frank treated us to a few "extra" highlights along the Apache Trail which made us feel like VIPs. He took very good care of us all day, and I especially appreciated how kind and patient he was with my 92-year old aunt. The boat tour was incredible, it was a beautiful day and we saw large groups of bighorn and a few bald eagles. My mother and I have done a lot of tours over the years and this was absolutely one of the best. Thank you Frank!
Frank Made Our Tour Very Enjoyable & Definitely Worth Our Tour
Janice N,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Frank shares a lot of history & knowledge, has a great personality. He's fantastic in all facets of his job!
I would highly recommend this trip!
827lorie,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Aldo was extremely knowledgeable and shared it with us! He was able to answer questions and came to check on us while we were on the boat!
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Operated by Across Arizona Tours, LLC