Private Apache Trail Day with Dolly Steamboat Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Arizona's first historic highway is just a few minutes outside of the city. The Apache Trail is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Get a chance to try panning for gold in the restored ghost town of Goldfield, marvel at the views of the Superstition Mountains, and take a cruise on scenic Canyon Lake. A pickup directly from your hotel or private residence gets the adventure started, leading you out to the Superstition Mountains along the path that guided Apache travelers, stagecoaches, and mountain men alike. When you get to Canyon Lake, board the famous Dolly Steamboat for a 6-mile narrated nature cruise. Watch for bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals, as well as unforgettable views of the towering volcanic cliffs. Next, your guide will take you to the town of Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop that holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. ***The cruise is not private***
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No glass allowed on vehicle
Foldable wheelchairs/strollers are accessible
Closed toe shoes and seasonal clothing are reccomended
Service animal requiers paperwork
What To Expect
Apache Trail Scenic Drive
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.
Superstition Mountains
View these stunning desert mountains as you drive along the Apache Trail
Options
Private Van Option
Private Van Pickup included
Private SUV Option
Pickup included
What‘s Included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Professional, local guide
Entry Fees onto Dolly Steamboat
Gratuities
Food
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best way to see the sights!
716shaunah,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hyun was absolutely spectacular. He got to know each of us and was genuinely our travel buddy. He shared and listened. His driving was impeccable and his kindness matched. Sometimes people come into our lives for a short time and leave a lasting impression. That would be Hyun. Thank you for making our private tour the best and becoming our friend. 4 Idaho girls / 1 Utah girl. Shauna
They had a wonderful experience.
sheilatS5212BC,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My name is Pearl. I work at the Doubletree Hilton Phoenix North. The guests Mr & Mrs. Szonn who i helped booked this tour for. They had a wonderful experience. They said that the guide they had was wonderful. How who explain everything to them knew the area very well. This was a private tour. Unfortunately i don't know his/her name. These guests are visiting from Germany. Who i had the pleasure of taking care of while they were here. They loved the Dolly Steamboat Tour where the saw eagles and a Bighorn Sheep.
Fun on Apache Trail
ddb1101,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a fun day Jordan did a very good job
Viator and Detours outstanding services
sunderv2021,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent execution of tourism services by Viator and Detours travels. Flawless, customer friendly, punctual and very knowledgeable tour guude in Han.
Once Upon a Time in Phoenix
larrynA5233UC,Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We arranged a tour for college classmates and wives, a dozen total. We are all in our 80's, so we were mindful of the need to avoid difficult walking terrain and strenuous conditions. Detours took great care of us. They picked us up in a very comfortable van at our hotel and returned us there seven hours later. The driver/guide, Mark H., was knowledgeable, entertaining, and a very careful driver. We visited the Superstition Mountain Museum, the old mining town Goldfield, and took a ride on the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. We concluded with a lunch in Tortilla Flat at the local saloon. Not normally not a part of the tour, and an add-on expense, we easily arranged the lunch with Rachel, our superb contact at Detours. Rachel and Victoria, the tour coordinators, were really easy and pleasant to work with. WWe would not hesitate to use Detours again.
6 out of 5 Stars!
105janeh,Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the Apache Trail Tour and couldn't have been more pleased. Our knowledgeable tour guide took us first to the Superstitions Museum, (very interesting, ) followed by a scenic ride to Canyon Lake. A boat ride through the canyon was incredibly relaxing and so beautiful. The coach accommodations were comfortable and staff members so helpful. I accidentally left a sweater on the bus. It was found and delivered to my hotel. What wonder service!
beautiful day
eugenial537,Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very nice tour. The driver and co-pilot gave us a beautiful tour of the area. Lunch at Tortilla flats and the rest of the tour was very enjoyable. The driving crew provided a lot of history information about the area and keep passengers entertained. Will certainly do it again.
Detours as great as Experience!
cynthiap927,May 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had two groups on this tour -- and they loved it! Detours was wonderful to deal with; great communication. Even took care of our lunch reservations. Attendees reported it was a fun and fantastic day.
Great steamboat ride, but mediocre stops and historical context.
Mightyman51,May 23, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We especially enjoyed the steamboat ride on Canyon Lake. We would have liked it more if the tour guide would have given more historical context or if there had been self-guided audio tours at the stops.
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Operated by Detours of Arizona