Apache Trail Full-Day Adventure from Scottsdale — Canyon Lake Cruise, Superstition Views & Goldfield Ghost Town
Drive the historic Apache Trail for dramatic Superstition Mountain views, a 90-minute Canyon Lake steamboat cruise, and a stroll through Goldfield’s ghost town. This full-day, 8‑hour tour from Scottsdale blends geology, mining history and easy outdoor sightseeing.
The Experience
Before You Go
Stay hydrated and sun-protected
Temperatures swing; bring at least 1–2 liters of water, a wide-brim hat, and SPF 30+ sunscreen for the open desert stretches.
Wear stable shoes
Boardwalks in Goldfield and short lakeside strolls are uneven — low-profile hiking shoes or trail runners are best.
Plan for camera time
Bring a compact zoom or polarizer for lake reflections and cliff detail; the boat stop offers uninterrupted shoreline views.
Check museum hours
Lost Dutchman Museum is closed Mon–Wed from May–Oct; confirm if that visit is critical to your plans.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Quiet pullouts along the Apache Trail for unobstructed Superstition panoramas
- •Tortilla Flat’s small murals and local pie at the general store
Wildlife
- •Gila woodpecker
- •javelina (collared peccary)
Conservation Note
The Sonoran Desert is fragile — stick to roadways and designated trails, pack out trash, and avoid disturbing wildlife or vegetation.
The Apache Trail followed routes used by local Apache people and later became a prospectors’ road in the late 1800s; mining booms shaped settlements such as Goldfield.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the Canyon Lake boat — cliffs and shoreline reflections
- • Goldfield Ghost Town main street — historical structures
- • Superstition Mountain overlooks along AZ-88
What to Bring
Refillable water bottle or hydration packEssential
Keeps you hydrated during desert driving stops and short walks.
Sun hat and sunglassesEssential
Protects against intense midday sun on exposed viewpoints and the boat deck.
Sturdy walking shoesEssential
Provides traction on boardwalks, saloon floors and uneven shorelines.
Light layers and a windbreaker
Morning chill and breezes on the lake make a light jacket useful.
Common Questions
Is the Canyon Lake boat cruise included?
Yes — the 90-minute sightseeing steamboat ride on Canyon Lake is included in the tour price.
How long is the tour and where does it pick up?
The tour runs approximately 8 hours door-to-door with pickup and drop-off across Scottsdale and Phoenix; specific hotel pickup is confirmed after booking.
Is the trip suitable for children and older travelers?
Yes — the itinerary is paced for general audiences with minimal strenuous activity; let the operator know of mobility concerns ahead of time.
Will we stop for lunch?
There’s a pitstop at Tortilla Flat where you can buy lunch; you may also bring snacks if you prefer.
What should I know about the Lost Dutchman Museum schedule?
The museum is closed Mon–Wed from May through October; the tour may substitute time at other viewpoints on those days.
Are restrooms available during the tour?
Yes — restrooms are available at stops like Goldfield, Tortilla Flat, and at the Canyon Lake marina prior to boarding the boat.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
8 hours
Location
Scottsdale, Arizona
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light — suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks and sitting during transit and the boat cruise
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