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About this Experience

What you'll do:

Apache Trail - Histories and Mysteries  One-Day Van Tour Experience one of Arizona's most iconic scenic drives along the historic Apache Trail (State Route 88). This unforgettable journey winds through the breathtaking Superstition Mountains, where towering canyon walls, dramatic desert landscape and sweeping mountain vistas await around every turn. Join us for a journey through one of the Southwest's most scenic and historic roadways, where every mile tells a story and every bend reveals another breathtaking view.

Have you heard of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona? The Apache Trail was a stagecoach trail that ran through the Superstitions. It was named the Apache Trail after the Apache Indians who originally used this trail to move through these mountains.

This rugged range is full of legends and stories that have fascinated people for generations. Located east of Phoenix, these mountains are not just a beautiful site, but are also places stepped in mystery. Many adventurers have sought the legendary Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, rumored to be hidden somewhere within the range. Despite countless searches, the mine remains elusive, adding to the area's allure.

Why we love it for your party:

  • Apache Junction's Superstition Mountain Museum The museum holds three permanent exhibits, all containing artifacts and a wealth of information regarding the rich history of the Superstition Mountains, its former human occupants, and natural geological makeup. There will be time for shopping here. Exhibits include:

    • Jacob Waltz "Lost Dutchman" Exhibit - discover more about the mysterious "Lost Dutchman" gold mine and the German gold miner himself, Jacob Waltz.

    • Geological Exhibit - Be awestruck by the treasure trove of natural geological specimens, rock, and ore samples from the nearby Goldfield mine.

    • Native American Exhibit - explore enthralling displays of artifacts from ancient peoples dating back over ten thousand years. Items such as arrowheads, pottery, axe heads, and shell and turquoise pendants are on display.

    • Nature Walk - Your guide will direct the nature walk, pointing out the various plants indigenous to the Sonora Desert. See a variety of cacti, including saguaro, cholla, prickly pear, and ocotillo.

  • Goldfield Ghost Town Established in 1893, Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, Arizona, is an historic Old West adventure destination reviving the mining and gold prospecting days of the past. This unique little old town is brimming with recreated early times type entertainment and is fun for all ages. It touts that it is the "Gateway to the Legendary Superstition Mountains," indicating its proximity to and extraordinary views of the infamous mountain range. 

    Many exciting and fascinating tourist attractions live and breathe at Goldfield Ghost Town. The once-thriving mining town now named a ghost town caters to high adventure seekers. There will be shopping opportunities here.

    • Train Ride - a narrated journey through the scenic Sonora Desert on the 1880s Narrow Gauge Railroad's 36" gauge train, with views of the Superstition Mountains.

    • Gold Mine Tour - a guided, underground walk through the tunnel system of the historic Mammoth Gold Mine. This tour demonstrates told mining techniques and the difficult life for the miners in the 1890s.

    • Goldfield Museum - an indoor museum, detailing the 1890s gold rush, including artifacts and mining equipment.

  • Tortilla Flat has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a tourist's delight. It's not just a dot on the map. It's a destination that offers a taste of the Old West. Visitors can enjoy the authentic ambiance of the saloon, complete with saddles for bar stools. Indulge in local cuisine that pays homage to the area's history. There will be time for lunch and shopping here before our return to your pickup location.

About this experience partner:

The Old West Arizona locals and visitors alike can't get enough of the Western history, and ambiance of this tour. Whether it's dressing up in your best frontier town garb for saloon photos, Seeing your first real road runner, or panning for your own piece of gold, you can embrace the lived experience of a time gone by. Come join us, pull up a saddle to the bar, and enjoy partying with your friends, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, company team building activities, family reunions, days or nights out, special events, or just for fun!

Additional information:

  • Admissions to all attractions mentioned are included in the price. Tour is suitable for all ages.

Book This Experience

Visit the experience booking site to check availability and book your experience.

Location

Phoenix, AZ

Pink house with orange roof

Stay right where you are because this party's coming to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bottled water included?

Yes! We provide complimentary bottled water on all tours. you're visiting the desert after all.

How long is the tour?

We run a variety of tours all over Arizona, and the can range anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours, to overnight trips, to multiple days! The Apache Trail Tour typically lasts about an average of 8 hours.

Will we see wildlife on the tour?

It's always possible! While we can never make any guarantees, wildlife is WILD after all, it is not uncommon to see various animals on our journeys. Since the Apache Trail is a desert based trip it's common to see various lizards and desert fowl, but who knows, you might be lucky enough to catch site of bighorn sheep in the mountains, or eagles amongst the cliffs, it's happened before.

How hot is it?

Here in the Sonoran Desert temperatures can vary drastically during different times of the year. In the The Spring and late Fall Feb-Mar. it can usually get to highs of the mid *70's to low *80s. In the Winter it can sometimes only reach the mid 50 degrees, and In the hight of Summer, June-Sept temperatures can soar to the triple digits usually staying above 110 for days on end. It's highly recommended you check the outlook leading up to your preferred day of travel. * All temperatures mention are in Fahrenheit.