Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 278 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix worth booking?
Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix is a 8-hour experience in Scottsdale, United States, from $174 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 278 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (278)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $174 per person
Spend the day following the historic Apache Trail on a guided true wilderness adventure. Enjoy a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flat, and a boat ride on Canyon Lake. It's a perfect day out in the Sonoran Desert.
What you get
About this experience
Spend the day following the historic Apache Trail on a guided true wilderness adventure. Enjoy a visit to Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flat, and a boat ride on Canyon Lake. It's a perfect day out in the Sonoran Desert. Enjoy this small-group tour limited to just 13 people in a custom van with leather captain's chairs.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off. Even if your hotel is on the list, we may need you to meet elsewhere.
- 1.5 Hour Nature Cruise
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food
What you'll see and do
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.
120 minutes here
Superstition Mountains
View these stunning desert mountains as you drive along the Apache Trail
Pass by without stopping
Canyon Lake
During your tour along the Apache Trail, you will also be treated to a steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake by the famous Dolly Steamboat.
120 minutes here · Admission included
As part of the six mile narrated nature cruise, there may be opportunities to see bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals as well as unforgettable views of 1,300 ft. volcanic cliff walls of Canyon Lake.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Lost Dutchman State Park
Tortilla Flat has become a fixture of the Apache Trail since its inception in 1904. Not fire, drought, or bandits could destroy this hearty stage stop which holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. If you get too warm, you can quite literally “saddle up” to the bar and enjoy a cold beverage to cool you down. This rugged landscape in the Sonoran Desert has been the jewel that some men were looking for with the most famous involving the Lost Dutchman Mine. Rumored to have found the largest gold vein in the west, German immigrant Jacob Waltz trusted his newly found gold deposit to no one and the secret of its location was buried with him. If you have the “golden eye” maybe you can spot it while on tour!
Pass by without stopping
Tortilla Flat
Two of the more colorful stops along the Apache Trail are Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat.
30 minutes here
Goldfield Ghost Town
Goldfield, aptly named after the precious metal found in the area, was incorporated in 1892. For five long years this town was a gold miner’s paradise, however, soon after the vein stopped producing Goldfield quickly turned into a gold mining ghost town. During the tour you will have a chance to spend time in this restored ghost town practicing your gold panning techniques, marveling at the original mining gear, or even spending some time at Lu Lu’s Bordello if you dare.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 13 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Detours of Arizona
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- DETOURS American West is not responsible for road or viewing conditions due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
- Arizona state law requires children under 8 years to have either a child seat or booster. Child seats are not provided, please bring your own and notify supplier ahead of time.
- Minimum age is 3 years - you must notify supplier if you have any small children and confirm you will provide car seats.
- Wheelchairs or walkers that can fold up are acceptable on tour - you must notify supplier ahead of time
- You must let the supplier know if there are any mobility concerns that they should be aware of.
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
- FOR LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS: Any tours booked after 7:00PM Arizona time the night before the tour date might not be confirmed. You will likely have to meet at another hotel for pick up. Our office will contact you prior to 6:00am on the tour date.
- A snack bar is available on board the Dolly Steamboat with water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol. Cash only.*
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 278 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
278 verified traveler reviews for Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Highly recommended
Excellent service, communication and overall experience!
via Tripadvisor
Very beautiful
John was very informative and entertaining!
via Tripadvisor
Jon was 10/10
Jon was great n gave loads of recommendations for food drinks, socials.. I just wish I had 10 more minutes in ghost town. But the slow season and high UV exposure meant 30 mins was all we had. The fudge is great, wish I got some now haha But we got to visit the superstitious mountains and the museum which was a plus! Jon also put on some music and helped take photos for us so that was an a plus plus! Quite an informative trip too Steamboat takes cash only unless you're willing to spend a minimum of 30 on card. The view is stunning I can't tell you how many photos I took Loads of water in the van so don't you worry about hydration. As a group Jon also got us to do an ice breaker at the beginning which was a nice touch! 10/10
Response from the operator: We're so glad you enjoyed the tour with Jon. We always hope for a 5 star review, so please let us know what we could have done better to earn that 5 stars. Thank you, Rachel
via Tripadvisor
Great time!!
The guide was friendly, informative, and great. The tour bus was top notch. Steamboat was relaxing. The entire tour was perfect. Strong recommendation for all future guests to Scottsdale.
via Viator
Tour for All
Very enjoyable tour. 13 people all together, so not a small group. The tour guide/driver was very knowledgeable and navigated the winding roads like a pro. The steamboat Dolly ride on Canyon Lake was really nice. Make sure you board early so you can sit outside on the upper deck for the best view. Tortilla Flats was a really nice lunch spot. Goldfield Ghost Town stop wasn’t really our thing , others seemed to enjoy. It was nice to see everything and definitely came away with great info about the dessert.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Wed, Fri, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 97
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Scottsdale.
How much does Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix cost?
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Prices start at $174 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Scottsdale usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Scottsdale is not rushed.
Is Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 278 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Scottsdale, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix?
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Around 97 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Scottsdale can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Scottsdale and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Small Group Apache Trail Day Tour with Dolly Steamboat from Phoenix start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Scottsdale within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Scottsdale?
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Scottsdale pairs polished Old Town food, art and nightlife tours with hard desert adventure: Jeep runs through the Tonto, hot air balloons at dawn, horseback rides and e-bike routes along the greenbelt. Operator permits decide which trails a tour can actually reach, so we look closely at route detail. On Outty we rank every Scottsdale experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Pedal Bar Crawl of Old Town Scottsdale, Sonoran Desert Jeep Tour at Sunset, Small-Group or Private Grand Canyon with Sedona Tour from Phoenix. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Scottsdale?
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November to April, with dawn departures through the summer. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Scottsdale?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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