Apache Trail Arizona is home to the legendary Superstition Mountains which offer a warm, Western welcome!

Welcome to the Apache Trail Arizona

The Apache Trail

Saguaro cactus growing up out of the mountains

The Apache Trail Arizona is so spectacular that we took the drive from Mesa twice. On our first visit we went too late in day to experience any of the attractions. So the next day we booked a Canyon Lake cruise on the Dolly Steamboat and returned early in the day for our lovely journey.

Superstition Mountains

Superstition Mountain is the entry to the Apache Trail Arizona

A rich vein of history runs through this part of Arizona. The Apache Trail was once a Stagecoach and freight wagon route from Mesa to Globe. Miners, Indians and cowboys have all roamed the mysterious Superstition Mountains.

Look carefully and you will see a Ram just to the left of the big rock in the center!

Today the Apache Trail is still a treasure chest of adventure. As we drove and explored we discovered a fascinating ecosystem. There are breathtaking canyons (hence the reference to being a mini Grand Canyon), desert lakes, towering saguaros and desert wildflowers. Though we did not encounter any coyotes or rattlesnakes, we did see Bighorn sheep on our lake cruise.

Dolly Steamboat 

A view of Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake along the Apache Trail Arizona

Since our Canyon Lake cruise was just before Christmas…

Amazing rock formations set off by very blue sky!

The mountains are considered to be Arizona’s mini Grand Canyon

This craggy mountain pops up right out of the water which is deep blue in most places. But here it is an astonishing green hue.

In the center you can see the dam between the mountains.

We began learning a bit about the area on our Canyon Lake cruise. As we steamed through the secluded inner waterways of magnificent Canyon Lake we were astounded by the wondrous formations created by a violent past. Our captain on the Dolly Steamboat told us of the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains and historic Apache Trail. Our time on the water was both relaxing and informative!

Legend has it that this is Johann Sebastian Bach playing a piano concerto

I’m always amazed by how plants grow right out of the rocks!

Can you see the shape of a mastodon in those rocks?

The stunning view as Dolly Steamboat cruises Canyon Lake

Millenia of weather and environmental changes create color changes on the rocks

I thought those tall rocks at the top look like a bride and groom standing at the altar

The beauty of nature is astounding!

Doesn’t this look like the Rock of Gibraltar?

Tortilla Flat

A Stagecoach and a Buckboard at Tortilla Flat

A bit of history about schooling in Tortilla Flat AZ

From Canyon Lake we continued on the trail to Tortilla Flat. This famous Stagecoach stop is nestled in the Superstition Mountain Wilderness. We stopped for some refreshments and were thrilled to step back in time to the old west.

Money from everywhere paper walls at this Tortilla Flat restaurant and cantina The Dutchman’s Inn

This is where we learned that Jacob Waltz, known as the Old Dutchman, Arizona’s most celebrated scoundrel laid the cornerstone for the restaurant and cantina in Tortilla Flat. Waltz was a notorious liar, drunkard and general miscreant who avoided gainful employment with dedication.

An old time Out House (bathroom) at Tortilla Flat AZ

The cutest sign ever, pointing the way to the bathroom!

It took a lot of searching and digging to find that rich Peralta Gold Mine among 125,000 acres of Superstition Mountains and “even more killing of hombres who attempted to follow him back to his rich mine”.

A bit of history about schooling in Tortilla Flat AZ

Legend has it that Jacob had a reputation for appreciating the culinary niceties of life. The love of his life, a young Phoenix widow who ran a small confection shop and restaurant, testified that the only thing the old Dutchman liked more than sin was a good meal. Unhappy with local dining rooms, he built his own. Old Jacob even made sure spirits were included since he could not resist a nit or tow occasionally. Although he covered up the mine entrance before he died, he left us a legacy – his legend and the Tortilla Flat restaurant and cantina The Dutchman’s Inn to enjoy.

Stepping back in time to the old west in Tortilla Flat AZ

Refreshed after our stop at Tortilla Flat, we continued driving the Apache Trail until we could go no further. At that point we very cautiously turned around and headed back to Goldfield Ghost Town.

Goldfield Ghost Town

Peterson’s Mercantile at Goldfield Ghost Town

Howdy partner. How’s about a sarsaparilla?

A glimpse back in time to the old west

In the 1890s, Goldfield was a boomtown. There were 50 working mines in the district. As the mines closed Goldfield became a ghost town. Fast forward to present day and Goldfield features unique shops, a steak house and a saloon, general store, two museums, horseback riding and Jeep tours. You can even try your hand at panning for gold. It was a fun place to visit, very picturesque and bustling with tourists.

Spectacular views along the Apache Trail Arizona

Mountains, mountains and more mountains!!!

Desert landscape and more mountains

Apache Lake

Mountains for miles

The crowning glory on this mountain along the Apache Trail Arizona

The hairpin curves, stunning canyon lakes and perilous drops to the canyon below made the drive along the Apache Trail Arizona thrilling, a bit scary, and totally breathtaking!