apache trail tours reviews

Apache Trail Tours

Review Highlights

“ I would definitely recommend this tour and would definitely ask for Smokey !! ” in 6 reviews

“ An old but busy town where you can take a train ride, ride a zip line, shop or take a Jeep tour out to the dry riverbed near an old mine to pan for gold. ” in 3 reviews

“ Our driver, Sandman, provided lots of information on the local area plants and wildlife , as well as historical information. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd

Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Serving Apache Junction Area

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About the Business

Guided Jeep Tours, 4x4 Off Road Adventures, Smooth scenic tours along the Apache Trail Highway, Gold Panning Expeditions …

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We booked a large group at the relatively last minute and Jan was really nice and got us booked! We had an amazing backroads almost sunset tour with Smokey and Sandman! We all totally recommend! They gave us history of the flora and fauna, the awesome geology of the land, and the stories of the people who lived on it. They were really funny and nice asking whether we wanted to go the smoother or the rough way (go the rough!!!!) The cranky husband said they saved the day because he doesn't like tourist traps and Goldfeild was a bit too much for him but he LOVED the trip out into the desert! We would do it again! 10/10 recommend! Also the guys said I had to write this... Sandman #1!

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Apr 28, 2024

We love the experience we offer and are thrilled to hear our customers love it too. It was a pleasure having you hit the trails with us and hope to host your group again.

We took the 2 hour tour and had Smokey for our tour guide!! Talk about a gentleman who was packed full of knowledge that he shared with us!! I would definitely recommend this tour and would definitely ask for Smokey!! As an added bonus, Smokey looks a lot like Theodore Roosevelt!!! BULLY PULPIT!!!!

See all photos from Scott G. for Apache Trail Tours

Apr 5, 2024

Thank you so much for this fabulous review of your time on the trails with Apache Trail Tours!

we just went on the 2 1/2 hour jeep tour with our guide Smoky. he was awesome. Very knowledgeable and very entertaining. highly recommend asking for Smoky to be your tour. the ride was very rugged, fun but safe. Great job Smoky. Highly recommend

Mar 11, 2024

Appreciate the nice review - thank you so much!

What an experience. Our tour guide Sandman had so much info about the area. We took an 5&8 year olds and they absolutely loved Sandman. You won't be disappointed in the 2 hour tour.

Wonderful!!!! Group of 7 (4 teens and 3 adults) on a two hour tour lead by "Sandman". He made the tour so informative, entertaining and just the right amount of adrenaline. Master of "dad jokes". Highly recommend.

Feb 8, 2024

Apologies for the delay in sending you a great big thank you for the review and pictures. Yelp locked me out because our company logo is not accepted as the page picture - go figure! You time in leaving the write up is greatly appreciated! Thanks again.

Thanks to our tour guide Smokey for a fun and very informative tour. There were many screams but only because we were having so much fun. We will be back!!

Mar 17, 2024

Thank you for taking time to leave a review of your experience with us and Smokey!

Our second tour with Sandman. Loved it!! The tours were fun and full of stories (oh, and bad jokes!). A great combination. Perfect for any age. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. We highly recommend. We will definitely request Sandman again.

Sorry for the delay-Yelp wouldn't accept our company logo as the page picture-so silly. I do want to thank you for leaving a 5 star review. Everybody is so busy, I know it takes a commitment to do it. We love hearing about your experience. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing! The people make this place the best! They're so fun, kind, knowledgeable! We took a one hour tour with one of the best guides ever! Fantastic storytelling of local folklore, super knowledgeable about local desert scape, plant and wildlife! If you're looking for the best day ever, visit Goldfield Ghost Town, and schedule a tour with Apache Trail tours!

Had an absolute great experience exploring the back country at Apache Junction. "Sandman" our driver was capable, courteous and so full of great stories and info about the West.

Superstitious Mountain as seen from trail

Off road vehicle for one hour tour

Our 4X4 Jeep tour was an awesome experience. 2 hours of absolute fun seeing the best of the Superstition Mountains from wild and wonderful trails. Our driver, Sandman, provided lots of information on the local area plants and wildlife, as well as historical information. Very fun.

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The Apache Trail: A Complete Guide

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Things to Do

Tips for visiting, how to get there, apache trail.

Arizona’s Apache Trail is a veritable gold mine (no pun intended) of tourist opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a scenic desert drive, an afternoon out with the kids, or a day at the lake, the Apache Trail offers options.

The historic trail gets its name from the Apache Indians, who originally used the trail to navigate through the Superstition Mountains. It then became a stagecoach route in the early 1900s and now winds its way through both the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest .

The Apache Trail, known more officially as Arizona State Route 88, is a 40-mile drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The road is very winding, with switchbacks and sharp turns, so amateur drivers should take caution. Once you reach the trail's end, you can either turn around and go back the way you came or continue onto the circle route, which takes you back through Globe.

It’s important to note that the trail is only partially paved but well-maintained. Any reliable vehicle should be able to make the drive, but RVs are heavily discouraged beyond Tortilla Flat.

There are multiple scenic stops and fun activities along the 40-mile stretch of the Apache Trail. The drive could be as short as an afternoon outing or a full-day adventure, depending on the stops you choose to make. The following suggestions are in the order in which they appear along the trail.

Goldfield Ghost Town

The first main stop (4.5 miles from Apache Junction) on the Apache Trail is a reconstructed 1890s ghost town. Highlights of Goldfield Ghost Town include tours of the now-defunct gold mine, Old West gunfights, a history museum, panning for gold, a narrow-gauge train, a reptile exhibit, and much more. Some attractions do charge a small fee, but access to the ghost town itself is free. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat before heading on down the trail at the old-timey Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon.

Lost Dutchman State Park

This 320-acre state park features several great trails into the wilderness surrounding the Superstition Mountains. There is a small entrance fee per car, so bring cash. The park is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and RVs. Lost Dutchman State Park gets its name from a longstanding legend about a lost gold mine within the mountains that was discovered, then lost to time by an infamous “Dutchman.” Even today, treasure hunters continue to scour the Superstitions looking for the lost gold.

Canyon Lake

One of three man-made lakes along the Apache Trail, Canyon Lake is by far the most scenic. It boasts a large marina, sandy beaches, an RV park, and campgrounds. Dramatic red rock cliffs surround the lake—if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles. You can rent a boat at the marina or book a ticket on the Dolly Steamboat to tour the lake.

Tortilla Flat

Founded as a stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail in 1904, Tortilla Flat is one town that’s refused to be swept away by the desert sands of time. The stop includes a saloon and restaurant, a country store, and a mercantile shop. The Country Store is known for its prickly pear gelato, and the town boasts of its population—a total of six people. Inexperienced drivers or those not wanting to leave the paved road should turn around here.

Fish Creek Hill

The drive from Tortilla Flat up to the Fish Creek Hill Viewpoint is quite challenging but very scenic. You’ll likely want to stop at the viewpoint for dramatic photos of the Sonoran Desert vistas. Beyond Fish Creek Hill, you’ll start a steep decline down to the canyon floor. RVs and large trailers are strongly discouraged, and this portion of the Apache Trail is not for the faint of heart.

Apache Lake

Less popular than Canyon Lake due to its isolated location, Apache Lake boasts a scenic overlook, fishing, and camping grounds. Because of the difficulty in reaching it, Apache Lake is significantly less crowded than the other lakes along the Apache Trail.

Theodore Roosevelt Dam

This massive cement structure marks the end of the roughly 40-mile journey along the Apache Trail. Originally constructed between 1905 and 1911 to control the flow from the Salt River, Roosevelt Dam was expanded in 1996. It’s here you’ll either turn around and back the way you came via the Apache Trail or head east on Arizona State Route 188 toward Globe.

Tonto National Monument

If you opt to head east along AZ 188 toward Globe at the end of the Apache Trail, you’ll pass Tonto National Monument . Located in Tonto National Forest, the monument features two ancient Native American cliff dwellings dating back 700 years. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open for viewing year-round and is accessible via a steep, 0.5-mile walk via a paved path. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is accessible only by guided tour from November through April on the weekends. Tonto National Monument charges a $10 entrance fee per person, and children under 16 are free.

• Arguably the best time of year to drive the Apache Trail is in the spring. This is when wildflowers will be the most prevalent (rain permitting), but the trail is open year-round.
• Certain parts of the trail are susceptible to flash flooding, so if inclement weather is in the forecast, it’s recommended you reschedule your visit for another, dryer day.
• The Apache Trail is a major tourist draw, so keep in mind there will be people driving the trail who are unused to the desert terrain and taking in the dramatic scenery perhaps for the first time. Be sure to make use of the viewing points and turn-offs, keeping the road clear. Also, drive with caution throughout the trail. Some portions are quite steep and winding and have cliff drop-offs on one side.
• There is no fee to access AZ 88, and most of the trail attractions are free.
• If you want to bring your boat or other water recreational vehicle, Canyon Lake is the best bet. It has the most facilities and is easily accessible for all types of vehicles and trailers.
• There aren’t any hotels or traditional accommodations along the Apache Trail. There are some amazing campgrounds, however. The nearest hotels can be found in Apache Junction or Globe.

The Apache Trail starts approximately 50 minutes east of downtown Phoenix and just outside the city of Apache Junction. Continuing past the end of the Apache Trail and east onto AZ 188 will take you through the city of Globe and is a 120-mile circle route.

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(480) 982-7661

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Adventure Awaits on Route 88!

Apache Trail Tours is the oldest tour company at the gateway of the Superstitions and Apache Trail.

Book Your Adventure Online!

Our guides are stewards of this rugged land located in the Sonoran Desert.  They captivate their audiences with tales of the history and mystery of the Superstition Mountains and Goldfield Ghost Town.

Ready for the experience?  Climb on board!

Your guide will maneuver the rugged trails, weave tales of the old west, and teach about the native cacti and plants.  Everyone keep your eyes peeled for local critters that call this land their home.

History, legends and lore – our trails will rock you!

Reserve your adventure by clicking below or call  (480) 982-7661 .

Apache Trail Tours

4x4 adventures, apache trail, gold panning, combination tours, corporate & groups.

Apache Trail Tours

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APACHE TRAIL TOURS (Apache Junction) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Explore Our Apache Trail Tours

The apache trail.

Our Apache Trail tours are a blend of beautiful scenery, fantastic Western history, and a gorgeous boat tour through Canyon Lake. We are happy to offer custom and standard Apache Trail tours for interested groups. Keeping CDC safety measures in mind, we ask our guests to wear masks when in the vehicle and keep distance from other when outside the vehicle as well. This is not a problem when exploring the Apache Trail, which is a great example of wide open space! Our Apache Trail tours are also perfect for those staying in Phoenix with a limited amount of time in a day to explore something unique. Due to the Apache Trail being so close to Phoenix, our Apache Trail tours are our shortest because the drive time is significantly less than the Grand Canyon or Tombstone. It takes one and half hours to get to the end of where we stop on the Apache Trail – Tortilla Flat. Because travel time is short, our tour can focus more on the scenery and fantastic history of the area. If you’re looking for the best possible experience, consider taking a tour with us! The Apache Trail is awesome, and we encourage you to call, email, or reach out on Facebook to learn more about the tour. If you’d like to learn more about our Apache Trail tours, continue reading.

Apache Trail Map

Map of our tour through the Apache Trail.

This map highlights are usual stops at the Superstition Mountain Museum, the Goldfield ghost town, a scenic drive to the Dolly Boat Tour on Canyon Lake, and our last stop at Tortilla Flat.

Apache Trail Scenic Drive

Weaver’s Needle, visible along the Apache Trail.

The road that goes through the ‘Apache Trail’ is Arizona State Route 88. Arizona is full of scenic drives, especially near  Sedona and southern Arizona . However, the Apache Trail is one of the best. The road winds you through a mountain range that is part of an ancient volcanic range, giving the mountains and hills colors of yellow and orange. There are deep valleys that dip from the mountains and hills, sometimes filled with a river or even man-made lake. Notable geological features stick out, like Weaver’s Needle and the Superstition Mountains. Coupled with all of this is the remarkable scenery of southern Arizona’s cacti and flora plants. Some of the tallest saguaros dominate the landscape, as well as barrel cacti and yucca plants as well. Eventually, the pavement ends just outside of Tortilla Flat, and drivers have to take a dirt road with steep downhills that lead into valleys, as photod above. The Four Peaks dominate the highest points of the skyline as well. So, for those looking for a great blend of a day trip that isn’t too far from Phoenix, but still provides excellent scenery, then the Apache Trail is one of the best. The whole area is protected by the  Tonto National Forest , helping to protect the delicate desert environment.

Canyon Lake Boat Tours

Arizona Scenic Tours has partnered with the Dolly Boat Tour company to provide our guests with an excellent experience on Canyon Lake. Dolly is the name of the steamboat that the tour company uses, and the tour provides a guided narration as well as snacks and alcohol. This is a great way to end the tour, as taking the boat through massive canyon walls culminates an experience that brings you so close to the geology of the area. Guests will have opportunities to see wildlife such as mountain goats, bald eagles, and coyotes. Part of the canyon wall even has the remnants of petrified palm trees sticking out! Guests and guides alike love this unique boat experience.

Hope to see you there!

Learn more about our Apache Trail tours by clicking  here . Arizona Scenic Tours provides hotel pick ups and drop offs, as well as water, and a knowledgable and funny guide. As mentioned earlier, we are happy to provide safe and private tours to accommodate those looking for a safer pandemic experience. Let us know if you have any questions!

Author : azscenictours

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