Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour
5
Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour
By Across Arizona Tours
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
The Apache Trail is an old Indian trade route that runs from Canyon Lake through the Sonora Desert and into the Superstition Mountains. On this tour, explore the historic route by land and boat as you cruise across the lake on a Dolly Steamboat, then drive through the desert to the Old West village of Tortilla Flat.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 3-99, max of 20 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Cruise across Canyon Lake on a historic steamboat
- Escape the beaten track: magnificent desert views
- Traditional lunch in the Old West town of Tortilla Flat
- Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from Phoenix
- Fuel surcharge
- Bottled water
- Driver/guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
- Stretch 15 passenger vans with maximum 10 per van
- You must check your emails, and your Spam folder the day before the tour to learn pick up details.
- Entry/Admission - Tortilla Flat
What's not included- Gratuities
- No animals allowed in van.
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.Pickup details
- We depart from hotels and resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe and Mesa. Your specific hotel may not be in the pick up route on a particular day. If this happens, we will direct you to a different pick up location. You MUST check your emails, including your Spam folder, the afternoon before your tour for your pick up information. Or call the tour company directly for this information.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Additional pickup optionsDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included pickup points.- Phoenix, AZ, USA
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7503P3- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Children 6 years and under are required to ride in a car seat that the guest must provide
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Hotel pickup and drop-off is offered for most hotels/resorts in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, plus in Mesa at the Mesa Hilton. *Please confirm with local operator
- Most travelers can participate
- Across Arizona Tours, LLC is not responsible for viewing conditions at the sites visited and reserves the right to alter tour itineraries due to road or weather conditions.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 7503P3
From
$160.00
per adult
Select date and travelers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- 1
- 2
- 3
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- michaelpE6555PJ0 contributionsWould recommendExcellent tour with Derek. Its a long day from Phoenix and back. But the tour guide had lots to say to fill the time and was able to show us some of the best views of Sedona and the Grand Canyon.Written December 29, 2024
- Mark D0 contributionsGrand Canyon, December 2024The trip was awesome, and Eric was an outstanding tour guide. It’s a lengthy one day trip from Phoenix, but Eric’s incredible knowledge of the area, the history, and many entertaining stories, made it pass by quickly. The scenery is magnificent. Everything from the Sonoran desert north to the dwarf forest up through Flagstaff, through the painted desert and into the Grand Canyon, and back. Eric provided complete narration, including selecting several incredible viewing spots along the way in Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is an incredible phenomenon. Eric took us to three amazingview points, where we had plenty of time to explore and take pictures. It’s quite a drive, and did I mention that while Eric was doing all that talking, he’s an excellent driver as well? Well he is!Written December 29, 2024
- angel r0 contributionsGran CayonWe really love it! We did everything that was in the schedule and Zane was really good giving us all information we need..Written December 29, 2024
- Joevis20 contributionsGrand CanyonAmazing day trip to the grand canyon! Full day of visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon. The van was very comfortable with waters. We stopped along the way just enough. Our tour guide Eric exceeded expectations! He had so much knowledge of the area and a great sense of humor! Also, he took great pictures and had fun photo op ideas! Would highly recommend this tour from the Phoenix area!!Written December 28, 2024
- 124DavidW0 contributionsriveting, exciting, wonderful tripMy wife Deborah and I and son Jack had a unique and wonderful trip to the Grand Canyon yesterday. Derek, our tour guide, was, quite simply, outstanding. His expert and professional knowledge of and explanations of the beautiful places we visited kept our attention riveted for the entire day. Derek is also an expert and accomplished driver. Can’t recommend highly enough.Written December 20, 2024
- JamesJ6240 contributionsExcellent Tour & Tour GuideExcellent tour. I went with 8 year old daughter. Very convenient as the tour bus picked us up at our hotel in Scottsdale. Very knowledgeable, funny, and friendly tour guide. We were all very entertained by his personal stories and amazing knowledge of the areas we toured. We had a great time. It was the highlight of our trip!Written December 19, 2024
- adameV2769EJ0 contributionsWould definitely recommendThe experience was amazing. The views were incredible. Kenny was very nice and knew so much about the area. Would recommend to anyone!Written December 17, 2024
- 977shilpig0 contributionsMust see places.We had amazing time. Jeff is friendly, knowledgeable and a great driver. Locations were spectacular and everything went smoothly.Written December 14, 2024
- 833hamidan0 contributionsBreath taking Sedona and Grand Canyon TourFabulous tour with jaw droppingly beautiful views. Highly recommended! Derrick our guide was exceptional, very knowledgeable about the region and its rich history, has great taste in music and also doubles as a photographer. The journey was long but we had several breaks which really helped. Recommend that you carry a few snacks especially if touring during the holidays and/or thanksgiving.Written December 12, 2024
- 581nickif0 contributionsGrand Canyon, Sedona, The Vortex at Bell RockMark H was a great tour guide. He’s very knowledgeable about the area and he has a great sense of humour! He kept us entertained the whole day. The sights were beautiful. Will definitely recommend this tour to everyone! Can’t wait till our next trip down! From the Four CanadiansWritten December 9, 2024
- 837dakarr0 contributions10 out of 10Our trip was perfect. The itinerary was fun. Eric our guide was very engaging and knowledgeable. The entire experience was exceptional. 👍🏾Written December 9, 2024
- Enfant_teribl0 contributionsGreat way to see the Grand CanyonThis was a great trip. Derek was our guide, and he was very chatty and knowledgeable. The tour takes in Sedona and then a number of stops up at the Grand Canyon, with Derek organising pictures of all of us. It’s a long journey, but a good number of stops along the way. I highly recommend this tour!Written December 8, 2024
- nicoledL3819GW0 contributionsBook It!If you're in AZ for a few days and I want to cram it all in, these are your guides! My husband and I booked the Grand Canyon/Sedona tour. Our tour guide was Derek. He was super accommodating and knowledgeable. He also had a great sense of humor and was an excellent driver. He doubles as a photographer. He knows exactly where to get the best photos, recommends poses, and takes your photo. It is a long day, but the trip is broken up by a few breaks (for gas/bathroom/snacks) If I were to go again, I would pack a lunchbox. They provide plenty of waters.Written December 6, 2024
- tvsnowman0 contributionsGreat tour guide!Great tour. Derrick was not only knowledgeable but was the driver as well. His insight about Sedona and the Grand Canyon was terrific. He was born in Phoenix so he grew up experiencing all of this area. It really makes a difference. Definitely recommend if you’re planning on a visit to the Grand Canyon.Written December 6, 2024
- B6786MTnatashap0 contributionsGreat experiencePatrick was a great guide, friendly and knowledgeable. We spent a nice day with him. It was November and the weather was excellent, neither cold nor hot.Written December 1, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
56 reviews
Excellent
46
Very good
7
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Nancy
35 contributions
8-9 hr day and worth it. The trail we drove on was constant s cuves through spectacular hills, cliffs, and around water. The rock and greenery and water were amazing. Stopped at a staged cowboy town, well done and fun. Then drove to the steamboat Dolly. It was a chilly day, took jackets, scarf and gloves. Have the choice of sitting inside or out. Sat ouside, it was fine with jacket and scarf and the sun. Saw bighorn rams and ewes living on steep cliffs, eagles flying and nesting, and beautiful scenery. Can buy what you want, I got hot coffee and popcorn. Saw great cliff formations and one that looked like an elephant. Disenbarked and later stopped at Tortilla Flats for lunch, they were swamped so our group decided to go nextdoor to an outside bar and got chili, coffee, and were treated to a live band. Cold but fun, like camping. Our guide Kim was so informative and fun the entire time. She went back to the van while we were at the outside bar and found my phone that fell out of my pocket. We stopped at a park to see the various cactus varieties. Glad I found out about the jumping cactus. Very pretty and scenic trip. Would do it again.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your excellent review of the Apache Trail tour you took with our guide Kim. This is a relaxing and beautiful excursion out into the Sonora Desert. Well worth taking a day out for such a treat.
Written March 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carole M
Princeton, NJ26 contributions
Jan 2020
A perfect day to enjoy a trip to see the beauty of Arizona. I was picked up at my hotel at 9 and returned home before 5. Our guide did a very good job of giving us interesting information about all aspects of plant life, the history of the region, and pointed out interesting sites along the way. The time on the steamboat Dolly was great. We saw Big Horned Sheep as well as an eagle’s nest. Rock structures were amazing. Tortilla Flat was very busy but a fun place to stop. If you go, be sure to enjoy an ice cream. Delish! Overall, a great guide and an enjoyable day.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are happy that you enjoyed the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat tour so much. This is a great way to explore the Sonora Desert. A very relaxing and fun tour.
Written January 25, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CathybMichigan
Shelby Township, MI38 contributions
Taylor picked us up at our hotel and we proceeded to have the most awesome day on Apache Trail He was very intelligent regarding everything we saw. He pointed out various animals, stone structures, and various history regarding the Apache Trail. We traveled the “Superstition Mountains” and learned so much about the history of the area. The Steamboat tour was very well done. Very comfortable and great “Captain” that pointed out big horned sheep and various rock formations. It was so relaxing. The vehicle that we traveled in was so accommodating. Water , cookies, step stool, looked brand new. Taylor went above and beyond to take care of us! Thanks so much,
Cathy & Rich
Marie & Joe
Michigan
,
Cathy & Rich
Marie & Joe
Michigan
,
Written March 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5 star review of the tour you took with Taylor. The Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Tour is one of the special tours we conduct in Arizona. This is a lovely, relaxing excursion out into the Sonora Desert.
Written March 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Renidel
Canada84 contributions
Feb 2023
Overall the tour was interesting, we always like to see and experience new things. However, Tortilla flat was disappointing, not much to see there, merely 3-4 buildings. Lost Dutchman State Park was very interesting, Goldfield Ghost Town felt like a mini town. I wish the tour spend more time there so tourist can go on the Gold mine tour and train ride. Much more to do at that stop than at Tortilla flat.
We also were disappointed with our tour guide Han. He did not talk much to us. He did not explain much about each stop and the Apache Trail. He even wanted to skip the nature walk in the desert, which is part of the tour, but we insisted on fulfilling this part of the tour and he complied. While driving he played radio in the bus instead of telling us about the surroundings. It felt like he was a driver rather than a tour guide. Few days earlier, we went with the same company on a tour to Grand Canyon and our guide Zane was talking to us all the time. Zane was excellent. If you get choice of guides, ask for Zane.
We also were disappointed with our tour guide Han. He did not talk much to us. He did not explain much about each stop and the Apache Trail. He even wanted to skip the nature walk in the desert, which is part of the tour, but we insisted on fulfilling this part of the tour and he complied. While driving he played radio in the bus instead of telling us about the surroundings. It felt like he was a driver rather than a tour guide. Few days earlier, we went with the same company on a tour to Grand Canyon and our guide Zane was talking to us all the time. Zane was excellent. If you get choice of guides, ask for Zane.
Written February 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review this tour. We will be addressing everything you said in our office and with your guide. We appreciate this feedback.
Written February 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RheaJ
Chicago, IL45 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Our tour guide was Brian and he was just awesome! Brian is very knowledgeable about the area and was willing to answer questions and even tell jokes.
The van was nice and clean and there was unlimited amounts of water and sodas.
The sightseeing was beautiful and relaxing we did not feel rushed, Brian even took pictures for us upon request.
Our group was the first to arrive at the Dolly Steam boat, affording us the opportunity to relax for a moment and to buy a drink. Must try the Prickly Pear Margaritas at the Well Done Grill!
The Steamboat was clean and the staff were friendly and the Captain of the boat made sure point out any animals or wildlife and explain the different mountains.
To sum this up, go ahead and book you will not be disappointed.
The van was nice and clean and there was unlimited amounts of water and sodas.
The sightseeing was beautiful and relaxing we did not feel rushed, Brian even took pictures for us upon request.
Our group was the first to arrive at the Dolly Steam boat, affording us the opportunity to relax for a moment and to buy a drink. Must try the Prickly Pear Margaritas at the Well Done Grill!
The Steamboat was clean and the staff were friendly and the Captain of the boat made sure point out any animals or wildlife and explain the different mountains.
To sum this up, go ahead and book you will not be disappointed.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for this review. The Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat tour is an exciting way to see the Sonora Desert and all its beauty. Please join us on one of our other wonderful tours the next time you visit Arizona!
Written August 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ines_5785
Roswell, NM34 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Eric was an amazing guide! He new the history and the stories. He kept is entertained and informed. The day was memorable and although it was a long day for us ( we are senior citizens), we enjoyed it and we are glad we did it! The steamboat Dolly ride was also great! Pictures don’t do justice to the beautiful views and experience!
Written September 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StantonJR
Staines, UK213 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were picked up promptly at our hotel by Frank, who, throughout the day was friendly, jovial and imparted some interesting facts. At times he was a little difficult to follow, as he jumped from one topic to another, but in general, he was a great guide. I would have liked a little longer at the mining ghost town, to take in the many interesting sights there. The views along the trip were spectacular and the Dolly boat ride amazing. A true photography lover’s delight. We had a great day.
Written June 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlene F
Bridgewater10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Enjoyed our journey along the Apache Trail with our tour guide Eric. He was knowledgeable and made the trip interesting. We enjoyed Dolly Steamboat but some rather rude young people on board which made it difficult to hear what the Captain had to say. Nothing anyone could do to control that!
Lunch stop was amazing.
Lunch stop was amazing.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel A
Sturgis, SD3 contributions
Although the hotel pickup was very convenient and on time, a lot of time was consumed due to several pickups.
There were no reservations in place for lunch, which was shocking to me. The wait was 90 minutes. Fortunately, the line at the patio was not as long.
There were no reservations in place for lunch, which was shocking to me. The wait was 90 minutes. Fortunately, the line at the patio was not as long.
Written March 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to review this tour. We are sorry that the pickups took awhile. Everyone likes to be picked up where they are staying. We try to consolidate the pickups whenever we can. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not take reservations. This happened to be a day when there were lots of people there. This is really a very beautiful tour, going out into the Sonora Desert, On the Dolly Steamboat, there is a narrated tour of the beautiful sights. Sometimes we see big horn sheep and eagles, too. It is definitely a tour worth taking.
Written March 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bev M
Casa Grande, AZ7 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
A very good choice for a cruise. The Captain narrated as we floated along. We saw a sheep resting in the shade under a boulder. There were a lot of boaters and kayakers on Canyon Lake
The ship was clean and inviting. Enough seating both inside and out for all the passengers.
The ship was clean and inviting. Enough seating both inside and out for all the passengers.
Written October 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Journey20989
Springfield, Massachusetts
We will be coming in Feb 2022, are you open on weekend? When I try to pull up info on your site, it looks like you are only open Tuesdays and Thursdays in Feb.
Written June 23, 2021
We are staying at the Crowne Plaza in Chandler... what would be the closest hotel for pickup for this tour?
Written December 21, 2018
Hi, We are staying at the Crowne Plaza in Chandler... what would be the closest hotel for pick up?
Written December 21, 2018
Does it pick up at Cibola Vista Resort
Written November 21, 2018
How long is the tour if being picked up in Phoenix?
Written September 8, 2018
How long is this tour, from the 900:AM pick-up to drop-off?
Thanks
Written August 24, 2018
Showing results 1-10 of 11
Buy it with
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.