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HIGHWAY HISTORY<br />
THE TIMELESS CHARMS OF THE APACHE TRAIL<br />
The Apache Trail is one of the most popular day<br />
trips for anyone visiting <strong>Mesa</strong>. The historic Highway<br />
88 carves through the mysterious Superstition<br />
Mountains and into the foothills of the Tonto<br />
National Forest. To this day, the area continues to<br />
pay homage to its Western roots, which took shape<br />
in the late 1800s. On this scenic drive guests will<br />
encounter an authentic old west stagecoach stop,<br />
a ghost town, the famous Elvis Presley Chapel, and<br />
the majesty of a mountain lake, all nestled in the<br />
beautiful Sonoran Desert landscape that captures<br />
the true essence of Arizona.<br />
GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN<br />
There is simply no shortage of Wild West fun and<br />
entertainment at Goldfield Ghost Town. The dusty sidewalks<br />
are lined with retail shops, and you won’t want to miss<br />
taking home some of the signature prickly pear fudge at the<br />
Mother Lode Mercantile, which features a wide collection of<br />
old tyme candy and Arizona souvenirs. Those with a hard-toplease<br />
sweet tooth will want to try the Gold Nugget fudge<br />
with layers of gooey caramel and topped with 23.5K gold<br />
sprinkles. Thrills and chills are in store for those who dare to<br />
take the Superstition Zipline. <strong>Visitors</strong> can soar 120 feet above<br />
the ground and capture incredible views of the Superstition<br />
Mountain range and lush desert floor. For a different view,<br />
head the opposite direction and go underground for an<br />
educational Gold Mine Tour. Or stick to the blacktop and<br />
hop aboard an Apache Trail Jeep Tour for adventure on four<br />
wheels. Of course, one of the best perspectives is from atop<br />
a horse. Seasonal trail rides into the lush desert brush are<br />
provided by the OK Corral at the Goldfield Livery and the<br />
path takes riders just beyond the footprint of the town<br />
and along a forest of tall Saguaros. Don’t miss good eats at<br />
Mammoth Saloon, watch a live gunfight or take a ride on<br />
Arizona’s only operating narrow gauge railroad.<br />
CRUISING THE CANYON WALLS<br />
Head out on Canyon Lake for a “Mark Twain” voyage aboard<br />
the Dolly Steamboat, a replica of a sternwheeler paddleboat.<br />
Cruise the lakes’ secluded inner waterways and photograph<br />
desert bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The 90-minute nature<br />
cruise or twilight dinner cruise is the perfect complement<br />
to the Apache Trail experience. Check the calendar, special<br />
Astronomy nights are also offered featuring night sky views<br />
from the boat.<br />
Dolly Steamboat Superstition Mountain Museum<br />
Goldfield Ghost Town<br />
STOP IN FOR HISTORY<br />
Superstition Mountain Museum<br />
and their staff of dedicated volunteers<br />
share the tall tales of the Lost<br />
Dutchman and the large role that<br />
Hollywood played in Arizona’s Western<br />
history. <strong>Visitors</strong> can check out the<br />
Elvis Presley Chapel, what remains of<br />
the Apacheland Studio buildings, and<br />
browse displays, artifacts and read<br />
up on the geology of the area. Tales<br />
of lost gold hidden in the hills is still<br />
shared today.<br />
WESTERN FUN AND FOOD<br />
No Apache Trail tour is complete<br />
without a visit to Tortilla Flat<br />
Stagecoach and Saloon. Tortilla Flat<br />
is an authentic remnant of an old<br />
west town, nestled amid the Tonto<br />
National Forest, Superstition Mountain<br />
Range. As well as being home for six<br />
adventurous people, Tortilla Flat has<br />
a charm that has surpassed time.<br />
Tortilla Flat started out as a stage<br />
stop in 1904 and neither fire nor flood<br />
has been able to remove this historic<br />
stop along the trail. Real saddles serve<br />
as bar stools where you can enjoy a<br />
cold brew or sarsaparilla. The unique<br />
wallpaper is really dollar bills from<br />
visitors worldwide. Plan on Killer Chili,<br />
Big Burgers, Prickly Pear Ice Cream, and<br />
so much more!<br />
SNAP FOR MORE FAMILY-APPROVED<br />
FUN ON THE APACHE TRAIL.<br />
Visit <strong>Mesa</strong>’s website offers travel planning itineraries<br />
featuring all the attractions on the Apache Trail and<br />
even more day trip suggestions across Arizona.<br />
Lost Dutchman State Park<br />
visitmesa.com<br />
<strong>2022</strong> <strong>Visitors</strong> <strong>Guide</strong> | Adventure Explorer | 15