2022 Mesa Visitors Guide

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