Visitors can follow the footsteps that Native Americans and hopeful prospectors took over 100 years ago. The trail features miles of spectacular desert wilderness and scenic beauty. The road winds through the Superstition Mountains, home of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, and continues past mountain lakes. The paved road ends several miles beyond the Old West trading post and stagecoach stop of Tortilla Flat.
Things to do in Gold Canyon
Apache Trail
Visitors can follow the footsteps that Native Americans and hopeful prospectors took over 100 years ago. The trail features miles of spectacular desert wilderness and scenic beauty. The road winds through the Superstition Mountains, home of the Lost Dutchman Gold Mine, and continues past mountain lakes. The paved road ends several miles beyond the Old West trading post and stagecoach stop of Tortilla Flat.
Boyce Thompson Southwest Arboretum
This is the oldest and perhaps most scenic arboretum and botanical garden in the American Southwest. In the 1920s, mining magnate Colonel William Boyce Thompson founded this 320 acre collection of desert plants at the foot of towering Picketpost Mountain near Superior, Arizona. His goal was to create the most beautiful and useful arboretum in the world. Now, more than 70 years later, the Arboretum has grown into a real desert beauty. With two miles of walking paths, this is a great place to learn and appreciate the diversity and importance of our desert ecosystems. Call 520-689-2723 for more information.
Brinton Desert Botanical Garden
The 30-acre park includes visual evidence of ancient Hohokam Indian canal systems dating back to 700 B.C., and an extensive desert botanical garden. Vegetation from the four desert regions is on display including trees, shrubs and 25 different varieties of prickly pear cacti. A large playground area is available for children. Call 480-827-4700 for more information.
Goldfield Ghost Town
Once a bustling town nestled between the Superstition and Goldfield Mountains. The first gold-strike was recorded in 1892, and within a year, the town sprung to life with around 4,000 residents. In its heyday, the town boasted 3 saloons, a boarding house, general store, blacksmith shop, brewery, meat market and a school house. Today you can take a walk down Main Street, explore the shops, tour the mine, visit the Museum, pan for gold, take a narrow gauge train ride or witness an old west gun fight. Call 480-983-0333 for more information.
Lost Dutchman Museum
Get a feeling for what the old west was really like back at the turn of the century. The Lost Dutchman Museum, located in the Goldfield Ghost Town, displays a variety of exhibits which feature the artifacts, history and folklore of the Superstition Mountains, Apache Junction and the surrounding region. Call 480-983-4888 for more information.
Tonto National Monument
These famous and well-preserved cliff dwellings were occupied by the Salado culture from the 13th to early 15th centuries. The Salado people were knowledgeable farmers and fine craftsmen. They produced some of the most exquisite polychrome pottery and intricately woven textiles to be found in the Southwest. You'll find many of these objects on display in the Visitor Center museum. Call 928-467-2241 for more information.
Tortilla Flat Saloon & Settlement
Tortilla Flat is an authentic Old West stagecoach stop along the scenic Apache Trail. The settlement boasts a saloon with "real" saddle bar stools and walls covered with currency and business cards from people who have visited from all over the world. Discover a variety of "prickly pear" cactus treats, including ice cream and jellies and famous "killer chili." Call 480-984-1776 for more information.
Follow Us