For our final drive through Arizona, we took I 60 out of Phoenix and then headed west on Apache Trail through the Superstition Mountains. The drive took us through scenic countryside, complete with some hairpin curves to navigate.
Our first destination was the Dolly Steamboat on Canyon Lake. We decided on a morning tour so we’d have the rest of the day to explore en route back to Phoenix. The Dolly Steamboat is a paddle-wheeler that took us on a 1.5 hour/6mile cruise. As we departed, Louis Armstrong singing “Hello Dolly” over the speaker system was a fun touch that set the mood for the trip.
During the tour, the pilot narrated about what we were seeing as we cruised the lake and the canyon. Along the way, we spotted desert big-horn sheep, bald eagles, and waterfowl.
Canyon Lake was peaceful and the surrounding hills were spectacular. We enjoyed a “breakfast of champions” (aka popcorn and beer) as we viewed the scenery from our table and from walking along the deck.
One of the crew walked through the cabin, showing samples of petrified wood and amethyst ore that is native to the Superstition Mountains.
At $25 USD per adult, this relaxing and educational tour was worth every penny. There are also dinner tours offered. For more information, visit:
“When its steamboat time
you steamboat”
Radically Retired 