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Tortilla Flat started out as astagecoach stop in 1904 and neither fire nor flood has beenable to take away this historic stop along the Historic ApacheTrail. The first thing I like to do once the cruise begins is beat the line to the drink and snack bar! I ordered us drinks and a bucket of freshly popped popcorn so we could kick back and relax. Recently I took my husband, Nathan, on a Dolly Steamboat Cruise.
Tortilla Flats
We got to see the sunset, followed by the moon rising above the canyon. We learned about the history of the lake and spotted rock formations and bighorn sheep. Nestled in the heart of the Superstition Mountains lie spectacular Canyon Lake, home of the Dolly Steamboat. Continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925, the Dolly Steamboat now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. Customers also appreciated the short walk in the Sonoran Desert at Lost Dutchman State Park and the chance to have lunch in the historic mining town of Tortilla Flat. Captain Ron led our cruise for the evening and gave us a tour of Canyon Lake Tonto National Forest along with its history.
Cruises
Today, the Dolly carries 142 passengers with a crew of three, at 103 feet long with a beam of 20 feet. It is powered by twin 225-horsepower John Deere marine diesel engines. Along with wildlife, you can see spot many famous rock formations in Arizona on the Dolly Steamboat. You can see formations that look like heads and bodies which face one another.
Canyon Lake
We climbed the set closest to us and took a moment to stand out on the landing and look out. The mountains surrounding Canyon Lake closed in on us and we got close enough to spot some big horn sheep that were scaling the mountainside. It was super helpful that the Captain was telling us fun facts about the area and exactly where to look when wildlife was spotted. Our Scenic Nature Cruise with Dolly Steamboat lasted 1.5 hours and brought us to a very beautiful part of the lake I never would have guessed existed.
He’s born and raised in Arizona but hasn’t taken one before so I figured it was time to show him why I love it so much. We had friends from out of town and we thought they should see part of the Superstition Mountains and look at them from the lake.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby. In addition to the Twilight Dinner Cruise, other Dolly Steamboat cruises include the Scenic Nature Cruise, Astronomy Dinner Cruise, and the Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise. If you plan to take a cruise, make sure to book ahead, as they fill up quickly. On a trip to Phoenix to visit my brother, we enjoyed an evening on the Dolly Steamboat for their Twilight Dinner Cruise. The time frame was the beginning of October and the evening temperatures were in the high-80s.
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It is family-friendly, but children must be at least 5 years old to participate. There are plenty of other activities for families to enjoy on the Apache Trail. Tour guides play a vital role in creating a memorable tour experience. Their knowledge, commentary, and consideration are what make the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour truly exceptional. The tour also includes a short walk in the Sonoran Desert at Lost Dutchman State Park, allowing you to truly learn about the rare desert landscape.
The Dolly is a one-of-a-kind experience in Arizona for families and couples. The boat holds a large history of celebrations – including engagements, wedding anniversaries, and birthdays. The Dolly Steamboat is located at AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, at Canyon Lake Marina and Campground in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. Tours on the Dolly began in 1983 by the original owners, Paul and Dolly Kennedy. In 1987, it was purchased by the Grimh family, who have operated it since.
Astronomy Dinner Cruise on Canyon Lake
This tour promises a day filled with breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences. We promise to enhance your journey of the spectacular Canyon Lake with outstanding service and genuine personal attention! On behalf of the Grimh family and the Dolly crew, thank you for cruising with us. It was powered with a 35-horsepower engine and could cruise at about 15 miles per hour. It was capable of transporting 50 passengers with a crew of five.
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The check-in times can differ depending which cruise you are taking, but typically you’ll want to plan on being there 30 mins prior to the start time. The Dolly Steamboat offers 3 different types of cruises on Canyon Lake so you have the option to choose which best suits you. Be sure to pay attention to the operating times for each type of cruise may be different.
Dolly Steamboat also offers private charters for weddings, special events, etc. I pride myself in being transparent and always sharing honestly with my readers. Please use Highway 88 from Apache Junction to access Canyon Lake Marina.
We cover the intangibles for sensations that are hard to explain but very enjoyable to feel. Listen as your captain recounts the legends and lore of the mysterious Superstition Mountains. Expect to be treated with outstanding service and personal attention to your every need.
The Dolly Steamboat features cruises that will tantalize your senses with the rich beauty of Canyon Lake, Arizona. Some of the cruises feature dinner options onboard the historic boat. To learn more about The Steamboat Dolly, check out their website using the link below. With fuel surcharge, bottled water, driver/guide, and hotel pickup and drop-off included, all you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure.
Guests can enjoy lunch in the historic mining town of Tortilla Flat. It’s a great opportunity to try local cuisine while exploring the beautiful scenery of the Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat Van Tour. Hop on board the Dolly Steamboat and ride through the stunning slot canyon at Canyon Lake. As you cruise along, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like long horn sheep and eagles. The 90-minute guided cruise will provide you with a unique perspective of the area’s natural wonders.
When I’m traveling I love taking tours / cruises such as the Dolly Steamboat cruise. I feel it is a great way to get outside, experience new things, and see some epic views. A fun and hassle-free way to get out on the water is to board one of the Dolly Steamboat cruises. You’ll get to view the towering mountains that surround Canyon Lake from the water, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot some big horn sheep. Children of all ages can participate in the tour, which offers family-friendly activities and experiences. From cruising through slot canyons to exploring the Sonoran Desert, there are plenty of exciting adventures for everyone to enjoy.
