There’s gold in those hills! Apache Trail Ghost Towns, there’s not one but two ghost towns to explore on Arizona’s famous Apache Trail.
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Apache Trail Ghost Towns
Goldfield Ghost Town
Visit a recreated 1890’s Arizona ghost town where an authentic mining town once called home. Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona is a fun stop is along the scenic drive to the Apache Trail.
This is a fun place to visit to experience the old west just outside of Phoenix. Take a ride on Arizona’s only narrow-gauge train and pan for gold.
Things to do at Goldfield Ghost Town Arizona
Visit on the weekend to witness “mock shootouts” on town streets. Usually, the streets have people in period costumes wandering around.
There are numerous old buildings to explore, stop in at the saloon, pick up some souvenirs at the general store, go horseback riding, pan for gold slivers, and the kids favorite- a train ride. All set with a beautiful backdrop of the Superstition and Goldfield mountains.
How to Get to Goldfield Ghost Town
Directions from Phoenix: Take the 202 loop east out of downtown Phoenix to exit 26 East Brown Road. This turns into W. Lost Dutchman Blvd. Turn left on Idaho Road AZ-88 and turn right on N. Apache Trail. (about 45 minutes from downtown)
Address: 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Road Apache Junction, AZ
Cost: There is no charge to enter this old west town (there are charges for activities)
Nearby Attractions:
- Superstition Mountains (1 mile)
- Canyon Lake (about 11 miles)
- Tortilla Flat (about 13 miles)
An Official Old West Stagecoach Stop: Tortilla Flat Arizona
Tortilla Flat an Arizona old west town is located along the Apache Trail. Located about two miles from Canyon Lake, the town of Tortilla Flat was an original stagecoach stop on the Apache Trail in the early 1900’s. It was also a settlement for Roosevelt Dam construction workers.
Unfortunately, the town burned to the ground in the late 1980’s. The buildings were rebuilt to reconstruct the town. Still, this is a great spot to see how Arizona was years ago.
How to Get to Tortilla Flat
Directions from Phoenix: Take the 202 Loop east out of downtown Phoenix to exit 26 East Brown Road. This turns into W. Lost Dutchman Blvd. Turn left on Idaho Road AZ-88 and turn right on N. Apache Trail. Continue driving east on Apache trail as it curves back and forth to Canyon Lake.
Address:
Cost: There is no charge to enter this old west town
Things to do in Tortilla Flat
If you are looking to experience the Old West in Arizona, Tortilla Flat is a great ghost town to visit. Stop on your way to Roosevelt Lake or while enjoying the scenic drive along the old Apache trail.
The town consists of a restaurant, saloon and general store connected by a wooden boardwalk. There is also a very tiny museum at the end.
Don’t forget to get an ice cream cone! Tortilla Flat and Sedona are the only towns I am aware of that sell Prickly Pear Ice Cream. If you’re all the way out here, you have to try it. It is pink and has a subtle berry flavor. If you like the jelly, you’ll like the ice cream too.
At the end of the boardwalk is a replica of the 1932 school. It is located where the original once stood. Fourteen students attended. Throughout the day they have re-enactment of an old west shoot out. Website: Tortilla Flat
Nearby Attractions
- Canyon Lake (about 3 miles)
- Superstition Mountains (11 miles)
- Apache Lake (about 16 miles)
- Roosevelt Lake (about 28 miles)
- Salt River Tubing (about 29 miles)
- Mesa (about 37 miles)
- Arizona Museum of Natural History (38 miles)