Only a few minutes outside the city, the Apache Trail is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert. Get a chance to try panning for gold in the restored ghost town of Goldfield, marvel at the original mining gear, and learn the secrets of Arizona's first historic highway.

A pickup directly from your hotel gets the adventure started, leading you out to the Superstition Mountains along the path that guided Apache travelers, stagecoaches, and mountain men alike. When you get to Canyon Lake, board the famous Dolly Steamboat for a 6-mile (9.6-km) narrated nature cruise and watch for bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals, as well as unforgettable views of the towering volcanic cliffs.

Next, pay a visit to the town of Tortilla Flat, a stagecoach stop that holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. A casual guided walk takes you to the Fish Creek Hill overlook, which gives you an amazing view of the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Wilderness before you finish up the tour with a ride back to the city.