Exploring the Sonoran Desert and Superstition Mountains: Our Arizona Travel Adventure Begins 🌵✨

February 9, 2025

After journeying through three states, we finally arrived at our winter destination—the stunning Sonoran Desert in Arizona. This marks the start of our series exploring the diverse beauty, rich history, and hidden gems of Arizona. In this first chapter, we dive into the vibrant Valley of the Sun, the mysterious Superstition Mountains, and some fascinating stops along the way.

Changing Plans: From Tucson to the Valley of the Sun 🌞🚐

While our original plan was to camp east of Tucson, a sudden change brought us to the Valley of the Sun, a name coined in the 1930s to boost tourism and celebrate Arizona’s sunny climate. It’s a bustling area centered around Phoenix and Mesa, offering a mix of urban amenities and natural wonders.

One important task had us stop in Mesa: I realized I hadn’t purchased our off-road license before leaving Colorado. The online process was tricky, so we visited the office in Mesa to take the test and pick up the necessary permits. Even though we didn’t plan to off-road right away, this license will be essential as we explore Arizona’s public lands.

Goldfield Ghost Town: Where History Comes Alive 👻💥

Ghost towns often conjure images of abandoned buildings and silence, but Goldfield Ghost Town is the exact opposite—full of life, history, and entertainment. Located near the Superstition Mountains, Goldfield began as a bustling mining town during Arizona’s gold rush in the 1890s.

The Boom and Bust of Goldfield

Goldfield’s prosperity was built on its gold mines, supporting three saloons, a boarding house, a blacksmith, a brewery (yes, that’s always a good sign), a meat market, and a schoolhouse. But like many mining towns, when the veins ran dry, the town’s population slowly dwindled.

A New Life as a Tourist Attraction

Revived in the 1980s, Goldfield now thrives as a tourist destination. Admission is free, but there’s no shortage of shops, museums, and experiences that might tempt you to spend a little. One of the biggest draws is the hourly old west gun show, each with unique stories and action that keep visitors coming back.

We were tempted to splurge but managed to enjoy the experience without emptying our pockets. This blend of history and entertainment makes Goldfield a must-visit spot on any Arizona itinerary.

The Mammoth Mine Gift & Rock Shop: A Treasure Trove of History and Minerals 💎🦖

Next up was a charming, quirky stop at the Mammoth Mine Gift & Rock Shop. This little gem offers everything from sparkling minerals and colorful rocks to fossils and dinosaur bones. The shop is like stepping back to the 1960s, filled with nostalgia and fascinating finds.

Ron Feldman, the owner and author of four books—including one on the legendary Lost Dutchman Gold Mine—welcomes every visitor with a personal touch. His stories and knowledge turn this from a simple rock shop into a fascinating history lesson.

Legends and Lore: The Lost Dutchman Museum and the Superstition Mountains 🏞️🔍

The Superstition Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to all our adventures. These rugged peaks are steeped in mystery, legend, and history.

A Museum Dedicated to Mystery

The Lost Dutchman Museum began in 1969 with the goal of preserving the rich history and folklore of the Superstitions. Today, it features 15 acres of exhibits, artifacts, and trails that you can explore at your own pace for a small entry fee.

A short introductory film sets the scene, explaining how Native American Pima legends spoke of strange noises, unexplained disappearances, and eerie deaths—stories that earned these mountains their ominous name.

Who Was the “Dutchman”?

John Waltz, known as “the Dutchman” (though he was German), was a mining prospector rumored to have hidden treasure in these mountains. Since then, over 30 people have died trying to locate his lost caches, cementing the Superstition Mountains’ place in Western lore.

Cowboy Vibes at the Hitching Post Bar 🤠🎶

After a day of exploration, we found the Hitching Post Bar, a true local favorite. This lively spot combines cowboy culture with a fun, friendly atmosphere. With live music and plenty to look at, it’s a great place to unwind—even if you don’t arrive on horseback!

Though the food could use some improvement, the service was excellent and the experience authentic. It’s easy to see why this bar is a hub for locals and visitors alike.

Scenic Serenity: Dolly Steamboat Cruise on Canyon Lake 🚤🐦

Next on our itinerary was Canyon Lake, a refreshing change from the desert landscape. Because the weather was a bit chilly for kayaking, we opted for the

Dolly Steamboat Scenic Nature Cruise—an hour and a half of calm, narrated sightseeing.

The climate-controlled cabins with large windows gave us fantastic views of the lake and the wildlife that calls it home. Knowledgeable staff helped us spot birds and other creatures, making this cruise a highlight of our trip and highly recommended for visitors.

Exploring Tortilla Flats and the Apache Trail: A Slice of Old Arizona 🛤️🌄

Our journey continued along the Apache Trail, a scenic route famous for being one of the top 10 motorcycle rides in the country. Along the way, we stopped in Tortilla Flats, a tiny town with a big personality.

Established in 1904 as a stagecoach stop, the town’s main street is packed with quirky shops and local charm. We visited the small museum housed in the replica old schoolhouse and soaked in the authentic Western atmosphere.

What’s Next on Our Arizona Adventure? 🚐🌵

This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for upcoming episodes where we’ll explore more of the Sonoran Desert, visit a 200-year-old mission, delve into Cold War history, and admire stunning Southwestern architecture.

Final Thoughts

Arizona offers a spectacular blend of natural beauty, fascinating history, and vibrant culture. From lively ghost towns to mysterious mountains, every stop tells a story. We hope our journey inspires you to discover the rich tapestry of experiences this state has to offer.

If you enjoyed this read, please subscribe and follow along on our series as we uncover Arizona’s secrets—one adventure at a time!

Useful Links and Resources:

• Goldfield Ghost Town

• Lost Dutchman Museum

• Dolly Steamboat Cruises