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(480) 982-7661

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Adventure Awaits on Route 88!

Apache Trail Tours is the oldest tour company at the gateway of the Superstitions and Apache Trail.

Book Your Adventure Online!

Our guides are stewards of this rugged land located in the Sonoran Desert.  They captivate their audiences with tales of the history and mystery of the Superstition Mountains and Goldfield Ghost Town.

Ready for the experience?  Climb on board!

Your guide will maneuver the rugged trails, weave tales of the old west, and teach about the native cacti and plants.  Everyone keep your eyes peeled for local critters that call this land their home.

History, legends and lore – our trails will rock you!

Reserve your adventure by clicking below or call  (480) 982-7661 .

Apache Trail Tours

4x4 adventures, apache trail, gold panning, combination tours, corporate & groups.

Apache Trail Tours

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Apache Trail Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Apache Trail: A Complete Guide

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Things to Do

Tips for visiting, how to get there, apache trail.

Arizona’s Apache Trail is a veritable gold mine (no pun intended) of tourist opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a scenic desert drive, an afternoon out with the kids, or a day at the lake, the Apache Trail offers options.

The historic trail gets its name from the Apache Indians, who originally used the trail to navigate through the Superstition Mountains. It then became a stagecoach route in the early 1900s and now winds its way through both the Superstition Mountains and Tonto National Forest .

The Apache Trail, known more officially as Arizona State Route 88, is a 40-mile drive starting in Apache Junction and ending at Theodore Roosevelt Dam. The road is very winding, with switchbacks and sharp turns, so amateur drivers should take caution. Once you reach the trail's end, you can either turn around and go back the way you came or continue onto the circle route, which takes you back through Globe.

It’s important to note that the trail is only partially paved but well-maintained. Any reliable vehicle should be able to make the drive, but RVs are heavily discouraged beyond Tortilla Flat.

There are multiple scenic stops and fun activities along the 40-mile stretch of the Apache Trail. The drive could be as short as an afternoon outing or a full-day adventure, depending on the stops you choose to make. The following suggestions are in the order in which they appear along the trail.

Goldfield Ghost Town

The first main stop (4.5 miles from Apache Junction) on the Apache Trail is a reconstructed 1890s ghost town. Highlights of Goldfield Ghost Town include tours of the now-defunct gold mine, Old West gunfights, a history museum, panning for gold, a narrow-gauge train, a reptile exhibit, and much more. Some attractions do charge a small fee, but access to the ghost town itself is free. Hungry? Grab a bite to eat before heading on down the trail at the old-timey Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon.

Lost Dutchman State Park

This 320-acre state park features several great trails into the wilderness surrounding the Superstition Mountains. There is a small entrance fee per car, so bring cash. The park is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and RVs. Lost Dutchman State Park gets its name from a longstanding legend about a lost gold mine within the mountains that was discovered, then lost to time by an infamous “Dutchman.” Even today, treasure hunters continue to scour the Superstitions looking for the lost gold.

Canyon Lake

One of three man-made lakes along the Apache Trail, Canyon Lake is by far the most scenic. It boasts a large marina, sandy beaches, an RV park, and campgrounds. Dramatic red rock cliffs surround the lake—if you keep your eyes peeled, you might spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles. You can rent a boat at the marina or book a ticket on the Dolly Steamboat to tour the lake.

Tortilla Flat

Founded as a stagecoach stop along the Apache Trail in 1904, Tortilla Flat is one town that’s refused to be swept away by the desert sands of time. The stop includes a saloon and restaurant, a country store, and a mercantile shop. The Country Store is known for its prickly pear gelato, and the town boasts of its population—a total of six people. Inexperienced drivers or those not wanting to leave the paved road should turn around here.

Fish Creek Hill

The drive from Tortilla Flat up to the Fish Creek Hill Viewpoint is quite challenging but very scenic. You’ll likely want to stop at the viewpoint for dramatic photos of the Sonoran Desert vistas. Beyond Fish Creek Hill, you’ll start a steep decline down to the canyon floor. RVs and large trailers are strongly discouraged, and this portion of the Apache Trail is not for the faint of heart.

Apache Lake

Less popular than Canyon Lake due to its isolated location, Apache Lake boasts a scenic overlook, fishing, and camping grounds. Because of the difficulty in reaching it, Apache Lake is significantly less crowded than the other lakes along the Apache Trail.

Theodore Roosevelt Dam

This massive cement structure marks the end of the roughly 40-mile journey along the Apache Trail. Originally constructed between 1905 and 1911 to control the flow from the Salt River, Roosevelt Dam was expanded in 1996. It’s here you’ll either turn around and back the way you came via the Apache Trail or head east on Arizona State Route 188 toward Globe.

Tonto National Monument

If you opt to head east along AZ 188 toward Globe at the end of the Apache Trail, you’ll pass Tonto National Monument . Located in Tonto National Forest, the monument features two ancient Native American cliff dwellings dating back 700 years. The Lower Cliff Dwelling is open for viewing year-round and is accessible via a steep, 0.5-mile walk via a paved path. The Upper Cliff Dwelling is accessible only by guided tour from November through April on the weekends. Tonto National Monument charges a $10 entrance fee per person, and children under 16 are free.

• Arguably the best time of year to drive the Apache Trail is in the spring. This is when wildflowers will be the most prevalent (rain permitting), but the trail is open year-round.
• Certain parts of the trail are susceptible to flash flooding, so if inclement weather is in the forecast, it’s recommended you reschedule your visit for another, dryer day.
• The Apache Trail is a major tourist draw, so keep in mind there will be people driving the trail who are unused to the desert terrain and taking in the dramatic scenery perhaps for the first time. Be sure to make use of the viewing points and turn-offs, keeping the road clear. Also, drive with caution throughout the trail. Some portions are quite steep and winding and have cliff drop-offs on one side.
• There is no fee to access AZ 88, and most of the trail attractions are free.
• If you want to bring your boat or other water recreational vehicle, Canyon Lake is the best bet. It has the most facilities and is easily accessible for all types of vehicles and trailers.
• There aren’t any hotels or traditional accommodations along the Apache Trail. There are some amazing campgrounds, however. The nearest hotels can be found in Apache Junction or Globe.

The Apache Trail starts approximately 50 minutes east of downtown Phoenix and just outside the city of Apache Junction. Continuing past the end of the Apache Trail and east onto AZ 188 will take you through the city of Globe and is a 120-mile circle route.

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Apache Trail Tours

For more than 20 years, Apache Trail Tours has been offering guided tours through the Superstition Mountain areas, as well as the world famous Apache Trail. Our permitted trails include areas in the Tonto National Forest and Bureau of Land Management territory. We are the only outfitters authorized to off-road here and would love to have you join us on the trails where fierce Apache rode and the gold rush took place in the 1800's. We offer rugged off-road 4x4 desert tours, on-road scenic journeys, and gold-panning. You'll be guided by our experienced and knowledgeable trail masters who will educate and entertain you while you can sit back in wonder at this rugged and majestic territory. Adventure awaits on Route 88!

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Arizona's Mining Attractions

Fascinated by underground activities? You'll hit pay dirt in Arizona, home to the most famous gold mine that might never have existed and...

• 4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd.
• Goldfield, Arizona 85119
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Apache Trail Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale

From $169/person *includes all fees and taxes, no surprise costs.

Explore the wonder of the Superstition Mountain Wilderness and experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert during this Apache Trail Tour from Phoenix & Scottsdale. Highlights include…

• Scenic drive along Arizona’s first Historic Highway
• Quintessential Sonoran desert landscapes
• 90 minute Dolly Steamboat nature cruise on Canyon Lake
• Experience the wild west at Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat
• Constant views of the scenic Superstition Mountains
• Tour Itinerary

Apache Trail Tour Itinerary

Only minutes from the city, the Apache Trail is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Sonoran desert. Arizona’s first designated “Historic Highway” and a scenic byway, the original Apache Trail was a footpath by which the local Apache Tribe traveled through the Superstition Mountains. Two of the more colorful stops along the Apache Trail are Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat.

Explore Goldfield Ghost Town & Tortilla Flat

Goldfield, aptly named after the precious metal found in the area, was incorporated in 1892. For five long years this town was a gold miner’s paradise, however, soon after the vein stopped producing Goldfield quickly turned into a gold mining ghost town. During the tour you will have a chance to spend time in this restored ghost town practicing your gold panning techniques, marveling at the original mining gear, or even spending some time at Lu Lu’s Bordello if you dare.

Tortilla Flat has become a fixture of the Apache Trail since its inception in 1904. Not fire, drought, or bandits could destroy this hearty stage stop which holds onto its rich tradition through its architecture and unique decorating sense. If you get too warm, you can quite literally “saddle up” to the bar and enjoy a cold beverage to cool you down. This rugged landscape in the Sonoran Desert has been the jewel that some men were looking for with the most famous involving the Lost Dutchman Mine. Rumored to have found the largest gold vein in the west, German immigrant Jacob Waltz trusted his newly found gold deposit to no one and the secret of its location was buried with him. If you have the “golden eye” maybe you can spot it while on tour!

Enjoy a Dolly Steamboat Cruise

During your tour along the Apache Trail, you will also be treated to a steamboat cruise on Canyon Lake by the famous Dolly Steamboat. As part of the six mile narrated nature cruise, there may be opportunities to see bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and a host of other desert animals as well as unforgettable views of 1,300 ft. volcanic cliff walls of Canyon Lake.

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Apache trail tour faqs.

You will have opportunities to buy food at either Goldfield Ghost Town or Tortilla Flat Saloon. You are also welcome to bring your own food. Snacks are available for purchase on the nature cruise but cash only. We provide bottled water all day.

No. This tour can accommodate children, seniors and anyone in between. Casual walking is to be expected.

Yes, the interior portion of the boat is air-conditioned. There is also a shaded outdoor area.

Your credit card will be charged 72 hours prior to the tour date, at which point all sales are final and no refunds will be given.

**DETOURS does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled flights or illness. (unless we are notified outside the cancellation period) We HIGHLY recommend booking your tour on a date that occurs at least two days after you arrive.

**Purchasing the optional Tour Cancellation Protection at checkout allows a full refund of the tour cost if the customer should need to cancel within the cancellation period due to any reason. Tour Cancellation Protection fee is non-refundable. Tours can only be cancelled up to one hour prior to scheduled pick up time. This protection excludes jeeps, hikes, helicopters, lodging and Antelope Canyon Tours.

Tour Details

*In efforts to cut down on the amount of time it takes to do pick ups, we may need you to meet at another hotel. Our office will contact you upon booking.

What's included

• Dolly Steamboat Cruise
• Unlimited bottled water

What's Not included

• Guide gratuities
• Third party activities

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Apache Trail and Dolly Steamboat One-Day Van Tour from Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe or Mesa

Tour Itinerary

Tour schedule & pricing.

• Departs: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
• Returns: 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
• Adult: $160.00 $144.00
• Child (age 0-9): $80.00 $72.00

Apache Trail Tours

Review Highlights

“ An old but busy town where you can take a train ride, ride a zip line, shop or take a Jeep tour out to the dry riverbed near an old mine to pan for gold. ” in 3 reviews

“ I would definitely recommend this tour and would definitely ask for Smokey !! ” in 5 reviews

“ Our driver, Sandman, provided lots of information on the local area plants and wildlife , as well as historical information. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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4650 N Mammoth Mine Rd

Apache Junction, AZ 85119

Serving Apache Junction Area

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Guided Jeep Tours, 4x4 Off Road Adventures, Smooth scenic tours along the Apache Trail Highway, Gold Panning Expeditions …

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We took the 2 hour tour and had Smokey for our tour guide!! Talk about a gentleman who was packed full of knowledge that he shared with us!! I would definitely recommend this tour and would definitely ask for Smokey!! As an added bonus, Smokey looks a lot like Theodore Roosevelt!!! BULLY PULPIT!!!!

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Apr 5, 2024

Thank you so much for this fabulous review of your time on the trails with Apache Trail Tours!

we just went on the 2 1/2 hour jeep tour with our guide Smoky. he was awesome. Very knowledgeable and very entertaining. highly recommend asking for Smoky to be your tour. the ride was very rugged, fun but safe. Great job Smoky. Highly recommend

Mar 11, 2024

Appreciate the nice review - thank you so much!

What an experience. Our tour guide Sandman had so much info about the area. We took an 5&8 year olds and they absolutely loved Sandman. You won't be disappointed in the 2 hour tour.

Wonderful!!!! Group of 7 (4 teens and 3 adults) on a two hour tour lead by "Sandman". He made the tour so informative, entertaining and just the right amount of adrenaline. Master of "dad jokes". Highly recommend.

Feb 8, 2024

Apologies for the delay in sending you a great big thank you for the review and pictures. Yelp locked me out because our company logo is not accepted as the page picture - go figure! You time in leaving the write up is greatly appreciated! Thanks again.

Thanks to our tour guide Smokey for a fun and very informative tour. There were many screams but only because we were having so much fun. We will be back!!

Mar 17, 2024

Thank you for taking time to leave a review of your experience with us and Smokey!

Our second tour with Sandman. Loved it!! The tours were fun and full of stories (oh, and bad jokes!). A great combination. Perfect for any age. A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. We highly recommend. We will definitely request Sandman again.

Sorry for the delay-Yelp wouldn't accept our company logo as the page picture-so silly. I do want to thank you for leaving a 5 star review. Everybody is so busy, I know it takes a commitment to do it. We love hearing about your experience. Thanks for sharing.

Amazing! The people make this place the best! They're so fun, kind, knowledgeable! We took a one hour tour with one of the best guides ever! Fantastic storytelling of local folklore, super knowledgeable about local desert scape, plant and wildlife! If you're looking for the best day ever, visit Goldfield Ghost Town, and schedule a tour with Apache Trail tours!

Had an absolute great experience exploring the back country at Apache Junction. "Sandman" our driver was capable, courteous and so full of great stories and info about the West.

Superstitious Mountain as seen from trail

Off road vehicle for one hour tour

Our 4X4 Jeep tour was an awesome experience. 2 hours of absolute fun seeing the best of the Superstition Mountains from wild and wonderful trails. Our driver, Sandman, provided lots of information on the local area plants and wildlife, as well as historical information. Very fun.

Had a great tour with "Lobo" to explore our new area. He is a resident and lives on Superstition mountain and was a wealth of knowledge about Saguaro cactus and animals in the area. The ride was comfortable but if you get carsick, take some pills beforehand because the road has a lot of switchbacks. Take lots of pictures, the scenery is awesome!

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At Apache Tours, we pride ourselves on providing unique and unforgettable experiences for our customers. Our expert guides will take you on an adventure you'll never forget!

Meet Capitan Apache

Jose Than "Capitan Apache" has been working on boats in the waters of Coral de Risco since he was 8 years old. He knows every surf break, every fishing spot, and ever great place to snorkel and spearfish, because he grew up exploring every inch of this coastline. Some joke that he may have logged more hours in the ocean than he has on land. He has such a great, fun personality you will love Capitan Apache. If you aren't impressed yet, just put a fishing pole or a surfboard in his hands and watch the magic! He is an expert seaman in every way and has lived his life on the water.

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Apache Trail Tour

Our Apache Trail Tour highlights some of Phoenix’s best scenery and history. After a stop at Goldfield Ghost Town , a replica 1890s Mining Town with authentic mining equipment and an actual mine tour, we’ll continue to Canyon Lake for a 90 minute nature cruise on the Dolly Steamboat . Your relaxing narrated cruise takes you into canyons, which tower above and provide for a breathtaking experience!! The boat docks and we’re off to Tortilla Flat where you’ll have time for a great local saloon-style lunch, to visit the gift shop and have some Prickly Pear (cactus) Ice Cream!! Round out the day with a visit to the Superstition Mountain Museum and see the Chapel where Elvis Presley filmed “El Charro” along with a great display of Eastern Arizona history.

This tour is one of our most popular day trips for good reason. It’s proximity to Phoenix and amazing display of Sonoran Desert flora and fauna is unmatched. All of the cacti of the southwest in one place. The feel of the old west at Goldfield Ghost Town and Tortilla Flat. The beauty of Canyon Lake. It’s Arizona at it’s best!!!

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Apache Wars of the Southwest

When I was young I walked all over this country, east and west, and saw no other people than the Apaches. After many summers I walked again and found another race of people had come to take it. How is it?

– Shi-ka-She or A-da-tli-chi (Cochise), A Chihuicahui of the Chokonen Band

Join us on our Exclusive New Tour! Apache Wars of the Southwest is an unforgettable journey through the scenic Southwest that follows in the footsteps of a cast of remarkable historical characters.

On our exclusive new Apache Wars of the Southwest Tour, author, historian, and television-motion picture consultant John P. Langellier, Ph.D. will tell tales of Cochise, Geronimo, and others based on more than a half-century of dedicated study of these legendary figures and their awesome land.

Experience their lives and discover the diverse cultures found in the tumultuous borderlands running along today’s international boundary between Mexico and the United States. Many peoples from the ancient past to the present have trod this ground. Haunting deserts and majestic mountains will serve as the dramatic backdrop for stories of conflict and ultimate reconciliation after generations of warriors gave way to peacemakers. Return to those exciting days of yesteryear contrasting history versus Hollywood with screenings and discussions of classic film and TV.

You will time-travel to former military garrisons such as El Presidio San Agustín del Tucson, Cochise’s nearly impenetrable stronghold, and the vast White Sands that once formed part of the homeland of the people now popularly referred to as the Apache. During this exceptional adventure, you will overnight in charming inns, hotels, and resorts and sample delectable local cuisine as well be enthralled by the varied vistas the Grand Canyon State and the Land of Enchantment offers.

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• El Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum: A Spanish colonial garrison demonstration and tour of the museum set the stage for our journey.
• Fort Huachuca Museum: Established in 1877 and nestled in the Whetstone Mountains the post remains as one of the oldest active-duty U.S. Army garrisons west of the Mississippi River.
• Amerind Museum: This treasure situated in the rugged red rocks of Texas Canyon provides a visual reminder of the many peoples who once called the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico home.
• Cochise Stronghold West: Canyons and peaks teemed with game and plants to feed the so-called Chiricahua Apache plus afforded a natural fortress against their enemies.
• Chiricahua National Monument: Breathtaking formations and forests once provided a paradise for the Native Americans who resided amidst the bounty and beauty.   
• Fort Bowie National Historic Site : Crumbling adobes recall the strategic significance of this former frontier fort.
• Lincoln Historic Site: Billy the Kid gained notoriety during the violence that erupted in this New Mexico town as factions vied for contracts to supply the nearby military post and Indian reservation. 
• White Sands National Park: Sparkling white Gypsum dunes edged the traditional hunting and gathering realm of the Mescalero people.
• Mescalero Apache Cultural Center & Museum: This facility offers an intimate look at the people who continue to thrive on their ancestral lands.
• Palace of Governors Museum: A world-class cultural center standing in the heart of Santa Fe’s renowned plaza caps the tour.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

Day 1 welcome.

Flight to Tucson International Airport (TUS). Guests travel independently to the tour hotel. Our first activity is an evening Welcome Reception followed by dinner.

DAY 2 Tucson’s Presidio to Fort Huachuca, Arizona

We begin our journey in Tucson, Arizona to witness the evolution of some of the Southwest’s earliest inhabitants who dwelled in small farming villages along precious waterways that would evolve into the present-day thriving desert metropolis now home to one of the nation’s largest universities.

Our first visit will take place at the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum, a re-creation of the many scattered outposts that once dotted Spain’s New World northern borderlands’ empire. Founded in 1775, the same year that Lieutenant Colonel Juan Bautista de Anza’s expedition passed nearby on its overland trek to establish what became the city of San Francisco in Alta California, this walled fortress stood as a remote bastion against the Apache. We will learn about life in the Santa Cruz Valley for early Native American Indians, Presidio residents, and Territorial period settlers. The archaeological remains of an ancient pit house stand as mute testimony to the longevity of human habitation in the region. Walk along the original Presidio wall and stand within a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Rowhouse.

From there, en route to Fort Huachuca, we stop in Patagonia at Irish-born John Ward’s Ranch. During the early 1860s, a roving band of Apache captured Felix Martinez (aka Mickey Free) an event that triggered one of the longest wars fought by the United States military. Then it’s on to Fort Huachuca for a tour of the museum conducted by a leading authority, ending with a ride along the old parade ground, through the cemetery where Apache Indian scouts who served as a mainstay of military operations during the 1870s through 1890s lay at rest, and drive-by other vestiges of this 145-year-old garrison.  

DAY 3 Chiricahua National Monument, Arizona; Silver City, New Mexico

Our first stop this morning will be the Amerind Museum in Dragoon, Arizona. This institution was started as a labor of love by its founders and seeks to foster and promote knowledge and understanding of the Native Peoples of the Americas through research, education, conservation, and community engagement. Spectacular boulders of Texas Canyon surround the museum, adjacent gallery, and research center dedicated to archaeology, Native cultures, and Western art.

Nearby, Cochise, wise in war and respected in peace, once lived with his people amidst the security of the boulders, canyons, and cliffs that bear his name. Because of its relative remoteness, the Stronghold can be reached only by a narrow, winding unpaved road.

More of the same striking scenery welcomes us to the Chiricahua National Monument. This inspiring “Wonderland of Rocks” also includes a cross-cultural lesson about Apache who thrived here, a military camp manned by buffalo soldiers of the 10 th U.S. Cavalry, and the dream of a transplanted Swedish immigrant—Neil Erickson, who after his stint as a horse soldier in the American Army, established Faraway Ranch. He and his spouse Emma Erickson raised their three children at what became a headquarters for their cattle ranch.

As the day draws down, our final stop in Arizona will be Fort Bowie National Historic Site. After parking the bus in the upper lot, we’ll hike down a meandering dirt trail for nearly a mile, peeling back the modern world to emerge past the old stage stop. Before the Civil War, overland coaches traversing a rugged route from San Antonio, Texas to San Diego, California halted momentarily to exchange teams, feed passengers, and provide a respite before moving on east or west. At first, the conveyances rolled along without incident. With the passage of time, however, the Apache and ever-increasing numbers of newcomers collided particularly as more and more settlers, miners, and ranchers invaded lands of those they called the Chiricahua had long held. Duplicity, misunderstanding, the kidnapping of Felix Martinez, and a series of unfortunate events erupted into a quarter of a century of fierce fighting turning the borderlands into a “vast domain of blood.”  A tour of the ghostly adobe ruins and the visitors center will help unravel the complex clash of cultures that had raged since Spain laid claim to the region, as did Mexico from the 1820s through the early 1850s, followed by civilians and soldiers from the United States.  

Departing Fort Bowie, we leave Arizona for Silver City, New Mexico via Lordsburg. We’ll cross the Continental Divide, skirt the ranch of ill-fated Judge H.C. and Juniata McComas, and drive through the towering walls of one of the largest operational copper mines in the country before checking in to the Art Deco Hotel Murray in the boom-and-bust town of Silver City. The community took its name from one of the minerals that enticed wealth-seekers bent on resting fortunes from the earth for more than a century and a half. The quest for gold, silver and copper came at the expense of the American Indians, who before recorded time considered this countryside their birthright. In fact, somewhere not far to the northwest a member of the Bedonkohe band of the Apache called in his youth Goyaałé (“The One Who Yawns”) was born. He later burst on to the scene becoming better-known from a name given him by interlopers to his place of origin—Geronimo. While uncertain when or exactly where Geronimo was born, some sources say he came from Turkey Creek, a tributary of the Gila River not too distant from Silver City. 

DAY 4 Forts Bayard and Selden, New Mexico and the Land of the Mescalero

Existing structures at Fort Bayard National Landmark reveal little about the post’s past, yet some visitors have deemed the surrounding hills as “eerily beautiful.” The story of the garrison that came into being during 1865 to protect the surrounding mining district unfolds at the nearby Santa Clarita visitors’ center. After orientation, it’s a short jaunt by bus to the museum and national cemetery where burials dating from the earliest forces to staff the fort intermingle with the military dead and their family members from conflicts through the 20 th century and beyond. Two Medal of Honor recipients are among the graves. During its heyday, seven soldiers stationed at Fort Bayard would be recognized with this, the nation’s highest tribute for valor in combat.          

We’ll head east from Fort Bayard to Hatch, New Mexico considered by many as the chile capital of New Mexico. Somewhere in the area, on Christmas Eve, 1853, a site later dubbed Fort Thorn would be occupied by soldiers sent to protect the Santa Rita copper mining operations from Apache raids. In 1889 the flooding Rio Grande washed away any evidence of the buildings which stood “a stone’s throw of the swampiest portion” of the muddy river that provided the fort with its water as well as gave rise to noxious odors and hordes of mosquitos, the then-unknown culprit contributing to high rates of malaria. Within a half dozen years, the army abandoned this “miserable place to live.” By the way, the town’s namesake and its much sought-after crop came from Colonel Edward Hatch, who for more than two decades commanded the 9 th US Cavalry, another buffalo soldier regiment.             

While Fort Thorn disappeared into memory by 1865 a new more than 9,600 military reservation assumed its mission. Fort Selden State Historic Site, a leisurely drive from Hatch, once presented a sprawling compound of adobes resembling a martial village where a hospital, corrals, storehouses, barracks, and officers’ quarters served varying sized garrisons. One of the youths who lived there was Douglas MacArthur, whose father reported with his family in 1884 as an infantry captain and commanding officer. As a lad, Douglas had not yet adopted the stature of the stoic future general that he became. In fact, one afternoon the youngster became so frightened that his shrill scream sent up an alarm. Were the Apache attacking? No, Douglas unexpectedly faced a strange beast—a camel that had survived from an antebellum army experiment to replace horses and mules with these “ships of the desert.” The distressed little boy soon was safe with his mother while a few soldiers evidently sent the dromedary on its way. Details of real bravery can be found in the fort’s visitor center where the deeds of five enlisted men cited for courage in battle earned them Medals of Honor.            

White Sands National Park could be on another planet, and so it has been in more than one science fiction film. Approximately 10,000 years ago the lush grasslands covering this basin attracted the first humans. These nomadic hunters followed herds of mammoths, camels, bison, and other large game that roamed the area. Over millennia the ice sheets melted causing drastic environmental changes forcing the ancient hunters to adapt or die as the dunes formed. Those people who remained began pottery making, built permanent houses, and farmed, staying the course for upwards of 1,200 years when inexplicably they abandoned their homes and fields during the mid-14 th century. At approximately the same time, bands of people whom the Spanish and others referred to as Apaches followed herds of bison from the Great Plains to the Tularosa Basin. They settled from the mountain slopes to mounding dunes where for centuries they fiercely kept out the Spanish and those who came afterwards. Their descendants remain on the Mescalero Indian Reservation maintaining their culture and stunning lands.      

DAY 5 Mescalero Apache Cultural Center & Museum to Santa Fe

After breakfast, we visit the Mescalero Apache Cultural Center & Museum. For 50 years this intimate facility has presented a vivid picture of the Mescalero, Chiricahua, and Lipan Apache People. Ancient stone tools, weapons, clothing, and an impressive collection of beautiful baskets accompanied by a video, and other enriching elements will add to this unique experience.

Fort Stanton State Monument, established in 1855, lays claim to be one of the most intact 19th-century military forts in the country and the best-preserved fort in New Mexico. As an outpost of the Indian Wars and a pawn during the Civil War, over its 160-year history, its walls have stood as silent witnesses to westward expansion, the lawless days of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War, the tuberculosis epidemic that peaked in the 1920s, the New Deal–era Civilian Conservation Corps, as well as the internment of German civilian sailors during World War II. Fort Stanton’s 12-building parade ground appears much as it did in the late-1800s, making it easy to imagine military life in the Old West. Here, you can also learn about some of the most unusual and little-known chapters in New Mexico's history.

Arguably, had it not been for the lucrative government contracts required to feed the men of the fort and to supply the reservation the brutal fighting in Lincoln County may never have occurred. A short distance from Fort Stanton, Lincoln State Historic Site traces the complex political and economic power struggle, which included actions by the U.S. Army that sometimes fanned the flames rather than helped keep the peace in its capacity as a federal agency dedicated to law and order. We’ll walk the very streets where this tragic event sacrificed lives and ruined or made reputations.      

DAY 6 Santa Fe, New Mexico

Perched at 7,000 feet above sea level in the foothills of the southern Rocky Mountains, Santa Fe is the highest and oldest state capital in the U.S. Founded by the Spanish between 1607 and 1610, Santa Fe also lays claim to be the nation’s second-oldest city. Its existence, however, was challenged during August 1680 when the native peoples rose up during what has come down through history as the “Pueblo Revolt.” That pivotal incident and many more will unfold at the Palace of Governors our first formal stop after a leisurely breakfast. Once we’ve concluded our visit to the Palace and provided with a brief orientation, then you’ll have free time to explore shops, sites such as the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, and have lunch on your own at one of the many choices open to you in the Plaza such as the famed La Plazuela at La Fonda.

At a prearranged hour we’ll regroup and make our way to the Santa Fe Plaza Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. With this last stop, we’ll be off to the host tour hotel where our day will conclude with an early evening farewell group dinner.

The tour officially ends with a morning drop-off at Albuquerque International Sunport, New Mexico (ABQ).

• October 21 - 27, 2024

Recommended Reading and Viewing

• Conquest of Apacheria by Dan L. Thrapp
• Son of the Morning Star (mini-series)
• Geronimo: An American Legend (movie)

Tour Includes

• Travel by private motorcoach
• Professional historian with you throughout the tour lecturing and answering questions
• Best accommodations available
• Daily breakfasts, some lunches, most dinners
• Entrance fees to all site visits
• Flights NOT included
• John Langellier, Ph.D.

TRIP COST: $3,890

Price is per person based on double occupancy. For a single room add $850.

Our Guests’ Reviews

There is 1 review for ' Apache Wars of the Southwest '. Add your review

Apache Wars

I just returned from the Apache Wars Tour, and once again Stephen Ambrose Tours did not disappoint. The Tour was everything I had hoped for. I learned so much about the Apache Culture and history, as well as the Spanish presence in the early Southwest. The spots we visited, like Cochise’s stronghold, the many forts, and the fantastic museums were amazing. And what more can I say about Dr. John Langellier. He is the most knowledgeable man on the subject of the Southwest, and never fails to pass on this knowledge to others. I have known John for over a year, and through two tours and he has become a good friend. And our tour coordinator Connie Kennedy was also amazing. she kept things rolling right on schedule, but even more she cared and looked after her guest, as did John.. This tour is a must, as is any tour with John and Connie. Two thumbs up!

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Apache Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Apache fleet returns to base after farewell tour

A rmy Air Corps attack helicopters used in Afghanistan and Libya have made their last operational flight more than 20 years after taking to the skies.

Apache Mark 1s of 656 Squadron landed at Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk on Monday after a farewell tour.

Wattisham-based units had flown the helicopter, which is being replaced by the Apache AH-64E, on operations in Afghanistan and Libya.

Prince Harry flew Apaches from Wattisham during tours in the Army.

Locations with links to the Mark 1 had featured on the farewell flight.

An Army spokesman said flypast sites included Colchester, Essex, where troops from 16 Air Assault Brigade are based.

He said the Mark 1, which entered service in 2001, had "proved itself" as a "battle-winning asset".

The Army said in October that the Apache AH-64E had passed its battlefield test after an exercise.

Manoeuvres involved 8,000 troops working out of 22 locations across south-west England, the West Midlands and Wales.

Simulated strike missions had been completed in Northumberland and Kent - and 3 Regiment Army Air Corps units based at Wattisham had tested the maintenance and operation of the AH-64E.

One senior officer called the Boeing-built AH-64E "revolutionary".

The Army spokesman added: "The AH-64E features improved flying performance and new sensors and communications systems that vastly improve its ability to find and strike the enemy on the battlefield."

BBC Radio Suffolk's aviation expert, Roger Smith, said the AH-64E looked similar to the Mark 1.

But he said the new helicopter was a "lot different" internally and had "absolutely tremendous" capability.

He told BBC Radio Suffolk: "It's like going from an Amiga 500 to the latest Apple Mac or Microsoft."

Follow East of England news on Facebook , Instagram and X . Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830

Youth Fishing derby - White Mountain Apache Tribe Game and Fish

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