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On the Trail, Off the Beaten Path

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There is more to Greater Phoenix than meets the eye. The serenity and beauty from Phoenix through Tortilla Flat and Apache Junction is sheer perfection. There are cosmopolitan delights and lush green golf courses on one side, mountain ranges and desert terrain on the other. Among this are intriguing opportunities to discover, rejuvenate and indulge. Visitors to Phoenix find that they run out time before they run out interesting things to do.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Phoenix, Mesa

The Apache Lake Recreation Area is along the 120-mile Apache Trail, which has the distinction of being the only recognized Historic and Scenic Highway in Arizona. This scenic route ventures past deserts, mountains, cliff dwellings, lake shores, through old mining towns and canyons. Constructed in 1919, the route was intended to link the rural copper industry to the Phoenix market and as a service road for the construction of Roosevelt Dam. Despite the impracticality of the narrow route, it has fascinated visitors for decades. Goldfield Ghost Town, an authentic 1890s mining town, offers many funky shops and historic buildings. The historic Mammoth Gold Mine and Goldfield Museum offer tours, and guests can pan for gold or ride on Arizona's only narrow gauge train. At its height Goldfield boasted three saloons, a boarding house, several shops and a school house. Actors reenact old west gunfights and couples exchange vows in the small chapel on site. Located in the town, The Mammoth Steakhouse and Saloon features a restored antique stagecoach and offers steaks, burgers and cold brews.

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