Dolly Steamboat – This fall we had a wonderful opportunity for a private group lunch and then a scenic ride on Dolly Steamboat. Sightseeing tours are a great way to learn about Canyon Lake. Join us as we share photos from this adventure.
Directions
Starting from the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport go North on Power Road to AZ-202. Then take Highway 60 to Apache Junction, turn north on Idaho Rd. to The Apache Trail Highway 88, travel 16 miles NE on the paved Apache Trail; just past the second one-lane bridge, turn left into the Canyon Lake Marina and Campground parking lot. The drive is about 30 miles. This is the same parking lot for hiking Boulder Canyon Trail.
Well Done Grill at Canyon Lake
Our group reserved the Well Done Grill restaurant for lunch before our ride. I made sure to find an outdoor table that overlooked the lake. It was a gorgeous day to be outside. Not too hot to be in the sunshine. Hamburger and hotdogs were on our menu this day. Our sides included potato salad, macaroni salad, potato chips, chips and salsa, and other condiments. The staff worked hard to keep up with drinks requests. They could have staffed a few more waiters for our group. The wait for drinks was the #1 complaint from the group. The food was so good that I went back for seconds.
Cruising on Dolly Steamboat
We were prepared to learn the history of Canyon Lake. The boat Captain fulfilled this and more. We viewed many birds and Big Horn Sheep. The Captain shared the creation of the canyon and pointed out foils. The Captain was funny and entertaining.
Bonus: If you are hungry Dolly has a snack and drink bar available.
Maybe you like to sit on the top deck and outside. There are locations inside and lots of seating to choose from. I walked around the entire time to get different viewpoints. I liked being outside the most.
I loved that the music was Dolly themed. When you visit, listen and see how many songs you recognize.
We are excited to share photos of the views from the cruise as words can’t describe everything.
While the Captain was pointing out the rock features another Dolly representative was walking around showing the types of stones and geodes that are found in the area.
I see myself bring family and friends to ride on Dolly when they visit Arizona.
To learn more about cruising on Dolly visit: https://dollysteamboat.com/
Dolly Steamboat Cruise at Canyon Lake, Arizona
Have you been on a steamboat? If yes, where was it?
This looks like a fun an adventurous experience!
Yes, it was.
What fun! I’ve done a few similar boat rides in the past and always enjoyed them immensely!
Yay, I trust I will go on other boat rides in the future.
Your steam boat tour looks really fun! I love the rock formations your captain pointed out, they are beautiful!
The captain was a great guide.
I love to sit on top in all kinds of sightseeing vessels. So much better to see the scenery!
I agree.
My kids would go crazy for those geodes. I’m sure they would also love this trip. I will add this to our Arizona wish list.
They would enjoy the history and touching of the stones.
This looks like a great outing! I love that they had lunch before and you could enjoy such a wonderful day on the boat.
The lunch was yummy.
I would love to cruise around on this steamboat and learn about the lake’s history.
It was wonderful.
What a lovely day, lunch and then boating around a beautiful canyon. I don’t recall ever been on a steamboat, must try
Yes, you must.
What a fun day!! Sightseeing while relaxing is great!!
It was very relaxing.
what a fun and unique thing to do!
We enjoyed seeing the animals.
Very cool. We went on a steamboat down the Mississippi while in New Orleans. We had fun, and it is a neat way to see the sights.
A steamboat on the Mississippi would be a great time.
I’ve always wanted to try a steamboat on a trip but have never gotten around to it. Looks like I have a new item to add to my list in AZ.
You would enjoy it.
This looks so fun! When I visit my dad next we will have to check it out.
Wonderful!
Looks line a great way to spend an afternoon!
It was splendid.
I’d like to do this boat tour. Love the stones and geodes that you can find too!
This looks like such a fun way to spend a day! Can’t go wrong with spending it on a boat!
I agree!