Pt 6 Sunrise Secrets of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona
Journey with me through Arizona’s historic and scenic wonders from Lost Dutchmen to Goldfield Ghost Town lots to see and do before high noon.
Last week I covered smuggling my cats into a hotel and all sorts of Karma that came with that. Then I covered a ton of things to do outside of the strip including some winter wonderland. I must admit, I had no idea that snow fell in Nevada less than an hour away from the Vegas. From one desert to the next we are on the road again.
Need to Catch up?
With Las Vegas in our review mirror
we were off to Arizona once again. To go east, its back through Arizona. I was more than happy to see my kids again so its a win on all accounts.
I also wanted to see a couple of places once again before we really ventured on. When I first moved to Arizona one of the first adventures other than the Grand Canyon was a little place called Tortilla Flat. Although a fun little stop, its the entire adventure of getting there and beyond. Well, wait, I should back up. We did not adventure through the following places in the coach, you can’t. And honestly, thank goodness! There are a couple of campgrounds along the way for big rigs in the Superstitious mountains, Lost Dutchmen State Park and Goldfield Ghost town. For smaller RV’s 25 feet and under you get to take in the breath taking views of Canyon Lake. Beyond this point its regular vehicles only, no big RV’s.
Tortilla Flat, Arizona, is a historic stop along the Apache Trail (State Route 88), offering a unique blend of Old West charm and stunning desert scenery. The journey to Tortilla Flat is an adventure in itself, providing numerous attractions and breathtaking views along the way.
The Apache Trail, originally a stagecoach route, was designated as Arizona’s first historic highway, and is an integral part of Arizona Statehood, a 40-mile scenic byway that meanders through the rugged, mysterious Superstition Mountains. The adventure begins in Apache Junction, about 35 miles east of Phoenix.
Lost Dutchman State Park
First up is the Lost Dutchement State Park. Named after the fabled lost gold mine in the mountains, this park is a gateway to the Superstition Mountains. It offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and incredible views of the rugged terrain. There is nothing more magical than the setting sun on the mountain casting beautiful hues of purple. This is a great stepping point for any of the adventures set forth. The park is filled with wonderful hiking, trails, wildlife viewing, and photography. Popular trails include the Treasure Loop Trail and Siphon Draw Trail. And, turn those lights off at night and look up. Arizona has some of the best stargazing due to its dark skies.
The park has 134 campsites, many of which can accommodate RVs of various sizes. These sites include both electric and non-electric options, water and a dump station. Some campsite have stunning views of the Superstition Mountains. It’s the perfect stepping stone to the Apache trail.
Goldfield Ghost Town
With the Superstition Mountain looming large in my rearview mirror, its jagged peaks and mysterious crevices inviting you to ponder the legends of lost gold and hidden treasures. I have Goldfield Ghost Town on my mind. I have experienced this place as a tourist long ago when my kids were younger. This time, I wanted to capture its sacred space. I drive the well-paved but narrow, winding road through the arid landscape dotted with saguaro cacti standing like silent sentinels. I am excited once more to visit this tourist trap. But, this time, there will be no visitors. I learned a long time ago, to truly appreciat the desert it is at sunrise and Goldfield is much the same.
This March morning, the air is crisp, with the scent of creosote and desert blooms waking to the promising morning rays. As I am driving, the promised new day begins to lighten the sky giving way to sights of prickly pear clusters and blooming cholla cacti. Occasional bursts of color from blooming ocotillo and desert marigold add a vibrant contrast to the rust earthy tones.
The hypnotic drive of the desert is suddenly broken with the glimpse of the Goldfield Ghost Town emerging from the desert like a scene from a bygone era with rustic wooden buildings and dusty streets. It’s as if time has stood still here, preserving a slice of the Old West for adventurous modern explorers.
Walking down the main street, the early morning sun casts a warm golden glow on the surrounding historical wooden buildings making their weathered boards appear almost luminescent. It is quite magical in the early morning quiet. The air is cool and fresh, carrying the earthy scent of the desert mingled with the faint aroma of old wood and leather. Each step on the dusty street stirs up tiny clouds of fine dust, which settle quickly in the stillness of the early morning.
As I step onto the wooden walkway, the planks creak softly beneath my feet, adding to the nostalgic ambiance. The sound echoes lightly in the calm, as if the town itself is greeting me beckoning me to hear their kept secrets. The wood is cool to the touch, and the texture of the aged planks is rough under my shoes, each groove and crack telling tales of countless footsteps from a bygone era.
I look up to a sky beginning to lighten from a deep indigo to a soft, pastel blue, streaked with hints of pink and orange drenching everything in a beautiful cleansing golden glow. The first birds of the morning start their songs, creating a melodic symphony that resonates through the town. Their chirping is joyful and clear, adding a lively contrast to the ghost town's stillness.
The gentle breeze carries with it the soft tinkling sound of glass, pottery and crystal wind chimes hanging from the porches of the old buildings. Each chime produces a delicate, melodic note, harmonizing with the birdsong and creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. I feel so blessed to witness what others will not; the town drenched in a golden glow, itself a living history book, each creak of the walkway, each rustle of the wind in the chimes, and each note of birdsong immersing me deeper into its rich past. A silence no other guest today will experience.
The morning walk through Goldfield is not just a journey through a physical space, but a sensory experience that brings the past to life, creating memories that linger long after the sun has fully risen, eventually drowned out by the thousands of visitors who will pass through this day. Soon, the guests from the attached Goldfield Ghost Town RV Resort, filled with excitement, will eagerly arrive to experience the buzz of an Old West town, complete with shops, food, and drink.
There is much to do in this little tourist adventure. One of the key attractions is the gold mine tour. Descend into the cool, dimly lit shafts where miners once toiled, guided by knowledgeable historians who share fascinating stories of the hardships and hopes of those who sought their fortunes here.
Take a ride on the narrow-gauge railroad, which circles the town and offers panoramic views of the Superstition Mountains and the surrounding desert. The gentle chugging of the train and the conductor’s commentary provide a relaxing and informative overview of the area’s history.
Try your hand at gold panning and experience the excitement that gripped so many prospectors. The sluice boxes and running water provide an authentic gold panning experience, and you might even find a few glittering flakes to take home. Oh and don’t forget to check out the outhouse.
No visit is complete without capturing the moment at Time After Time Antique Photography. Dress up in period costumes and smile for the camera. Explore quaint shops selling everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to old west memorabilia. The aroma of fresh fudge and kettle corn wafts through the air, tempting you to indulge in a sweet treat. And, when it gets too hot a good ol’ fashioned ice cream cone will surely suffice.
I can just imagine the bustling energy of gleeful children, their imaginations running wild as they step into their very first cowboy ghost town. As each child excitedly grabs their parents' hand, breaking them out of their own childhood reverie, they head off to the first of many cowboy shootouts—a truly magical experience for all, indeed.
If you ever get the chance to go, it is worth it, especially if you have children with you. And maybe, if you can sneak away before the first of daylight, grab your coffee and bask in the old town, listening to the untold stories whispered only at the dawn of a new day.
I must be off before the first excited patron is seen, for I have much to see in the morning sun especially Tortilla flat. This I will save for next week.
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Thank you for reading
~Karen
This sounds like a super exciting adventure with lots to do along the way 😀