Apache Trail Loop: The Ultimate Family Day Trip from Tempe
It's a perfect Tuesday morning for adventure instead of the usual workday. With two toddlers under three, we sought a day trip from Tempe that's close enough to avoid exhaustion but far enough to immerse us in the stunning Sonoran Desert. Our choice: the scenic Apache Trail Loop to the quirky town of Tortilla Flat. Just a short drive from the Phoenix metro area, it offers fun stops along the way. Check out our route on Google Maps to see the roads we took and drive times between destinations.
We kicked off with breakfast at P. Croissant, a beloved Tempe bakery and café. With flaky croissants, diverse baked goods, excellent coffee, and top-notch service, it's ideal for picky eaters like my daughter. Fueled up, we drove 40 minutes to Goldfield Ghost Town.
A booming train horn welcomes you to Goldfield Ghost Town, delighting kids instantly. Founded in 1892 as a mining boomtown, it thrived briefly before fading, revived in the 1920s and again in the late 1960s as a tourist attraction. Today, it boasts a narrow-gauge train ride, gold mine tours, Old West gunfights, a history museum, and more—entertaining for all ages. We started with the 20-minute narrated train ride circling the town, a hit with our train-obsessed kids. Next, the 20-minute mine tour descended underground with an engaging guide who kept the little ones captivated. We strolled the main path, peeking into the saloon and general store, where popcorn treats kept everyone happy before heading to Tortilla Flat (population: 6!).
The drive from Goldfield to Tortilla Flat is breathtaking: rolling hills, mountains, valleys, and saguaro cacti through Tonto National Forest. Canyon Lake appears en route—worth a stop if time allows for Dolly Steamboat excursions.
Arriving in 30 minutes at historic Tortilla Flat (a 1904 stagecoach stop), we explored the boardwalk connecting the saloon, restaurant, gift shop, country store, and museum. Lunch at the restaurant revealed walls plastered with signed dollar bills from global visitors. Family-friendly with affordable American fare (burgers, chili, salads) and kids' favorites, plus saddle barstools, it was casual and efficient. Post-meal, prickly pear gelato next door was a unique treat. While the kids napped in the car, I visited the tiny 10x10-foot museum packed with fascinating local history.
The toddlers slept the whole return drive, giving us parents relaxation time. We paused for Canyon Lake views before resting at home. Evening brought us to Tempe Marketplace for dinner at Paradise Bakery—great food, prices, and kid appeal. Outdoor seating let them play freely amid water features, fireplaces, shops, a theater, and splash pad.
This toddler-friendly distance was ideal: fun for all, with essential afternoon rest. One of many exciting day trips from Tempe—base yourself here to discover Arizona!
