A Historic Old West Town Hidden In Arizona's Superstition Mountains Is Beloved By Tourists

Legends swirl around the Superstition Mountains in Arizona. Tales of disappearances, deaths, and odd sounds coming from the mountains send shivers down visitors' spines. The most famous story is about the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, which has inspired many a fortune seeker to venture out in the hills. But not all treasures are buried in the Superstition Mountains, and there's one town in particular that draws tourists into the desert. Tortilla Flat is a historic Old West town whose population of six is dwarfed by the number of visitors who pass through.

Rolling into Tortilla Flat feels like stepping onto the set of a Western movie. Low, frontier-style buildings are slung along a dusty street that brims with Old West charm. Many visitors make the Superstition Saloon and Restaurant their first stop. The decor is quirky, with walls plastered with dollar bills and barstools made from real saddles. Hop up and quench your thirst with a local brew, or head to the dining room for burgers, chili, and pulled pork. Prickly pear is the flavor of choice here, and Google reviewers rave about the homemade lemonade and gelato. A highlight for visitors is often the outdoor live music the saloon hosts, which adds to the town's festive atmosphere.

The saloon is just one stop of several in tiny Tortilla Flat. This must-see museum will give you an insight into the town's dramatic history. Born as a stagecoach stop in 1904, Tortilla Flat sits on the Apache Trail and has survived floods and fires throughout its history. Dedicated locals have rebuilt each time disaster struck, and the museum tells their story. Afterward, visitors can browse the country store for locally made treats or pick up souvenirs at the gift shop.

Tortilla Flat is surrounded by the craggy peaks of the Superstitions, and the hour's drive out from Phoenix is nothing short of spectacular. Volcanic cliffs rise over 2,000 feet next to the roadway, and beyond lie the hauntingly beautiful landscapes of the Sonoran Desert. Just 10 minutes from Tortilla Flat, Canyon Lake offers a refreshing escape and is the perfect place to enjoy fishing, boating, and waterskiing. You can also board the Dolly Steamboat for a scenic cruise along the lake's shoreline and the chance to spot local wildlife, like bighorn sheep and bald eagles.

Arizona is a prime destination for hiking, particularly outside of the baking summer season. The popular Boulder Canyon trail starts just near Canyon Lake. It's a moderately challenging five-mile trek that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the rocky Superstitions and the shimmering expanse of the lake. Lost Dutchman State Park has unbeatable hiking trails and expansive campsites for those who want to stay overnight in the area. One trail from Lost Dutchman leads to the famous Flatiron peak, though be warned, this hike is not for amateurs.