Dolly Steamboat: What To Expect

A Quick Introduction to Canyon Lake in Arizona

closest cities to canyon lake

So you’ve decided you want to try out Canyon Lake Boat Rentals? Canyon Lake is closest to Mesa, Arizona and Apache Junction, Arizona. From Downtown Phoenix, Canyon Lake is 1 hour way. It seems like a lot, but that drive goes by fast. Highway 88 or Apache Trail Scenic Byway to Canyon Lake is one of the most beautiful roads in Arizona- trust me!

Some of the other fun landmarks/ activities you’ll pass along the way include the Superstition Mountains and Goldfield Ghost Town.

best time to visit canyon lake

You can visit Canyon Lake and ride Dolly Steamboat year-round, that’s the nice part about Arizona. However, April to October is the busy season for Canyon Lake Boat Rentals. Keep in mind, SUMMER IS HOT. Make sure you have access to shade and sunscreen and hydration during the day. Dolly Steamboat has indoor and outdoor spaces (indoor has air conditioning), and they do evening cruises.

Twilight Cruise Experience

For an unforgettable Arizona evening, the Dolly Steamboat’s Twilight Cruise on Canyon Lake is a must-do. As the sun dips below the rugged desert landscape, painting the sky in a breathtaking display of colors, you’ll cruise the serene waters, spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles settling in for the night. 

This is perfect for first-time Arizona visitors OR for locals. I live only 30 minutes from the Marina and it took me 11 years to do this cruise, and it reignited my love for Arizona. It’s so romantic and beautiful.

Getting to the Cruise

The Dolly Steamboat Twilight Cruise tickets are $88 and $58 for lods 5-12. I highly suggest getting tickets online befor going- they sell out often. They do accept walk-ins if need be. They ask you to be at the ticket desk 30 minutes before start time. They start loading up shortly after this time, so please be early!

When you check in, you get a seat assignment. Once you’re on the boat, you’ll be seated at a table.

Dinner

15 minutes into our tour, dinner was served. Each table got called up to the buffet which included steak, chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, and salad. Honestly they were all DELICIOUS. You can have water, tea, and lemonade included. There’s also a cash bar inside with snacks and alcohol. For dessert, we had cheesecake which was also super good, which means a lot coming from a cheesecake snob.

Wildlife & Scenery

Aboard the Dolly Steamboat, the scenery of Canyon Lake is nothing short of spectacular. You’ll be treated to dramatic desert vistas, characterized by towering canyon walls and rugged rock formations that rise majestically from the water. 

But the Dolly Steamboat tours aren’t just about the stunning scenery; they’re also a prime opportunity for wildlife spotting. Canyon Lake is home to a diverse array of animals, and captains are often skilled at pointing them out. Desert bighorn sheep are a frequent sight, often seen clinging to the steep cliffs or coming down to the water’s edge, especially in warmer months. Bald eagles are another highlight, often seen soaring overhead or perched in trees, and you might even witness them interacting with other birds of prey. Other potential sightings include various species of birds, deer, and javelina roaming the shoreline. The knowledgeable guides provide narration, offering insights into the local ecosystem, its inhabitants, and the history and geology of Canyon Lake and the surrounding Superstition Mountains.