Today we decided to go to Tortilla Flats accessed via Tonto National Forest.

The landscape is amazing with rolling hills, green desert and cactus.

This has to be some of the nicest desert landscape I have seen in a long time.

Who knew there was such a large lake in the desert.

Many people are in kayaks and paddle boards enjoying the calm water.

From a distance, this looked like a nose sticking out of the desert.

Arrived at Tortilla Flats - ready for lunch.

Stopped into the only restaurant and got some takeout food. We decided to head back to the lake and eat in peace.

The Old Dutchman - "Arizona's most celebrated scoundrel".

The birds and a paddle boat passed by as we had lunch with Cody outside.

On our way back, we stopped to take more photos.

And more photos.

Weavers Needle in the distance.

Why do people have to vandalize things.

And more photos.

And more photos.

I am so glad we did a day trip out into the desert to see Tortilla Flats. The scenery is beautiful and virtually untouched for centuries. If you are in the area, add this to your bucket list. Tortilla Flats: https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2021/03/11/tortilla-flat-az-things-to-do/6816111002/



Goldfield Ghost Town - just outside of Apache Junction and on the way back from Tortilla Flats.

You can tour the gold mine and enjoy the old ghost town.

Lots to see, a few things to do. Like a train ride, mine tour and ghost tour.

The layout is like Heritage Park in Calgary, but free to access and walk around.

As you walk the street around the mine, you get a sense of what it would have been like in its day.

Perfect ghost town with an amazing mountain view.

This is an actual lift used in the mine to transport people and goods.


It was free to walk around and dogs on leases are welcome. It's a great stop to hit on your way back to Apache Junction/ Mesa for ice cream and a bathroom break. I wanted to do the mine tour, but it was getting later in the day. We may come back sometime to do the tour and train ride (I am a sucker for train rides). Website: https://goldfieldghosttown.com