The Dolly Steamboat dinner cruise is a unique way to experience Arizona and all its beauty on Canyon Lake. On this 2.5-hour cruise, you can spot wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles, watch the sunset over the mountains and stare at the bright night stars. For a family adventure near Phoenix or a romantic night in Arizona, take a cruise on the Dolly Steamboat to see one of the most beautiful places in Arizona.

🛥️To book a full day on the Dolly Steamboat – purchase tickets here.

About the Dolly Steamboat

The Dolly Steamboat is located at 16802 AZ-88, Apache Junction, AZ 85119, at Canyon Lake Marina and Campground in Tortilla Flat, Arizona. Tours on the Dolly began in 1983 by the original owners, Paul and Dolly Kennedy. In 1987, it was purchased by the Grimh family, who have operated it since. The Dolly is 103 feet long and carries up to 142 passengers with a crew of 3. The boat has lower and upper sections, and tables align the covered and uncovered areas of the boat.  

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The Dolly is a one-of-a-kind experience in Arizona for families and couples. The boat holds a large history of celebrations – including engagements, wedding anniversaries, and birthdays.  

About Canyon Lake Tonto National Forest

Canyon Lake, located in the Tonto National Forest, is a gorgeous area for sightseeing. The national forest is in the city of Tortilla Flat, one of many small towns in Arizona. It is approximately 50 miles northwest of Phoenix, with a few windy roads and a scenic drive to get there. Cacti and other desert plantations line up the hills as you come upon one of the hidden gems in Arizona.

Canyon Lake is one of four reservoirs of the Salt River formed by the damming of the Salt River Project in 1925. During the Salt River Project, lakes were formed 60 miles long and used for reliable water supply, hydroelectricity, flood control, and irrigation. Canyon Lake is surrounded by spectacular cliffs and wildlife.

Theodore Roosevelt Lake was another lake formed during the Salt River project. President Roosevelt described the Salt River lakes as a combination of “the grandeur of the Alps, the glory of the Rockies, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and then adds an indefinable something that none of the others have.” 

Experiencing the Dolly Steamboat Dinner Cruise

On a trip to Phoenix to visit my brother, we enjoyed an evening on the Dolly Steamboat for their Twilight Dinner Cruise. The time frame was the beginning of October and the evening temperatures were in the high-80s. We sat on the front end of the lower level of the Dolly, near the beam.

🛥️To book a full day on the Dolly Steamboat – purchase tickets here.

Captain Ron led our cruise for the evening and gave us a tour of Canyon Lake Tonto National Forest along with its history. He would stop the boat often to show wildlife and rock formations with a laser pointer for all to see. That evening we saw bighorn sheep, but he also pointed out some eagle nests where eagles can frequently be spotted flying above.

The dinner cruise was 2.5 hours long and included a delicious meal of chicken, ribs, salad, sides, and cheesecake for dessert. We also enjoyed some alcoholic beverages, which can be purchased with cash inside the covered area.

Rock Formations in Arizona You can Spot on The Dolly

Along with wildlife, you can see spot many famous rock formations in Arizona on the Dolly Steamboat. The first two you can spot are the Princess Rocks. You can see formations that look like heads and bodies which face one another.

Next, you can spot the cross formation in Crucifix Canyon. Legend has it that the cross is nature made. However, Captain Ron shared that priests spent much time in the area, so it is unsure if it is nature-made or human-made.

The last rock formation that was pointed out to us on Canyon lake was Gorilla Rock. The gorilla faces away from the lake. The moon appeared above the rock as we were passing by, so I was able to capture some great photos.

My Review of the Dolly Steamboat Dinner Cruise

The Dolly Steamboat Dinner Cruise was the highlight of my vacation. It was a way that I could experience Arizona and all of its beauty while spending quality time with my brother. The music was relaxing, and the crew was friendly and welcoming.

In 2.5 hours, we enjoyed a memorable experience, including a fantastic dinner and dessert. We got to see the sunset, followed by the moon rising above the canyon. We learned about the history of the lake and spotted rock formations and bighorn sheep.

At the end of the night, the bright stars were above us as we returned to the dock. Captain Ron announced anniversaries and birthdays that were being celebrated that evening.

It was incredible to see one of the most beautiful places in Arizona on the Dolly. I will be sure to take another cruise on the Dolly next time I visit the area. Thank you, Dolly Steamboat, for a memorable evening!

Other Cruises You Can Enjoy on the Dolly

In addition to the Twilight Dinner Cruise, other Dolly Steamboat cruises include the Scenic Nature Cruise, Astronomy Dinner Cruise, and the Game & Fish Bighorn Sheep Cruise. If you plan to take a cruise, make sure to book ahead, as they fill up quickly.

***Thank you, Dolly Steamboat, for hosting us! All opinions are my own***

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, you might also enjoy my other adventures, like Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Colorado National Speedway.

If you’re looking for other great Arizona adventures, check out this guide to the best Grand Canyon lodging.