Scenic Nature Cruise on Canyon Lake

View Beautiful Canyon Lake Scenery

The water level of Canyon Lake will be lowered for approximately 16 weeks beginning September 16, 2026, to allow for critical dam safety inspections and maintenance. During this period, Tonto National Forest will close the lake, including all boat ramps and public access points.

As a result, the Dolly Steamboat will temporarily suspend operations starting August 30th. While we will miss sharing Canyon Lake with our guests during this time, we look forward to welcoming you to once again experience the breathtaking beauty, wildlife, and scenic wonders that make Canyon Lake such a special destination at the beginning of January 2027.

Though we will be away for a short time, Canyon Lake’s beauty will be waiting! We look forward to reintroducing you to the magic of this breathtaking and stunning desert oasis in January 2027.

Sit back, relax and take in the gorgeous views of Canyon Lake! During this one-and-a-half-hour, six-mile cruise, you may see desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles and a host of other animals and local wildlife viewed from the decks of the Dolly! We also touch on the beautiful flora from the stately Saguaro cacti to the microscopic organism called desert varnish. Discover why there’s more to Arizona than just desert on this spectacular Canyon Lake cruise. You never know what you might learn about Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat and the surrounding area aboard the Dolly. Book your Dolly steamboat cruise now, and be sure to bring your friends and family along for the ride. Beat the heat on our climate controlled lower and upper decks.

*All passengers must check in at ticket booth 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time. * At five minutes to departure, we will start selling any unclaimed reservations to the walk-on line as the boat leaves as scheduled.

Before You Board

• ALL PASSENGERS MUST PICK UP TICKETS AT TICKET BOOTH PRIOR TO BOARDING THE BOAT
• The ticket booth will open 25 to 45 minutes prior to departure. Arrival time is 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure
• At 5 minutes to departure, we will start selling any unclaimed reservations to the walk-on line as the boat leaves as scheduled
• Reservations are recommended to guarantee passage. Cruises are subject to availability and tend to sell out
• Please inform a crew member of any special needs
• Tickets are sold and passes are handed out on a first-come-first-serve basis, starting with reservations. If there is room available, walk-ons will be taken after all reservations arrive. All passengers, including children, must have a boarding pass
• Boarding will be done by the captain. We ask that you DO NOT block or go to the walkway until directed by the crew or captain. We will board those with special needs and one helper first. (Please only hold one table for the remainder of your group)
• All children must wear and keep on a life jacket, please inform the captain of the weight of your child
• No personal beverages, food, alcohol, firearms (CCW holders okay) or weapons allowed. Unopened bottled water is okay
• A snack bar is available on board with water, sodas, snacks, and alcohol. Please keep in mind that it is cash or check only. No credit cards, please
• No glass containers are allowed at Canyon Lake
• The crew will check all carry-ons, so please have coolers, purses, and small bags unzipped and open for inspection as you board the Dolly
• Smoking is not allowed onboard
• Service animals only! What is a service animal?
  Under the ADA a service animal is defined as a dog that has been trained to do work or perform a task for an
  individual with a disability that is directly related to the person’s disability.