Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad in Apache Junction, Arizona
Heritage railroad with a museumTrain ridesRuns daily, 10 am to 5 pm, at Goldfield Ghost Town
The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad carries visitors on a narrated 20-minute loop around Goldfield Ghost Town, a gold mining town founded in 1893 at the foot of the Superstition Mountains, on a mile and a half of 36-inch gauge track.
- 36-inch narrow gauge track
- 1.5-mile loop around Goldfield
- 20-minute narrated ride
- Runs 7 days a week
- Kids 4 and under ride free
Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad at a glance
- Hours
- Train and mine tour 10 am to 5 pm, 7 days a week
- Admission
- Train: adults $12, seniors $10, ages 5 to 12 $8, 4 and under free; other Goldfield attractions are ticketed separately
- Train rides
- 20-minute narrated loop, departing every 35 minutes, daily 10 am to 5 pm
- Seasonal events
- Goldfield Gunfighters (November to April weekends)
- Plan for
- About 2 to 3 hours to ride and explore Goldfield
- Best for
- Families with young kids and road-trippers on the Apache Trail
- Best ages
- Toddlers to age 12
Hours and prices as the museum posts them, checked October 19, 2026. Confirm before you go.
Look inside the book
Taking the kids to Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad? Bring Rally along.
In Rally Takes the Train, a corgi's little legs can't manage the big train stairs, so Dad gives him a boost. It takes about five minutes to read, a good fit for the drive to Apache Junction.
Rally Takes the Train
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See who’s waiting at the station
Grandmommy and Papa are at the last stop. Get the full hand-painted book, $13.99 on Amazon.
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A narrow gauge loop around a gold rush town
Goldfield was established in 1893 as a booming gold mining community in the shadow of the Superstition Mountains, and its mines produced more than $1.5 million in gold back when gold sold for $20 an ounce. Today Goldfield Ghost Town, about 4.5 miles northeast of Apache Junction on the historic Apache Trail (State Route 88), keeps that era alive with a Main Street of historic buildings and shops, an underground mine tour, museums and gold panning.
The railroad is one of the town's signature attractions, and Goldfield promotes it as Arizona's only narrow gauge train. It runs on 36-inch gauge track, narrower than a standard main line railroad. A Plymouth diesel locomotive pulls a passenger car and a caboose around a mile and a half of track that circles the whole town.
What makes the ride more than a lap is the engineer. Each trip is narrated, and the engineers share the history of Goldfield and the Superstition Mountains, along with the native plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert and stories of the desert Southwest in general. Goldfield also displays what it calls the largest collection of antique mining equipment in the Southwest, so the ride passes plenty of old mining relics along the way.
Mountain views, mining relics and a whole ghost town
The train departs every 35 minutes for its 20-minute trip, giving wide views of the Superstition Mountains as it circles Goldfield. Afterward, the rest of the town is right there: the Goldfield Mine Tour, a guided underground tour of about 25 minutes, the Mystery Shack with its tilted rooms, gold panning, museums, a live reptile exhibit and the Superstition Zipline.
On weekends from November through April, the Goldfield Gunfighters stage Old West gunfights in the street every hour from noon to 4 pm. The Mammoth Steak House and Saloon serves food with views of the mountains, and a coffee shop opens at 9 am. Main Street merchants are open 10 am to 5 pm.
Don’t miss
- The Plymouth diesel and cabooseThe narrow gauge train pulls a passenger car and a caboose on its loop around town.
- The engineer's narrationStories of Goldfield, the Superstition Mountains and Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife make the 20 minutes fly.
- Goldfield Mine TourAn underground guided tour of about 25 minutes, sold at the same price as the train.
- Antique mining equipmentGoldfield's large outdoor collection of mining machinery sits around the town the train circles.
- Goldfield GunfightersWeekend Old West shows, November to April, hourly from noon to 4 pm.
Short rides, a caboose and gold panning
At 20 minutes, the ride is just right for little ones, and children 4 and under ride free. Kids can spot the caboose on the back of the train, watch for desert wildlife the engineer points out, then try gold panning or the topsy-turvy Mystery Shack.
The three pack of train, mine tour and Mystery Shack saves money for families doing it all. Goldfield is mostly outdoors in the Sonoran Desert, so in warm months bring water and hats, and note that summer hours for some businesses vary.
Plan your visit: tips for Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad
- Buy the three pack (train, mine tour and Mystery Shack) for the best value.
- Groups of 25 or more get group pricing when booked ahead: call (480) 983-0333.
- Come on a weekend between November and April to catch the gunfighters.
- Bring a camera; professional photography needs management's consent.
Part of Goldfield Ghost Town
The railroad is operated as part of Goldfield Ghost Town, where the engineers, mine guides, gunfighters and merchants keep the old mining town lively. Visitors support it by riding the train, booking group outings and shopping and eating in town. For group events, call (480) 983-0333.
More trains around the East Valley
The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler, about 24 miles away, lets kids walk through full-size passenger cars on cool-season weekends. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is about 26 miles west, and the Phoenix Trolley Museum about 34 miles. See all Arizona train museums for more.
- Arizona Railway MuseumChandler, AZ · about 24 mi
- McCormick-Stillman Railroad ParkScottsdale, AZ · about 26 mi
- Phoenix Trolley Museum / Arizona Street Railway MuseumPhoenix, AZ · about 34 mi
- Verde Canyon RailroadClarkdale, AZ · about 81 mi
- Southern Arizona Transportation MuseumTucson, AZ · about 91 mi
- Old Pueblo TrolleyTucson, AZ · about 92 mi
Bring Rally along: a train book for the drive
Here the engineer tells stories of Goldfield and the desert as the train circles town, and that kind of friendly voice is what Rally finds in our book. Mr. Conductor, in his blue uniform, reaches out a hand to welcome him aboard, and Rally knows he is in good hands with Mom and Dad beside him. A little kindness at the start makes any ride feel special. Our coloring pages include train scenes for the ride home.
Free for train families
Print the Rally coloring pages before you go
Watercolor coloring pages from the book, free to print. Tuck a few in a folder with crayons for the drive or the wait for the next train.
Get the free coloring pages
A train story for the ride homeRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi's first train trip to see his grand-paw-rents. Hand-painted in real watercolor. $13.99 on Amazon, for ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)More for train families
- Train museums in Arizona: every museum by town, with a map
- Train museums in every state: search by town or near you
- Christmas train rides in Arizona
- Halloween train rides in Arizona
- Every Amtrak route with kids
Work or volunteer at Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad?
We want this page to be the best introduction to your museum on the web. Send new hours, event dates, corrections or photos to kelsey@rallytakesthetrain.com and we will update it. You are welcome to share this page with your members.
Sources
Everything on this page comes from the museum’s own website and social pages and, for history, Wikipedia, checked October 19, 2026.
Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad: 20 questions answered
What is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
The Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad is a 36-inch gauge train at Goldfield Ghost Town near Apache Junction, Arizona. A Plymouth diesel pulls a passenger car and a caboose around a mile and a half of track that circles the town, on a narrated 20-minute ride.
Where is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
It is at Goldfield Ghost Town, 4650 N. Mammoth Mine Road, Apache Junction, Arizona 85119. Goldfield sits about 4.5 miles northeast of Apache Junction on the historic Apache Trail, State Route 88. Call (480) 983-0333 for directions.
How much is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
As of October 2026, train tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children ages 5 to 12, and free for children 4 and under. A three pack that bundles the train, the Goldfield Mine Tour and the Mystery Shack offers bigger savings.
What are the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad hours?
As of October 2026, the train and mine tour run from 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week. The train departs about every 35 minutes. Some Goldfield businesses keep different summer hours, so call (480) 983-0333 if you are visiting on a very hot day.
How long is the Superstition Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad ride?
The ride lasts about 20 minutes and covers a mile and a half of narrow gauge track around Goldfield Ghost Town. With trains leaving every 35 minutes, you rarely wait long, and the short length suits small children who cannot sit for a long trip.
Is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad narrated?
Yes. The engineer narrates each trip, sharing the history of Goldfield and the Superstition Mountains and pointing out the native plants and wildlife of the Sonoran Desert. Goldfield says its engineers are very knowledgeable about the area and the desert Southwest.
Is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad really narrow gauge?
Yes. It runs on 36-inch gauge track, narrower than standard gauge railroads. Goldfield Ghost Town promotes it as Arizona's only narrow gauge train. The train is pulled by a Plymouth diesel locomotive with a passenger car and a caboose.
Is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad good for toddlers?
Yes. The 20-minute ride is short enough for toddlers, children 4 and under ride free, and the caboose and passing desert scenery keep little ones interested. Bring water and sun protection, since Goldfield is mostly outdoors.
Is there a ghost tour at Goldfield Ghost Town?
Yes. Goldfield Ghost Town's Walking Ghost Tour, hosted by Matt Mason, explores the town at night and its legends, spirits and curses, and lasts about an hour and 45 minutes. As of October 2026 it costs $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and $25 for children. Reserve through fearfrontier.net or call (480) 773-8794.
What else is there to do at Goldfield Ghost Town?
Besides the train, Goldfield offers the underground Goldfield Mine Tour, the Mystery Shack, gold panning, museums, a live reptile exhibit, the Superstition Zipline, ghost tours, jeep tours, horseback riding and carriage rides, plus shops and the Mammoth Steak House and Saloon.
What is the Goldfield Mine Tour?
It is a guided underground tour of about 20 to 25 minutes in which guides explain the history of the mine and town and old gold mining equipment and methods. As of October 2026, tickets match the train: $12 adults, $10 seniors, $8 ages 5 to 12, and 4 and under free.
Is there a combo ticket for the train at Goldfield?
Yes. Goldfield sells a three pack covering the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Goldfield Mine Tour and the Mystery Shack, which it describes as a big saving over buying each separately. Ask for it at the ticket window or call (480) 983-0333.
Are there group rates for the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
Yes. Groups of at least 25 guests who schedule ahead qualify for group pricing. As of October 2026, a package of the train, mine tour and Mystery Shack starts at $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $20 for kids 5 to 12, with children 4 and under free. Call (480) 983-0333.
When are the Goldfield gunfights?
The Goldfield Gunfighters perform from November through April on Saturdays and Sundays, every hour from high noon to 4 pm. Plan a weekend train ride in those months to see a gunfight in the street as well.
What is the history of Goldfield, Arizona?
Goldfield was established in 1893 as a booming gold mining community, and more than $1.5 million in gold, at $20 an ounce, was worked from its mines. Today Goldfield Ghost Town preserves that era, with what it calls the Southwest's largest collection of antique mining equipment.
What will I see on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
The train circles Goldfield Ghost Town, with wide views of the Superstition Mountains, mining relics and Sonoran Desert plants along the way. The engineer explains the history and wildlife as you ride, so it works as a quick introduction to the area.
Is there food near the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
Yes. The Mammoth Steak House and Saloon in Goldfield serves steaks with views of the Superstition Mountains, and the coffee shop is open 9 am to 4:30 pm. The saloon's summer hours vary, so call (480) 983-0333 to check.
Can I take photos on the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
Personal photos are welcome, and Goldfield encourages visitors to bring cameras for the mountain scenery. Professional photography in the ghost town is not allowed without the consent of management, so contact Goldfield at (480) 983-0333 before a paid shoot.
Is the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad open in summer?
The train and mine tour are listed as running 10 am to 5 pm, seven days a week, year-round. Some Goldfield businesses, such as the saloon, keep varying summer hours, and summer days in the desert are hot, so ride earlier in the day and call ahead.
What train museums are near the Superstition Narrow Gauge Railroad?
The Arizona Railway Museum in Chandler is about 24 miles away and open on weekends from September to May. McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale is about 26 miles, and the Phoenix Trolley Museum is about 34 miles away.
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