To Grand Canyon and Beyond! - Northern Arizona University

Dear Friends of NAU Road Scholar,
The Southwestern United States stuns us with its diversity of landscapes and cultures,
providing a dynamic bridge between old and new, past and present, spectacular in
its beauty yet sublimely desolate. NAU Road Scholar has been a leader in lifelong
learning since 1983, sharing Grand Canyon; Mesa Verde; Bryce, Zion, and Chaco
Canyons; Monument Valley; Petrified Forest; Canyon de Chelly; Sedona; Flagstaff;
Navajo, Hopi, Zuni and Hualapai lands; Lake Powell; Death Valley; Joshua Tree and
many more destinations with inquisitive and enthusiastic travelers.
Under the leadership of our experienced guides, these locales reveal the stories
behind their sceneries—multi-hued geology, vibrant natural history and colorful
human characters—stimulating new avenues of discovery. Our programs offer a
multitude of opportunities for exploration and learning.
Picture yourself hiking in Marble Canyon, painting a Sedona scene, rafting the
Colorado River, climbing a desert dune in Death Valley, picking out the million
and billion year old rock layers at Grand Canyon, sharing a Colorado River raft
adventure with your grandchild, or listening to a Hopi presenter discuss clanship.
We offer a full palette of programs for every interest. Turn the pages to see just a
sampling of the experiences and destinations available for making new memories
while in the company of fellow travelers.
Thanks to you and other Road Scholar participants, NAU has provided exceptional
learning adventures for over 30 years and has welcomed over 110,000 participants
to journey under our banner. Our heartfelt wish is to share this unparalleled
scenery and its human story in a way that will leave you with a greater appreciation
of America’s spectacular Southwest. We look forward to introducing you to the diverse
beauty of our home. Welcome!
Richard Stephens, Director, and the staff of NAU Road Scholar
Table of Contents
1–3 | Epic Journeys in
the Great Southwest
4–5 | Active Outdoor
Adventures in the
Great Southwest
6–7 | Winter Getaways
in the Valley of the
Sun and Southwest
8–9 | Intergenerational
& Family Adventures
10–11 | Regional
Studies in Depth
12 | Special Events &
Holiday Programs
13 | Arts and
Individual Skills
Back Cover | Map of
Program Sites
Epic Journeys in the Great Southwest
Travel these iconic Southwestern landscapes while experiencing an insider’s look at what makes
their geographies so spectacular – their incomparable geologic wonders, rich native cultures,
enduring plant communities, compelling human stories of discovery and settlement, and the current
issues which continue to shape their future.
“This program more than met my expectations, gave me a richer experience of
Navajo/Hopi land/life and AZ than if I had gone by myself. I was enriched by
other participants. I highly recommend this program.”
~Diane, Seattle, WA | #18591
8718 Absolute Southwest: A Canyonlands Adventure
| 11 nights
2804 Grand Canyon National Park: Exploring the North and
South Rims | 7 nights
Journey to the Grand Canyon, Monument
Valley, Sedona, and Zion and Bryce Canyon
national parks. Learn about the geologic
upheavals, native cultures, explorers and
settlers that give this region its unique
character. Traverse storied landscapes on
the Colorado Plateau, experience the Navajo
Reservation and gaze up to canyon rims from
the depths of the Colorado River.
Experience the distinctive character of the
Grand Canyon’s vibrant South Rim and remote
North Rim, visiting Sedona en route. Journey
to the geologic beginning of the Grand Canyon
at Lee’s Ferry on the Colorado River and, on
both rims, gaze into the mile-deep chasm with
multi-hued, 2 billion-year-old rocks that preserve
ancient landscapes and life forms.
Highlights:
ƒƒ Choose to fly over both Grand Canyon rims and the
Colorado River aboard a fixed-wing aircraft.
ƒƒ Enjoy a Navajo-led 4x4 adventure in Monument Valley and
a Colorado River smooth float raft trip.
ƒƒ Experience beloved landscapes in Sedona, Grand Canyon,
Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion national parks.
ƒƒ Study the region’s geology, natural history, Native
Americans, current issues and historical characters.
Itinerary:
Arrival Phoenix, AZ, 1 night; Sedona, AZ, 1 night;
South Rim Grand Canyon National Park, 2 nights;
Monument Valley, UT, 2 nights; Page/Lake Powell,
AZ, 2 nights; Bryce Canyon National Park, UT, 1
night; Zion National Park, UT, 2 nights; departure
Las Vegas, NV.
Highlights:
ƒƒ Experience two days at the North Rim for one-of-a-kind
views and enjoy a Condor talk at the lodge.
ƒƒ Between the rims, experience Marble Canyon, the
Vermilion Cliffs and Lee’s Ferry, walk over the historic Navajo
Bridge and dip your toes in the Colorado River.
Itinerary:
Arrival Phoenix, 1 night; Sedona, 1 night; Grand
Canyon South Rim, 2 nights; Grand Canyon
North Rim, 2 nights; Flagstaff, 1 night; departure
to Phoenix.
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Epic Journeys in the Great Southwest, cont.
11573 Color Country National Parks:
Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon North
Rim | 7 nights
The Colorado Plateau has
created monuments shaped by
winter snows, rain and geologic
upheaval over a span of time
beyond human comprehension.
Even with an understanding
of geology, the multi-hued
amphitheaters and hoodoos of
Bryce, the cathedral canyons
of Zion, and the lush North
Rim of the Grand Canyon seem
improbable — inspiring wonder
and defying imagination.
Venture into these breathtaking
national parks to discover their
evolution through geologic time
and the natural history and
human stories that also color
this country.
Highlights:
ƒƒ Hike in Zion’s main canyon as a
naturalist provides trailside insights.
ƒƒ Spend a day among hoodoos and
magical rock formations of Bryce
Canyon National Park.
ƒƒ Witness sunrise and sunset at the
Grand Canyon’s North Rim and enjoy a
breathtaking hike below the rim on the
North Kaibab Trail.
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Itinerary:
Arrival Las Vegas, NV, 1 night;
Zion National Park, UT, 2
nights; Bryce Canyon National
Park, UT, 2 nights; North Rim
Grand Canyon, AZ, 2 nights; Las
Vegas, NV, for departure. Note:
some departures stay in 3 historic
National Park Lodges.
13157 Four Corners Canyon Country
| 7 nights
Immerse yourself in the fabled
Four Corners — the rich
archaeological treasures of
Mesa Verde and the enduring
Navajo culture in Canyon
de Chelly and Monument
Valley. Discover Santa Fe’s
multi-cultural history. Travel
to Mesa Verde with an indepth exploration of this vast
landscape of canyons and
mesas. See why the Ancestral
Puebloans — the Anasazi —
chose Mesa Verde as their
home over a millennium ago.
Then explore Canyon de Chelly
and Monument Valley on the
Navajo Nation with cultural
presentations and 4x4 field trips
into these iconic landscapes.
Highlights:
ƒƒ In Mesa Verde National Park, take
expert-led explorations of Chapin Mesa
and famed Cliff Palace.
ƒƒ At Canyon de Chelly, travel the
South Rim to sacred Spider Rock; view
rock art and traditional hogans nestled
beneath 800-foot streaked cliffs.
ƒƒ Enjoy exploring the historic heart of
Santa Fe on an expert-led walking tour.
Itinerary:
Arrival Albuquerque, NM, 2
nights; Mesa Verde National
Park, CO, 2 nights; Chinle/
Canyon de Chelly, AZ, 3 nights;
travel to Albuquerque, NM,
departure.
2805 Grand Canyon Odyssey: River
Journeys and Canyon Vistas | 7 nights
Experience the Grand Canyon
with two spectacular raft
trips on the Colorado River.
Enjoy a raft trip through Glen
Canyon and explore the South
Rim of the Grand Canyon
with its sweeping views and
historic village. The adventure
culminates with a helicopter
flight into the canyon and a raft
trip in the remote western end
of Grand Canyon.
Highlights:
ƒƒ At Glen Canyon, float by raft on
the Colorado River, passing beneath
towering sandstone cliffs.
ƒƒ Spend two nights on the South Rim
of the Grand Canyon, with field trips
and walks along the rim to stunning
viewpoints.
ƒƒ Fly by helicopter to the banks of the
Colorado River and raft 20 miles to the
Grand Wash Cliffs (smooth float) or
white water adventure from Diamond
Creek (date dependent).
Itinerary:
Arrival Phoenix, 1 night; Marble
Canyon, 2 nights; Grand Canyon
National Park, 2 nights; Peach
Springs, 2 nights; travel to
Phoenix, departure.
13480 On the Road: America’s Great
Deserts and Their National Parks
| 9 nights
Deserts are this nation’s
unexplored wilderness,
harboring rare and endangered
plants and animals and
sheltering hidden oases. And
deserts are landscapes changed
by humans, to be made to
bloom, to be mined for wealth,
to tame its wild rivers. With
stories of fortunes won and lost,
conflict and controversy, these
landscapes have been formed
and reformed by nature’s time
and human struggle. Explore
these great American deserts,
the Sonoran and Mojave, cut by
the life-giving Colorado River,
and experience their warmth
and richness in a journey of a
lifetime.
Highlights:
ƒƒ Experience these dramatically
different National Parks and American
deserts with in-depth exploration of
Saguaro, Joshua Tree and Death Valley.
ƒƒ Visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert
Museum in Tucson, Yuma’s Territorial
Prison, and historic Scotty’s Castle in
Death Valley.
ƒƒ Ride the thrilling Palm Springs Aerial
Tramway and enjoy a festive Palm
Springs street fair.
Itinerary:
Arrival Tucson, AZ, 2 nights;
Yuma, AZ , 1 night; Palm
Springs, CA, 3 nights; Death
Valley National Park, CA, 3
nights; travel to Las Vegas, NV,
departure.
18591 On the Road: Hopi Mesas, Canyon
de Chelly, and Monument Valley-Exploring
Lands of the Hopi & Navajo
| 6 nights
Stay on both the Navajo and Hopi
reservations and immerse yourself
in these cultures with exposure to
native speakers and artisans who
share insights into their lifeways.
Visit the Hopi village of Old
Oraibi atop a windswept mesa.
At Canyon de Chelly, field trips
visit both North and South rims
and the inner Canyon. Experience
Monument Valley’s iconic
formations and sweeping vistas.
Highlights
ƒƒ Enjoy two Navajo-led 4x4 adventures to
see ruins, petroglyphs and natural beauty.
ƒƒ Enjoy a docent-led field trip to
Phoenix’s famed Heard Museum, relating
the multi-faceted stories of the Native
American peoples of the Southwest.
ƒƒ Visit Hubble Trading Post and hear
from both Navajo and Hopi speakers
about their enduring cultures and modern
challenges.
Itinerary:
Arrival Phoenix, 1 night; Second
Mesa, 2 nights; Chinle, 2 nights;
Cameron, 1 night; travel to
Phoenix, departure.
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Join Us for these Active Outdoor Adventures in
the Great Southwest!
By foot or by raft, with a daypack or a backpack, paddling or
letting the river guide do the work, come and experience these
off-the-beaten-track locations to discover their hidden treasures.
“Beautiful rock formations, fun slot
canyons, energetic hiking, interesting
evening programs, excellent
accommodations ..., delicious
breakfast, an amazing leader and
program coordinator – this program
has it all!”
~Eileen, Ann Arbor, MI | #6114
Hiking Arizona’s Deserts
6117 Hiking in the Desert: Arizona’s
Valley of the Sun and Superstition
Mountains | 6 nights
Moderately Challenging
Hike classic Sonoran desert
trails while learning to identify
many cactus species and
exploring basin and range
topography.
19723 Hiking Arizona’s Sonoran Desert:
Exploring the Superstition Mountains
6 nights | Challenging
Trek through the south, north,
and eastern sides of the
Superstition Mountains while
you make your way through the
rugged, cactus-laden landscapes
of the Superstition Wilderness,
home of the legendary Lost
Dutchman Mine and the
mysterious Weaver’s Needle.
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Hiking Arizona’s Canyon
Country
6114 Hiking the Slick Rock, Slot
Canyons and Red Rocks of Lake Powell
5 nights | Moderately Challenging
In Sedona’s spectacular redrock country, travel pathways
in multi-hued canyons with
field-based instruction. Explore
hidden ruins and unparalleled
red rock landscapes off-thebeaten-path.
Hiking boots and a daypack are
your ticket to some magical
forays into the Lake Powell area.
Discover canyon country’s secret
treasures — hidden arches, slot
canyons, ancient petroglyphs
and matchless panoramic vistas.
Naturalist guides reveal the
geologic forces that have shaped
these magical landforms.
6112 Hiking Grand Canyon: Adventures
On and Below the South Rim | 5 nights
Moderately Challenging
6113 Hiking Arizona’s Marble Canyon
and Vermilion Cliffs: Off-the-Beaten-Path
6 nights | Challenging
Hike beneath towering pines,
through pinyon-juniper and
around yucca and agave as you
venture along and below the rim
of the Grand Canyon. From a
hike along the rim at Hopi Point
to the Desert View descent of
the Palisades and South Kaibab
Trail, see more of Grand Canyon
National Park than you ever
imagined.
In remote and beautiful Marble
Canyon, enjoy varied hiking
opportunities in a geologic
wonderland while hiking hidden
trails and exploring locations
known only to local guides.
At the nexus of the Paria and
Colorado Rivers, Vermilion Cliffs
and Grand Canyon, Marble
Canyon and Lee’s Ferry offer
opportunities to experience this
unparalleled landscape.
2117 Hiking Sedona: Adventure in the
Red Rocks| 5 nights
Moderately challenging
8144 Hiking Grand Canyon from Rim to
River: An Adventure to Phantom Ranch
5 nights | Challenging
Hike the Grand Canyon with
seasoned Canyon guides along
its two most famous trails –
the Bright Angel and the South
Kaibab. At the bottom of the
canyon, spend two nights
at historic Phantom Ranch
beneath towering rock walls,
under rustling cottonwoods and
adjacent to the clear waters of
Bright Angel Creek.
7704 Hiking Granite Gorge and
Havasupai | 5 nights | Challenging
Explore the Grand Canyon on
foot, from Havasu Canyon to
Granite Gorge on the Hualapai
Reservation, and experience
hiking in beautifully remote offthe-beaten-path locales. Spend
two nights in the remote village
of Supai with time to explore
this part of the Havasupai
Reservation, known for its
magical turquoise waterfalls.
California, Here I Come!
20819 Hiking the High Desert: Joshua
Tree National Park | 5 nights
Moderately challenging
Hike in Joshua Tree National
Park and the desert surrounding
Palm Springs. Famous for the
other-worldly Joshua Tree and
unique geologic formations, the
park is a desert lover’s paradise
where the Sonoran and Mojave
deserts meet. In the Palm
Springs area hike to palm oases
where water brings abundance
and has created the largest
density of California palm trees
in the world.
Backpacking in Grand
Canyon
2113 Backpacking Grand Canyon: The
Ultimate Rim to Rim Experience
6 nights | Challenging
Experience the Grand Canyon
from Rim to Rim! Encounter
pristine streams and waterfalls,
hidden lush groves and majestic
scenery every day. Trek through
five life zones and nearly half of
earth’s history as you backpack
twenty-four breathtaking miles, on
established trails, from the heights
of the Rim, to the Colorado River
and Phantom Ranch below, and up
the other side.
21244 Backpacking the Grand Canyon
and Waterfalls of Havasupai
6 nights | Challenging
The turquoise waterfalls of
Havasupai are a world-renowned
natural attraction. Adding to their
mystique is the fact they reside
in the heart of the Grand Canyon
on the reservation lands of the
Havasupai, who have lived in
the Grand Canyon for over 800
years. And with the nearest road
10 miles away, it requires a hike
through world-class scenery to
get there. Come join us on this
backpack trip of a lifetime!
Rafting in the Southwest
2114 Rafting Grand Canyon’s Colorado
River: The Ultimate White Water
Adventure | 9 nights | Challenging
The Grand Canyon and the
mighty Colorado River come
together to form a place where
geology, water and time have
created one of our nation’s most
spectacular natural wonders.
Motor rafts allow time for
exploration and learning, from
incredible natural history to the
Native Americans who consider
it the birthplace of humanity.
Touch some of the oldest
rocks found on the earth while
renewing your spirit.
5
Winter Getaways in the
Valley of the Sun and Southwest
Enjoy these Phoenix and
Scottsdale-based programs
to discover what these vibrant southwestern
cities have to offer and why so many
find their way here from colder climes.
Programs 21299 and 21812 may be
offered on back-to-back
weeks so you can
combine the two
to extend your
stay.
21299 Signature City PhoenixScottsdale | 5 nights
Explore Arizona’s Valley of
the Sun on daily adventures
spotlighting the history and
culture of the Southwest’s most
dynamic city and its environs
— from iconic Camelback
Mountain to the copper-domed
State Capitol. Discover the
region’s prehistoric and modern
Native American cultures with
a visit to the famed Heard
Museum. View the city’s mix
of architectural styles including
Frank Lloyd Wright and Paolo
Soleri. Experience the music of
the world at Phoenix’ newest
sensation — the Musical
Instrument Museum. Stay in Old
Town Scottsdale where its true
western roots are juxtaposed
against its modern and upscale
new Southwest style.
Highlights
ƒƒ View elements of this dynamic city
on an expert-led discovery of Phoenix.
Experience art and culture at the
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Native American Heard Museum, and
visit the Phoenix Art Museum, Musical
Instrument Museum and Wright’s
Taliesin West.
ƒƒ Discover the rich diversity of the
Sonoran Desert at the Desert Botanical
Garden and sit under the stars around a
campfire amid towering saguaro cacti
following a dinner on a 1,300-acre
ranch.
ƒƒ Enjoy world-class galleries and a
Western-themed ambiance while strolling
Old Town Scottsdale, just a short walk
from the hotel.
21812 Valley of the Sun: Hidden Gems
of Phoenix | 5 nights
Bypass the usual tourist
sites and discover the hidden
gems of the greater Phoenix/
Scottsdale region, exploring
its prehistoric past, early
territorial history, and vibrant
present. Trace the steps of the
valley’s earliest inhabitants, the
Hohokam, at the 1,500-yearold Pueblo Grande ruins, and
survey the Valley of the Sun
from the heights of one of the
nation’s largest city parks.
Revel in the natural beauty of
the Superstition Mountains’
Apache Trail, which Theodore
Roosevelt declared combines
“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.”
Highlights
ƒƒ Tour historic Wrigley Mansion, visit
Arizona State University’s campus and
Cosanti, home and foundry of Italian
architect Paolo Soleri.
ƒƒ Examine extensive collections of
Western and American Indian art at a
local museum.
ƒƒ Enjoy a narrated cruise on pristine
Canyon Lake, and learn about Salt River
Project, major provider of the valley’s
water supply, whose innovation has
enabled millions of people to live in the
harsh environment of the Sonoran desert.
These programs explore further afield yet allow you to enjoy warm
and sunny weather in the Desert Southwest
13480 On the Road: America’s Great
Deserts and Their National Parks
6117 Hiking in the Desert: Arizona’s
Valley of the Sun and Superstition
Mountains
19723 Hiking Arizona’s Sonoran Desert:
Exploring the Superstition Mountains
20819 Hiking the High Desert: Joshua
Tree National Park
7447 Birding in the Sonoran Desert:
Cactus Wrens to Vermilion Flycatchers
1046 Southwest Landscape
Photography
“A truly rejuvenating experience!
Phoenix-Scottsdale...with
its welcoming sunshine and
beauty...made for the perfect
backdrop to explore art, culture
and desert life.”
CHEER ON YOUR FAVORITE BASEBALL TEAM
DURING CACTUS LEAGUE SPRING TRAINING
Come see why baseball fans have been flocking to the warmth
of the Valley of the Sun since 1947 when the Cleveland
Indians and New York Giants fled the cold and snow to train for
opening day and their rigorous major league seasons. Today,
15 teams train in the Phoenix metropolitan area in the greatest
concentration of professional baseball facilities found anywhere
in the United States. Search the Road Scholar catalog under
‘Arizona Spring Training Baseball’ to find our line-up of teams
and events. No matter the team, you’ll see 4 games while you’re
here as well as get behind-the-scenes insights into the game
from former players, coaches, writers and executives whose
insider experiences and storytelling talents will keep you on the
edge of your seat.
Look for your favorite teams under these program numbers:
7195,7196, 7197, and 7198
~Kathleen, Kingston, Ontario | #21229
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Intergenerational and Family Adventures: To Grand Canyon and Beyond!
Join us on programs designed for you and your young companion — or even your entire family— to
experience the best of the Grand Canyon and northern Arizona. All programs visit a portion of this
world wonder, whether in its remote and seldom-seen western reaches or in Grand Canyon National
Park on its South or North Rim. Choose a program with a scenic overflight, a historic train ride, a raft
trip or even a helicopter ride from the river to the rim! Make this the year to share the Grand Canyon
with your grandchild!
21290 Grand Canyon Family Adventure:
Exploring the Canyon’s North and South
Rims and a Scenic Overflight | 6 nights
Discover the Grand Canyon on
this once-in-a-lifetime, multigenerational family adventure
while creating lasting memories
of this world wonder. Join
a Grand Canyon expert to
discover the geology, natural
history and Native American
heritage of this region. Enjoy
stunning view points, a scenic
overflight of the Canyon, marvel
at a sunset, and learn what
makes this American treasure
so special. En route to the
canyon, ride a 4x4 jeep through
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Sedona’s magnificent red-rock
country, then journey to the
forests of the North Rim via
the geologic beginning of the
Grand Canyon at Lee’s Ferry
where you can take a dip in the
invigorating Colorado River.
Phoenix, 1 night; Grand Canyon
South Rim, 2 nights; Marble
Canyon, 1 night; Grand Canyon
North Rim, 1 night; Phoenix,
1 night.
5831 Grand Canyon National Park:
River Rafting and a Historic Train Ride
With Your Grandchild | 5 nights
Create memories you’ll never
forget — show your grandchild
the Grand Canyon for the first
time! Arrive on the South Rim
via the historic Grand Canyon
Railway with a train “robbery”
en route. Hike a canyon trail,
watch for California condors,
and explore the canyon’s
“layer cake” geology. Travel
through the Navajo Reservation
and visit secluded Walnut
Canyon National Monument’s
prehistoric cliff dwellings.
Enjoy a float trip on the
Colorado River below Glen
Canyon Dam and challenge
yourself on the challenge/ropes
course on the Northern Arizona
University campus.
Five nights in Flagstaff.
2520 Sedona and Grand Canyon for Grandparents
and Grandchildren: Red Rock Country and River
Rafting | 5 nights
9878 Grand Canyon Family Adventure: Exploring and Rafting in Western
Grand Canyon | 5 nights
2519 Grand Canyon for Grandparents and Grandchildren: Exploring and
Share a week with your grandchild
Rafting in Western Grand Canyon | 5 nights
among the spectacular red rock cliffs of
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the
Sedona and at the Grand Canyon. Swim
Colorado River in the depths of the Grand Canyon. Spend
in refreshing Oak Creek. Explore red
a full day on the river with experienced guides, rafting
rock country on a fun jeep ride. Program
activities include natural history, arts and
37 miles through the canyon and exiting the canyon
crafts, and music. Visit Grand Canyon’s
via a spectacular helicopter flight to the rim. Along the
scenic South Rim. Travel to
way, learn about the geology, natural
“This model – trips
the bottom of the canyon on
history, and ranch culture of the
for grandparents with
an unknown Hualapai Indian
western Grand Canyon region. Learn
their grandchildren –
road followed by a thrilling
to rope and ride a horse. Marvel at
is excellent. I can see
37-mile white water raft trip
the stars and Milky Way with some
traveling with our grandson
on the Colorado River and a
of the darkest skies you will ever
helicopter flight to the rim!
to faraway places with
experience in North America.
Itinerary:
Sedona, 3 nights;
Peach Springs, 2 nights.
Road Scholar, places
to which neither of his
parents could take him.”
Five nights on historic Route 66.
~Monika, Berkeley, CA | #2519
9
Regional Studies in Depth
Explore northern Arizona’s best-loved destinations with experienced
guides through incomparable scenery. Become an expert in the span
of a few days while having fun. Best of all, no exams!
“...historic trains with
extraordinary vistas, the
Grand Canyon, and the many
offerings of beautiful Sedona.
We had experiences and
sessions that educated, enlightened
and entertained.”
~Bill, Williamsburg, MA | #1083
1088 On the Road: Sedona’s Red Rock
Country and the Grand Canyon | 6 nights
The escarpment of the Colorado
Plateau includes some of our
continent’s most beautiful
canyons. Explore the geology,
ecology and human heritage
of two spectacular canyon
landscapes: Sedona’s Oak Creek
Canyon and the incomparable
Grand Canyon. Enjoy a
spectacular Pink Jeep adventure
into Sedona’s stunning redrock country. Discover Grand
Canyon National Park’s South
Rim historic district and jawdropping viewpoints with a
night in the national park.
Finish your epic journey on the
Hualapai Reservation with a
spectacular drive down the only
road to the mighty Colorado
River’s Inner Gorge in remote
western Grand Canyon.
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Itinerary:
Sedona, 3 nights; Grand Canyon
South Rim, 1 night; Peach
Springs, 2 nights.
1076 Exploring Northern Arizona’s
Cultures and Canyons and Rafting
Western Grand Canyon | 6 nights
Experience the iconic
landscapes of Northern Arizona
and the Grand Canyon by
land, water and air! At Grand
Canyon National Park marvel
at the many scenes of nature’s
geologic wonderland from the
viewpoints along the South Rim.
Explore the Native American
cultures of the Colorado Plateau
at the Museum of Northern
Arizona and Walnut Canyon
National Monument. Enjoy
a guided rim exploration of
Meteor Crater, the world’s best
preserved meteorite impact
site. The highpoint of the week
will be a thrilling helicopter ride
into the canyon to the Colorado
River for a smooth-water raft
trip through western Grand
Canyon to its meeting with Lake
Mead. Note: some dates offer
1-day white water rafting in
place of smooth water.
Itinerary:
Flagstaff, 4 nights; Peach Springs,
2 nights.
1062 Sedona’s Best: Verde Canyon
Railway, Grand Canyon, and Montezuma
Castle National Monument | 5 nights
Discover why Sedona and the
Grand Canyon are the two most
awe-inspiring sites in Arizona. In
Sedona, visit the Chapel of the
Holy Cross and Airport Mesa
for incomparable red rock vistas.
Ride the rails along the wild and
scenic Verde River and alongside
its verdant canyon as you scan
for wildlife. Journey via secluded
Oak Creek Canyon to Grand
Canyon National Park to discover
this iconic and quintessential
American treasure with time to
walk along the rim while exploring
its geologic and natural stories.
5 nights in Sedona.
1083 Scenic Railroads of Arizona:
Sedona and Grand Canyon | 5 nights
The geologic wonders of Sedona
and the Grand Canyon are well
known, but few visit these
locales via scenic and historic
railway. In Sedona, ride the
Verde Canyon Railroad through
Arizona’s rim country along the
wild and scenic Verde River.
Later in the week, embark
on an overnight adventure to
Grand Canyon National Park
via the historic Grand Canyon
Railway and spend a night
in a park lodge. Take time to
explore the Canyon’s grandeur
with a walk along its rim.
Throughout your journey gain
insights into regional lore as you
explore this breathtaking part of
northern Arizona.
Itinerary:
Sedona, 3 nights; Grand Canyon
South Rim, 1 night; Sedona,
1 night.
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Special Events & Holiday Programs
Partake in these very special — once per year— programs
offering a distinctive Arizona flair to a Christmas or
Thanksgiving program, reveling in pristinely dark night
skies over the Grand Canyon or discussing the latest films
at Sedona’s International film festival.
“Totally enjoyed the films, live
performance and discussions. Sedona is
a beautiful area. Our hotel was perfect —
we could walk to the theaters.”
~Mary Ann, Jupiter, FL | #16974
6371 Thanksgiving in Historic Prescott
| 4 nights
Celebrate Thanksgiving and the
beginning of the holiday season
in historic and beautiful Prescott,
Arizona’s first territorial capital.
Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
along the red rock cliffs as the
tracks wind above the wild and
scenic Verde River. Share a
festive Thanksgiving repast with
new friends.
10414 A Grand Christmas: Sedona’s
Red Rocks and the Majesty of the Grand
Canyon | 5 nights
Explore Sedona’s red rock
wonders, holiday spirit and
the old copper mining town of
Jerome. Travel to the Grand
Canyon on Christmas Eve
and wake up to its majesty
Christmas morning!
Itinerary:
Sedona, 3 nights; Grand Canyon
South Rim, 1 night; Sedona, 1 night.
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16157 Grand Canyon Star Party:
Astronomy at the Edge of the Universe
| 5 nights
16974 Sedona International Film
Festival: Cinematic Art Amid Red Rock
Beauty | 5 nights
Glance down and you see some
of the oldest exposed rocks
on our planet. Gaze skyward
to behold the origin of our
universe. Welcome to the Grand
Canyon Star Party! Enjoy two
nights of sky watching at one of
Arizona’s greatest astronomical
events of the year on the rim of
Grand Canyon National Park as
more than 40 telescopes point
skyward to behold the wonders
of clear June skies.
Engage in an in-depth study
of all aspects of cinema
while attending the Sedona
International Film Festival and
Workshop. The Festival has
achieved worldwide recognition
as a lively showcase where
enthusiastic audiences and the
next generation of filmmakers
come together to participate
in an inspiring celebration
of independent film. Attend
premieres of six first-run and
independent films (pre-chosen
by the festival director and
screening committee because
many films sell out in advance).
Go behind the scenes for
discussions with filmmakers,
producers and actors in
conjunction with the Sedona
Film School.
Itinerary:
Flagstaff, 3 nights; Grand Canyon
South Rim, 2 nights; return to
Flagstaff for departures.
Arts and Individual Skills
Challenge yourself to add that elusive bird to your life list, photograph a stately saguaro cactus or paint
a beautiful Sedona landscape. Breathe in Sedona’s beauty as you meditate or practice yoga. Join us on
these programs of celebration, skill-building and self-discovery.
2299 Sedona Watercolor and Plein Air
Workshop | 5 nights
Take your art to where you
never dreamed possible as you
paint in one of America’s most
beautiful places. This class —
conducted both indoors and
outdoors — is designed for all
levels of skill. Enjoy in-class
demonstrations, lessons and
exercises while you learn about
composition, plein air painting,
how to create luminous
paintings and, for those new
to watercolor or wanting
to review, learn the basic
techniques of watercolor.
1046 Southwest Landscape
Photography With an Arizona Highways
Photographer! | 6 nights
Experience a rare opportunity to
study with an Arizona Highways
magazine photographer. Armed
with your digital camera,
share professional techniques
through in-the-field, hands-on
photo adventures and class
critiques. Enjoy nature walks
and other opportunities to
capture memories of Arizona as
you “develop” your skills and
“shoot” it out with some of
the best in the West. Shooting
locations: Winter in Phoenix and
Tucson; Spring/Fall in Phoenix,
Sedona and Grand Canyon.
1063 Sedona’s Healing Arts For
Women: Yoga, Qi Gong, Ayurveda and
More |5 nights
on three of Sedona’s finest
courses. PGA-certified pros
provide small-group instruction
to improve all aspects of your
game. Off the links, Sedona’s
culture and history come
alive during field trips and
excursions. Enjoy presentations
on desert critters and Sedona’s
storied past in the motionpicture industry.
Come to captivating Sedona
and be immersed in some of
America’s most breathtaking
scenery while exploring ancient
and new practices designed
to bring your mind, body and
spirit into harmony. Join with
like-minded women to cultivate
7447 Birding in the Sonoran Desert:
techniques aimed at self-healing,
Cactus Wrens to Vermilion Flycatchers
vibrant health and longevity.
Learn about holistic healing
| 5 nights
and plants endemic to this
The pristine Sonoran Desert
high-desert environment. See
landscape of western Arizona,
why so many seek out Sedona
“forested” with an unusual
for metaphysical meaning
mix of iconic saguaro cactus
and spiritual
and otherworldly
“...had a wonderful time
healing.
participating in the Healing Joshua trees,
Gourmet
is home to a
Arts for Women program.
vegetarian
wide variety of
meals complete All the women were great
bird life. Enjoy
this holistic
and added to the fun and
leisurely morning
program. Some specialness of the program. walks through
weeks are
We were very supportive of spectacular desert,
designated Part each other…I learned a lot
Weaver Mountain
II. See date
landscapes and
about the healing arts and
specific notes
hidden wetland
intend to practice in my
in the catalog.
oases (desert
4803 Red Rock
Golf and Exploring
the Splendor of
Sedona | 5 nights
daily life.”
wildflowers likely
in bloom) while
learning about
and spotting the region’s bird
life and diversity of habitats.
Average of over 100 avian
species seen during each
program week.
~ Judy, Cincinnati, OH | #1063
In the red-rock surroundings of
beautiful Sedona, experience
a first class golf adventure
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