Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will check out of the hotel, board our transportation, and head Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) in Flagstaff. A museum docent will lead our exploration of the regional center’s collections, exhibits, and research projects that earned its reputation as the premier museum of the Colorado Plateau’s natural and cultural history. The museum was founded in 1928 to honor the natural and cultural heritage of northern Arizona and the beauty and diversity of the Colorado Plateau. We will have some time to explore independently. Following our visit to MNA begin our transfer to Page, Arizona, via Cameron. Our Group Leaders provide expert commentary throughout the ride. As we ride, our expert naturalist will introduce us to the regional geography and natural history. We’ll stop at Cameron Trading Post on the western edge of the Navajo Reservation. Set on the banks of the Little Colorado River, the Trading Post is a welcome stop.
Lunch:
At Cameron Trading Post, we will have an opportunity to enjoy an authentic “Navajo Taco.” Alcohol is not served on the Navajo reservation.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival at the historic 1916 Cameron Trading Post, the Group Leader will give us an overview, followed some time for independent exploration. The Trading Post features a Native American Fine Art Gallery, a beautiful hidden garden, an in-house Navajo rug weaver, and interesting stone architecture. Reboarding the motorcoach, we will continue our ride to Page, Arizona, via the dramatic Vermilion Cliffs, where we’ll gaze at the incredible red rock vistas and features at every turn. Our next stops will be the Carl Hayden Visitor Center and Glen Canyon Dam. We’ll get our geographical bearings around a large regional area map with a natural history association expert who will point out significant features and landmarks. We’ll then have some time for independent exploration of the Visitor Center displays, videos, and views of Glen Canyon Dam at the head of 275-mile-long Lake Powell. Completed in 1963, this engineering marvel was one of the Bureau of Reclamation’s crowning achievements. Controversy has never been far behind its completion because the effects of its operation have been determined to have had adverse effects on the downstream Grand Canyon environment, and on the flooding of the spectacular Glen Canyon upstream. We’ll complete our transfer to Page in the mid-afternoon and check in to our hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Evening We will be joined by a regional expert for a presentation on a topic related to regional ecology, history, or natural history. Among the topics we may learn about are the California Condor reintroduction project, other wildlife, or the nature and history of the Colorado River.