Afternoon: On site Northern Arizona University Road Scholar program registration from 4:30 - 5:15 PM in the hotel meeting room.

Dinner: Dinner will be at the Cottonwoods Resort. Entrees will vary nightly and include a vegetarian option. Entrees include salad, assorted rolls & butter, light desert, and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Evening: Northern Arizona University Road Scholar coordinator will direct a program orientation, review the weekly schedule and lead group introductions after dinner in the meeting room. Get prepared for the exciting adventure lays ahead and meet your fellow participants.

Lodging: Scottsdale Cottonwoods Resort and Suites

Meals Included: Dinner

Depart for Peach Springs/Museum Of Northern Arizona/Travel Route 66 to the Hualapai Lodge.

Breakfast: Enjoy a continental breakfast at the resort, which includes: scrambled eggs, sliced fruit, whole grain breads, oatmeal or cereal, coffee,tea and juice.

Morning: Depart for Peach Springs (260 miles) via Flagstaff. Enroute to Flagstaff, via Interstate 17, you will encounter an amazing transition in life zones and topographic features. Witness the heart of the Sonoran Desert in Phoenix, transition to high-desert grassland, and then up into the largest Ponderosa pine forest in the world in Flagstaff. Travel through the San Francisco Peaks volcanic field, which contains the highest point in Arizona, Humphreys Peak, elev.12,633 feet. Once in Flagstaff we will visit the Museum of Northern Arizona, the Colorado Plateau's premier museum featuring the the natural and cultural history of the region.

Lunch: Lunch in Flagstaff at a local eatery.

Afternoon: After lunch we continue our travel toward Peach Springs. The group will travel along one of the longest and arguably best preserved sections of historic Route 66 (look for the Burma Shave signs!). Travel through Seligman, Arizona, the birthplace of the Route 66 revival movement. Arrive at Hualapai Lodge for a late afternoon check-in.

Dinner: Enjoy a buffet dinner at the Hualapai Lodge Restaurant.

Evening: Evening program on Hualapai tribal issues, Hualapai culture (presented by tribal members), or Arizona ranching life (presented by a local ranching expert).

Lodging: Hualapai Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mojave Desert to Grand Can. West Airport. Helicopter to River and Smooth Water Raft Trip on the Colorado River through Western Grand Canyon

Note: See Activity Details and Raft Logistics Above.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the Hualapai Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy eggs, a meat side (either bacon or sausage), cereals, yogurts, bagels, oatmeal, juice, coffee, etc.

Morning: After breakfast depart for Quartermaster Point and Grand Canyon West (a Hualapai Nation enterprise). Travel along the Grand Wash Cliffs, the western most edge of the Colorado Plateau and the world class Joshua Tree forest en route to Grand Canyon West, and the start of a Colorado River raft trip. Travel time approximately 2.5 hours.

Lunch: Sack lunches on rim or at the Colorado River in the bottom of Grand Canyon (depending on helicopter schedule).

Afternoon: Arrive at Grand canyon West and raft the lower portion of the Colorado River from Grand Canyon West to Lake Mead with HUALAPAI RIVER RUNNER. Access to the boat ramp will be via a short helicopter ride from the rim. The Hualapai River Runners operate inflatable eight-passenger motorized pontoon rafts piloted by a Hualapai boatman.The group will be split between multiple rafts. Conditions on the river change throughout the year, so dress for the season. Prepare for hot (we start our raft trip in a desert environment) and possible cool weather conditions. Bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and river shoes or tennis shoes with a good sole that can get wet. Embarkation on raft trip involves a short steep walk down a series of stairs to the loading dock area. (assistance will always be provided if needed). This is a smoothwater stretch of river with no rapids but for added safety, life jackets will be fitted to each person before boarding the rafts. Passengers will sit on top of the raft tubes on a long flat metal sitting decks that are apart of the boat frame. The trip covers about 20 river miles through the lower end of the Grand Canyon before "exiting" through the Grand Wash Cliffs then taking out at Pearce Ferry boat ramp. Time spent on the river is typically 2.5 hours. There are porta-johns at the raft loading area. While on the river bathroom breaks will be au natural along the shore upon request. Water and drinks will be available at all times on the rafts. WIND AND SAFETY ADVISORY: Please note the ability to fly helicopters to the Colorado River and the start of the raft trip is dependent on wind conditions on the rim and in the canyon. On extremely windy days, due to safety concerns, helicopters will not be allowed to fly. Although this is always a possibility, it happens very infrequently. Your coordinator will provide an alternative activity in the area if this occurs.

Dinner: Enjoy a well deserved dinner at a local restaurant in Kingman before returning to the Hualapai Lodge.

Evening: Free evening.

Lodging: Hualapai Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the Hualapai Lodge Restaurant. Enjoy eggs, a meat side (either bacon or sausage), cereals, yogurts, bagels, oatmeal, juice, coffee, etc

Morning: Depart for Grand Canyon National Park. We will head east to Williams, AZ. and then turn north to enter into the Grand Canyon. Your first view of the Grand Canyon is an unforgettable experience and your trip leader will introduce you to the panorama that unfolds in front of you. A geologic introduction and orientation to the parks features will ensue. Then we head over the parks new and impressive Visitor Center where we will watch the 20 minute "The Grand Canyon Story" multi-media presentation.

Lunch: Lunch at either the Maswik Cafe or Canyon Cafe.

Afternoon: After lunch we will take a walking tour of Grand Canyon Village. You'll see the historic and newly renovated El Tovar Lodge, perched on the ledge of the Rim, the Kolb studio and art gallery and the many historical buildings, and the geologic fireplace designed by the renowned Mary Jane Colter. Late afternoon check-in at a Grand Canyon lodge.

Dinner: Dinner at your leisure at the Lodge Cafeteria. Choices include hot entrees, soups, salads, sandwiches, Mexican specialties, and a variety of tasty desserts.

Evening: After dinner, a National Park Service ranger program will be offered at the Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. An interesting Grand Canyon topic, which change nightly, will be presented.

Lodging: Grand Canyon National Park Lodges

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning Exploration of Grand Canyon / Travel to Marble Canyon / Navajo Reservation and Historic Navajo Bridge

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Lodge cafeteria. Options include scrambled eggs, pancakes, french toast, sausage, bacon, oatmeal, fresh fruit, juices, milk, coffee and more.

Morning: After breakfast, we will check out of our hotel and load our vehicles with luggage before heading out for Grand Canyon activities. Enjoy some free time in the morning where participants can take an optional hike into the canyon along the famed "Bright Angel Trail", take a saunter along the rim, or enjoy the parks free shuttle buses to one of the rims many spectacular view points. Your trip leaders will inform you of activity options that will include both guided exploration and opportunities to strike out on your own. We will depart Grand Canyon Village in the late morning and travel along the "East Rim Drive" to the famed "Desert View Watchtower." Enjoy sweeping views of the Colorado River, the North Rim and Mary Jane Colter's Watchtower. The Watchtower is an interpretation of a prehistoric "tower kiva" with lavishly painted interior walls by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. Continue along the "East Rim Drive" with diverse and unforgettable canyon views.

Lunch: Sack lunches on the south rim of Grand Canyon while at the Desert View Watchtower.

Afternoon: After lunch we will depart the Grand Canyon and soon enter the Navajo Reservation. Our first stop will be at the historic Cameron Trading Post, a favorite place to buy souvenirs and view the Little Colorado River and its canyon. We then depart for Marble Canyon, traveling in the shadows of the towering Echo Cliffs and the western edge of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Explore the 1928 Navajo Bridge that spans 600 feet across the Colorado River and Marble Canyon proper allowing access to the north side of the Grand Canyon. Check into Marble Canyon Lodge at the base of the Vermilion Cliffs. The original Marble Canyon Lodge was built in 1928 (coinciding with the construction of the Navajo Bridge) and continues to be a rest stop and service center for river runners, fishermen and national park travelers.

Dinner: Marble Canyon Lodge serves a selection of American classic meals including lime chicken, pot roast and select pasta dishes. For vegetarians there will be vegetarian options available.

Evening: An interesting evening program will be offered. Subjects will include one of the following based on the availability of regional experts: the Vermilion Cliffs California Condor re-introduction project, Colorado River history or regional geology.

Lodging: Marble Canyon Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Smooth Water Colorado River Raft Trip through Glen Canyon to Lee's Ferry.

Note: See Activity Notes and Raft Trip Logistics Above.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Marble Canyon Lodge restaurant. Hot and cold buffet items will be available.

Morning: Depart after breakfast for Page, Arizona and enjoy a self guided tour of Glen Canyon Dam and visitor center, with views of Lake Powell. The massive regional topographic map in the center of the visitor center is a must-see feature. Continue to the Colorado River Discovery Store to check in for our rafting trip. Busses will transport the group through a 2 mile long man-made tunnel to the base of the dam where the group will board rafts. Embark on the Colorado River just before lunchtime. On board narration will be provided by knowledgeable boatman guides. Weather conditions on the river change throughout the year, so dress for the season. In general, wear layers. Spring and Fall months, we can experience cooler temps and windy days, jackets and long pants are appropriate. During the summer months, shorts and light weight clothing are acceptable. Bring a brimmed hat, sunglasses, and river shoes or tennis shoes with a good sole that can get wet.

Lunch: Lunch (sack lunches) will be at your leisure aboard the rafts.

Afternoon: The base of 710 foot high Glen Canyon Dam is the starting place for our spectacular raft trip. Colorado River Discovey utilizes inflatable, motorized pontoon rafts comfortably carrying a maximum of 22 passengers and piloted by an experienced guide. Passengers will sit on top of the raft tubes on long flat metal sitting decks that are apart of the boat frame.The rafts navigate fifteen river miles between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry. The time spent on the river is typically about 3.5 hours. At the half way point the rafts will pull to shore for a restroom break. The restrooms are well maintained vault toilets. Each raft carries emergency communications and safety equipment. Cold water and lemonade will be available at all times. Because this is a smoothwater stretch of river (no rapids), the wearing of lifejackets by adults is optional While on the river keep an eye out for California Condors, Peregrine Falcons and bighorn sheep. On board narration of natural features and area history will be provided by the boatman guide. Arrive back at Marble Canyon Lodge mid-afternoon.

Dinner: Marble Canyon Lodge serves a selection of American classic meals including lime chicken, pot roast and select pasta dishes. For vegetarians there will be vegetarian options available.

Evening: Program wrap up and reflections. Get ready for our final departure the next morning back to Phoenix.

Lodging: Marble Canyon Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel back to Phoenix airport or Scottsdale hotel in Northern Arizona University Road Scholar coach or van.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the Marble Canyon Lodge restaurant. Hot and cold buffet items will be available.

Morning: Load luggage. The Northern Arizona University Road Scholar coach or van will provide return transportation to Phoenix, arriving at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by 1:00 PM; continuing to starting hotel with arrival by approximately 1:30 PM.

Lunch: "Lunchy" food and snacks en route to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch