This was my first trip with Road Scholar. I look forward to doing more trips. It definitly opens up opportunities of exploration with people and places that I welcome at this time of my life. I am 76, widowed, and found that "I am still "young, able, adventurous, interested" in doing more in the years ahead. Meeting people of like mind and attitude was very invigoratiing.

This level 6 hiking program was superb. Hikes were strenuous and challenging, but our leaders made sure we were safe and secure at all times. This is truly a level 6 and those who are not experienced and very fit hikers should think twice before choosing this level. Frequent close encounters with cacti meant wearing long pants and long sleeved shirts at all times. Bring high (not low) hiking boots with serious Vibram soles, bring gloves to protect your hands at times, bring a good hat with a wide brim and bring sunblock! Meals at the Golden Goose beside the hotel were wonderful, and the hotel itself was great -- spotlessly clean and comfortable.

This program was a level 6 so we expected it to be challenging.It was extremely challenging due to the altitude, the steepness of the trail, the off trail hikes, the condition of the trails and terrain(very rocky) the many large cactus plants, hiking on the edge of the ledges, and the pace of the hikes. For me this was an extreme challenge and I felt pretty good about meeting that challenge. The weather was uncomfortably hot for two of the hikes (in the 80's) Nice the rest of the time. I've always used a hiking stick but this time it was in the way--I noticed other hikers struggling with their sticks. Peter the guide taught us how to maneuver on the slick rock of which there was plenty on the hikes. That was great for me to know how to walk on it by"trust in your boots" and it worked! Again I felt people struggled on the slick rock with their hiking poles. One thing to know is that you must keep your eyes on the trail at all times as it is full of obstructions. There are no groomed trails! I wore knee high gaiters and was glad I did so as to avoid the many cactus thorns! If you want a real adventure and want to challenge yourself and your knees are in good shape I think you will love this program!! P.S. leather gloves are good to have along.

This was a wonderful way to explore trails near Sedona. We always had spectacular views and some of the areas we hiked through were like gardens. It was fun to hike and scramble to see different places. Our leader was very good about talking about plants and history while we took "breathing breaks". On a scale of 1 to 10, I'd give this a 10.

The food was good and service was arranged to quickly get us all served.