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Exploring Grand Canyon’s Reach: The South Rim to Western Grand Canyon and a Grand Canyon Raft Trip |
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Program Number: |
1076RJ |
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| Start
and End Dates: |
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| Duration: |
6 nights |
| Location: |
Prescott, Arizona
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| Price starting at: |
$1,095.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
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National Parks; On the Road
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| Meals: |
17;
6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners |
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| Meal
Options: |
Vegetarian |
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Experience the iconic landscapes of Northern Arizona and the Grand Canyon by land, water and air! Relive the old west in Prescott Arizona before traveling through the famous red rocks of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. At Grand Canyon National Park marvel at the many fantastic scenes of nature's geologic wonderland from the viewpoints and historical village along the South Rim. Then prepare for a thrilling helicopter ride into the canyon to the Colorado River for a raft trip through the last 20 miles of the Grand Canyon - "exiting" through the Grand Wash Cliffs. Throughout your adventure, expert guides and Native American speakers will bring to life the many colorful human and natural history stories surrounding this most revered landscape.
Highlights
• At the Grand Canyon visit the famous Desert View Watchtower with its sweeping views of the Colorado River. Walk on rim or inner canyon trails and explore the historic village. Experience a true hidden delight by driving (it's true!) to the bottom of the canyon and the Colorado River, surrounded by 1.8 billion year old rocks, at Diamond Creek. • Visit a five-story, 800 year old Sinagua cliff dwelling at Montezuma Castle Nat'l Monument before exploring the red rocks of Sedona then settling into the Ponderosa Pine studded mountain town of Flagstaff. • Take a helicopter ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River in western Grand Canyon. Board Hualapai River Runner rafts piloted by Native American guides and float the depths of the canyon through the Grand Wash Cliffs and the geographic end of the Grand Canyon.
Activity Particulars
Walk one mile on paved, rocky, sandy trails; some sloped uneven terrain. Getting in/out of rafts. Elevations 7,500 feet.
Itinerary Summary
Arrival Prescott, 2 nights; van to Flagstaff, 2 nights; to Peach Springs, 2 nights; to Prescott, departure.
Coordinated by Northern Arizona University.
Prescott
Mile-high Prescott is nestled in a scenic valley at the edge of the Bradshaw Mountains. In addition to archaeological digs and a wealth of pioneer history, the city boasts a premier flight training center and an annual gathering of cowboy poets.
Flagstaff
Nestled at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks in northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a perfect departure point for trips to the Glen and Grand canyons or Sunset Crater National Monument. At 7,000 feet in elevation, this cool mountain city is one of the highest in the nation.
Peach Springs
Home of the Hualapai Nation, or "People of the Tall Pine," Peach Springs is the reservation’s tribal capital, which comprises 1 million acres along the Colorado River and Grand Canyon region.
Grand Canyon West
Land of the Hualapai Nation, Grand Canyon West is also where intrepid visitors can walk on The Grand Canyon Skywalk — a transparent horseshoe-shaped cantilever bridge 4,000 feet above the canyon floor.
Grand Canyon National Park
Within the borders of its 1.2 million acres, this World Heritage Site offers bikers, hikers, rafters and campers everything from breathtaking vistas to high adventure. Its 277 miles of raw rock and water continue to amaze generations of visitors.
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Accommodations
Prescott: Private conference center lodge. Flagstaff: Modern hotel. Peach Springs: Hualapai tribal lodge.
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| Road Scholar Instructors | | These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur. | Melissa Ruffner
| | Melissa is a member of an Arizona pioneer family who arrived in the Arizona Territory in 1867 and left a rich and colorful legacy. In 2003, Melissa received the Sharlot Hall Award for her contributions to the awareness of Arizona history, and was honored with the Arizona Culture Keeper designation. She has authored three books on Arizona history, and as official storyteller for the Arizona Jamboree and later the Arizona Revue, Melissa performed for over a decade at Prescott’s Elks Opera House. | | | | Mike Young
| | Mike Young has lived in Arizona for 40 years, and taught math and geology at Yavapai College prior to his work with Road Scholar. To convey the Arizona landscape, Mike uses a broad range of topics including botany, natural history and geomorphology. He has worked as a commercial boatman, designed and constructed his own home, and conducted field exercises throughout the intermountain west. He is an accomplished hike leader who challenges hikers of all skill levels. | | | | Richard Stephens
| | Rich has been director of Northern Arizona University’s highly popular Road Scholar programs since 2001. He previously spent many years in the field as a program coordinator and group leader, where he honed his skills and learned the importance of detailed, pre-trip planning. Before making his home in Arizona’s spectacular red-rock country, Rich spent 10 years in Yosemite National Park and the Santa Cruz mountains as an environmental educator. | | | | Stewart Lasseter
| | After completing studies in geo-science, natural history and Spanish at the University of Arizona, Stewart Lasseter studied as the protege of a Native American healer, learning from her practices of wholeness, kinesiology, mind-body medicine and dyslexia correction. He has years of experience bringing groups in touch with the natural world, and is currently pursuing post-graduate studies in health sciences at Prescott College. | | | | Matt Turner
| | Matt Turner has lived in the Southwest since 1982 and currently resides in Prescott, Ariz. He has traveled extensively in the region and has done work in field ecology and cartography. In addition, Matt is an ecological consultant and a professional photographer. | | | |
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