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Exploring Grand Canyon’s Reach: The South Rim to Western Grand Canyon and a Grand Canyon Raft Trip

Program Number: 1076RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/20/2013 - 5/26/2013; 9/15/2013 - 9/21/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/5/2013; 10/8/2013 - 10/14/2013;
Duration: 6 nights
Location: Prescott, Arizona
Price starting at: $1,095.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks; On the Road
Meals: 17; 6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 6 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

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.
Accommodations
Prescott: Private conference center lodge. Flagstaff: Modern hotel. Peach Springs: Hualapai tribal lodge.

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.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Chapel Rock Lodge
  Prescott, AZ 2 nights
   La Quinta Inn and Suites Flagstaff
  Flagstaff, Ariz. 2 nights
   Hualapai Lodge
  Peach Springs 2 nights
 Chapel Rock Lodge
Type: Lodge
  Description: Retreat style setting. Beautifully wooded grounds seclude the facility in a flat setting between the hills of historic Prescott AZ, with its ideal mile-high climate. Downtown is only two miles away.
  Contact info: 1131 County Club Dr
Prescott, AZ 86303 USA
phone: 877-445-3499
web: www.chapelrock.net
  Room amenities: Private bath, private deck or patio for each room, views of forest and nearby rock outcroppings from each room. No TV, radio or in-room phone. In the same building is a central meeting area with a refrigerator, microwave, sink, sitting area and fireplace. Linens and soap in each room; central area has supply of shampoo and some toiletries.
  Facility amenities: On site cafeteria, patios, forest views all around, outdoor rock fireplaces, free wireless internet access throughout the facility. Handicapped ramps throughout the facility. Free on-site parking.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior:  This facility books groups for seminars and retreats, and is not set up for individual room reservations.
  Check in time: 4:30 PM

 La Quinta Inn and Suites Flagstaff
Type: Motel
  Description: Located just off the Northern Arizona University campus and two miles to historic downtown Flagstaff. Wide range of cuisine available at nearby restaurants.
  Contact info: 2015 S Beulah Blvd
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 USA
phone: 928-556-8666
web: www.lq.com
  Room amenities: 25" satellite TV, coffee maker, clock radio, telephone with voice mail and dataport.
  Facility amenities: Outdoor heated pool (seasonal), indoor hot tub, exercise room, guest laundry, internet, and wi-fi in the lobby.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Hualapai Lodge
Type: Hotel
  Description: Tribal artwork displayed; some traditional Hualapai cuisine served in restaurant. Note: No alcohol is served on the Hualapai Reservation.
  Contact info: Route 66 and Diamond Creek Road
Peach Springs, AZ 86434 USA
phone: 928-769-2230
web: www.grandcanyonresort.com
  Room amenities: Cable TV and telephone; air-conditioning; hair-dryers; coffee-makers
  Facility amenities: Exercise room; private courtyard with heated outdoor pool (state-of-the-art non-chlorinated purification system) and spa.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: Call for rates. Stayovers not recommended for participants traveling via shuttle due to extremely limited shuttle schedule.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Chapel Rock Lodge check-in after 3:00 PM. Please DO NOT arrive early for check in. - On site Road Scholar program registration between 4:30 - 5:15 PM. You will be staying at Chapel Rock Lodge that night.
  End of Program:
After breakfast the NAU Road Scholar van will transport (for free) participants back to starting hotel in Prescott by 10:45 AM. CHECK COMMERCIAL SHUTTLE TIMES PRIOR TO PURCHASING PLANE TICKETS. You will be staying at Hualapai Lodge the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Hualapai River Runners Rafting Requirements: The Hualapai Tribe (and its business corporation Hualba:j Enterprises, Inc. doing business as Grand Canyon Resort Corporation) requires all participants on their Colorado River raft trips to sign an “Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability” form before embarking on the river. Please sign and return this enclosed form to the NAU Road Scholar office: Box 5604 Flagstaff, AZ 86011 OR by scan/email to: roadscholarprograms@nau.edu OR by fax to:928-523-5991. Please indicate the following in the subject line: HRR release form, your program # and start date, and your first and last name. If you have any questions regarding this release form call the Hualapai River Runners office at 928-769-2210.
  Parking availability:
parking is free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Prescott, AZ
  Nearest city or town:  Prescott
  Nearest highway: Arizona 69 and Arizona 89
  Nearest airport:  Phoenix (100 miles)
  From End of Program
  Location:  Departures
Travel Details
 

Prescott, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Van Go
phone: 866-448-2646
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $35, price does not include gratuity
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
 

Distance:

 

110 miles
   

Van Go works exclusively with Road Scholar programs and times shuttles to arrive in conjunction with program start/end times. Best to arrive into Phoenix airport by 12:30 PM and book departures after 3:00 PM. If you have questions, call shuttle company PRIOR to booking flights to aid in ease of travel transfers. Van Go picks up from all terminals at Phoenix airport, as well as nearby airport hotels, and drops off at program hotel. Return shuttle departs immediately upon conclusion of program.
 

Prescott, AZ to/from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Shuttle U
phone: 928-442-1000

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Approximately $40, price does not include gratuity
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours 
 

Distance:

 

110 miles
   

Shuttle U offers many shuttles per day. For questions on their schedule and best flight arrival/departure times, call shuttle company PRIOR to booking flights to aid in ease of travel transfers. Best pricing is attained by booking on line at www.shuttleu.com. After booking, will need to call office at 928.442.1000 to request being dropped off at Chapel Rock. At conclusion of program, participants will be dropped off at the Shuttle U office in Prescott for return shuttles to Phoenix airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Prescott Chapel Rock Lodge from I-40 eastbound Travel east on I-40 towards Ash Fork and take exit 146 to Highway 89. Travel approximately 50 miles and at junction with Arizona State Route 69, stay in the through-traffic lane and follow signs for Gurley St. In approximately 2 miles past the Courthouse Square and Montezuma St., turn left at the stoplight onto Park Ave. In 0.1 miles, turn right onto Coronado Ave. In 0.5 miles turn right onto Country Club Dr. Continue for 0.5 miles and Chapel Rock Lodge will be on your right.
  Prescott Chapel Rock Lodge from I-40 westbound Travel west on 1-40 towards Flagstaff, take exit 195 onto I-17 towards Phoenix. Continue on I-17 South for 78 miles to the Cherry Road exit, AZ State Route 169. Continue for 15 miles and turn right at the traffic light at the junction with Arizona State Route 69. In 15 miles, continue onto Gurley Street in Prescott. In approximately 2 miles past the Courthouse Square and Montezuma St., turn left at the stoplight onto Park Ave. In 0.1 miles, turn right onto Coronado Ave. In 0.5 miles turn right onto Country Club Dr. Continue for 0.5 miles and Chapel Rock Lodge will be on your right.
  Prescott Chapel Rock Lodge from Phoenix Travel north on I-17 towards Flagstaff. Continue for 62 miles to exit 262 at Cordes Junction. Take AZ State Route 69 towards Prescott, AZ. Stay on AZ State Route 69 for 34 miles until you reach Prescott. At Highway 89 junction, follow signs to Gurley St. In approximately 2 miles past the Courthouse Square and Montezuma St., turn left at the stoplight onto Park Ave. In 0.1 miles, turn right onto Coronado Ave. In 0.5 miles turn right onto Country Club Dr. Continue for 0.5 miles and Chapel Rock Lodge will be on your right.
Elevation Note: Prescott is at 5,200 feet, Flagstaff is at 7,000 feet and Peach Springs is at 5,000 feet.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration/Orientation and Introductions
(Monday, May 20)
   
 Afternoon: CHECK-IN: After 3:00 PM. NOTE: The Chapel Rock Lodge is only open for private group functions. Please do not arrive early for check in. Starting at 3:00 PM the Chapel Rock and/or Northern Arizona University Road Scholar coordinator will post signs and direct participants to their lodging building and assigned rooms. The NAU Road Scholar program registration will be between 4:30 and 5:15 PM in the meeting room adjacent to the lodge rooms.
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge offers healthy choices and great taste. Main dishes range from chicken to fish to pork, lasagna, meatballs, pot pie with puff pastry and gravy, and more. Side dishes might be cornbread stuffing, green beans, potatoes (roasted or mashed), roasted vegetables, snap peas, sweet potatoes, etc. Vegetarian choices always available.
 Evening: Your Northern Arizona University Road Scholar coordinator will conduct a program orientation in the hotel meeting room following dinner. Get to know your fellow participants, review the schedule, and get prepared for the action packed adventure you are about to embark on.
   
Accommodations: Chapel Rock Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Morning Presentation / Sharlot Hall Museum
(Tuesday, May 21)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge starts off your day on the right foot. You may have a choice of assorted quiches, whole grain pancakes, special egg scramble with biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, or cheese blintzes with strawberry topping. Breakfast meats, fresh fruit, cereal, granola, plain scrambled eggs, juice and coffee/tea available daily.
 Morning: Enjoy a morning of nature walks and presentations by local experts. Nestled in a Ponderosa and Pinyon pine forest, the grounds of the Chapel Rock Lodge are a perfect place for a guided nature walk through the woods to become better acquainted with the local and regional plant and animal communities. An introductory presentation on the Territorial History of Prescott will be presented by a local historian in preparation for a trip into the historic heart of town.
 Lunch: Lunch in downtown Prescott at Gurley Street Grill. A favorite with locals and visitors alike.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a docent lead walking tour of the Sharlot Hall Museum (many historic structures including Arizona's original governor's "mansion" of rough-hewed logs, built in 1864). Learn about the pioneer characters who settled here in the early days of the Arizona territory and made Prescott the first hub of civility in Northern Arizona. The Sharlot Hall Museum is the largest museum in the central territory of Arizona, and is dedicated to providing educational adventures in human and natural history. Founded by historian and poet Sharlot M. Hall in 1928, the Museum today explores the rich diversity of regional heritage
 Dinner: Dinner at the lodge offers healthy choices and great taste. Main dishes range from chicken to fish to pork, lasagna, meatballs, pot pie with puff pastry and gravy, and more. Side dishes might be cornbread stuffing, green beans, potatoes (roasted or mashed), roasted vegetables, snap peas, sweet potatoes, etc. Vegetarian choices always available.
 Evening: Enjoy an evening program on a subject of regional significance.
   
Accommodations: Chapel Rock Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Verde Valley Sites / Sedona Highlights / Flagstaff
(Wednesday, May 22)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the lodge starts off your day on the right foot. You may have a choice of assorted quiches, whole grain pancakes, special egg scramble with biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, or cheese blintzes with strawberry topping. Breakfast meats, fresh fruit, cereal, granola, plain scrambled eggs, juice and coffee/tea available daily.
 Morning: After checking out, we will travel to the mountain town of Flagstaff via Verde Valley, Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. Get ready for an exciting day of touring Verde Valley and Sedona sites. Select interesting and scenic stops will be made throughout the day. In the morning enjoy a visit to MONTEZUMA CASTLE NATIONAL MONUMENT. Montezuma Castle is a 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling nestled in a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek. It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America, constructed 600 years ago by the Sinagua Indians.. Next, we will travel through SEDONA and enjoy select scenic stops among the towering red rocks of this world famous location with plenty of time for photographs. Your naturalist guides will add commentary and area history at points of interest.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Golden Goose Restaurant. Multiple entrees to choose from including hot and cold sandwiches (vegetarian option daily), 1/2 sandwich and soup, chef or spinach salad, etc.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon enjoy a drive through scenic Oak Creek Canyon, arguably one of the most scenic drives in America. A stop at the Oak Creek Canyon Overlook will be a prime geologic vantage point with ample photographic opportunities. Arrive in the historic Flagstaff, AZ. At an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet Flagstaff is located at the base of 13,600 ft Mt Humphreys, and is set amidst the largest stand of Ponderosa pine trees in the world.
 Dinner: Dinner at Sizzler Restaurant. Along with a hot entree selection enjoy Sizzler's famous Endless Salad Bar with over 50 fresh items including seasonal and specialty salads, just picked vegetables and fresh fruits, soups, hot appetizers and cool desserts.
 Evening: An introduction to the regions geology with an emphasis on the Grand Canyon. Gain a background on the forces that created this world wonder which will then make your next days field trip to the Grand Canyon even more meaningful.
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn and Suites Flagstaff
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Grand Canyon National Park Day Trip
(Thursday, May 23)
   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel to include waffles, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, bagels, cereals, muffins, juices, milk and coffee.
 Morning: Depart for an all day field trip to Grand Canyon National Park. En route, visit the southwestern corner of the Navajo Reservation and Cameron, site of the Cameron Trading Post. You will enter Grand Canyon National Park at Desert View overlook. 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. A naturalist will accompany you on your journey, revealing the Grand Canyon's unique geologic, biologic and historic features. We will visit the Grand Canyon Village, where you may tour historic buildings and see Native American arts/crafts and other souvenirs in village shops. You may even see an endangered California condor soaring overhead as you gaze out at the Canyon. This is a big long day - worthy of one the worlds grandest natural wonders!
 Lunch: Enjoy a sack lunch in the field on the South Rim.
 Afternoon: During the afternoon enjoy a walk on the Rim Trail and/or walk part way down Bright Angel Trail into the canyon (participants may choose which combination of activities they wish to pursue). Other activities may include exploring various viewpoints, ranger programs and checking out the park visitor center. Return in the evening to Flagstaff hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner in Flagstaff at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Rest and Relax!
   
Accommodations: La Quinta Inn and Suites Flagstaff
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Field trip to the Bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River
(Friday, May 24)

Note: An optional one mile walk to the Colorado River along the Diamond Creek road will be offered. Diamond Creek proper crosses the road multiple times so ankle deep water crossing will be necessary. The surface of the road and the stream are both gravel. Old tennis shoes or river sandals with sturdy soles will work great for this beautiful, exhilarating walk.
   
 Breakfast: Deluxe continental breakfast at the hotel to include waffles, hard boiled eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, bagels, cereals, muffins, juices, milk and coffee.
 Morning: Depart Flagstaff after breakfast and travel to Peach Springs (100 miles). From Peach Springs enjoy a field trip down Peach Springs Canyon on the Diamond Creek Road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. Stops will be made along the way at various points of interest. This is a true "journey to the center of the Earth" as the walls of the Grand Canyon rise higher and higher as you drive towards the Colorado River. Pass through hundreds of millions of years of geologic history culminating in the arrival to the 1.8 billion year old rock of the Granite Gorge. An optional one-mile walk along Diamond Creek to the river will be offered.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch at the Colorado River in the bottom of Grand Canyon.
 Afternoon: Field trip continues in the bottom of the Grand Canyon after lunch. Interesting history, facts and management issues regarding the Colorado River will be shared on the beach. Return in late afternoon to Hualapai Lodge and check in.
 Dinner: Dinner in the Hualapai Lodge dining room.
 Evening: Evening program on Hualapai tribal issues or Hualapai culture (presented by tribal members), or Arizona ranching life (presented by a local ranching couple).
   
Accommodations: Hualapai Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Mojave Desert to Grand Canyon West Airport / Helicopter to River and Smooth Water Raft Trip on the Colorado River through Western Grand Canyon
(Saturday, May 25)

Note: See Activity Details and Rafting Logistics Above.
   
 Breakfast: Hot buffet breakfast at Hualapai Lodge Restaurant
 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 a world class Joshua tree forest en route to Grand Canyon West, and the start of a Colorado River raft trip. Grand Canyon West is an off the beaten path destination and requires total travel time (with scenic stops) of approximately 2.5 hours, much of which is on well maintained dirt roads.
 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.The group will be split between multiple rafts. 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 soles 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). 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 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 in Kingman at a local restaurant.
 Evening: Late arrival back at the Hualapai Lodge.
   
Accommodations: Hualapai Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Farewells and Program Departures
(Sunday, May 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the Hualapai Lodge dining room.
 Morning: On the last day of the program the Northern Arizona University Road Scholar van will transport (for free) participants back to the starting hotel in Prescott. NOTE: In concert with the NAU Road Scholar van, Van Go Shuttle (866-448-2646) offers Express Service to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. En route to Prescott the NAU Road Scholar van will offer to transfer participants (and luggage) to a Van Go Shuttle van. Van Go shuttle will take a direct route to Phoenix and arrive at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport by 12:00 pm or soon thereafter. Make reservations for this service with Van Go Shuttle and confirm Phoenix departure time with the shuttle company prior to confirming your airline reservation.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Prescott (Historic Courthouse Square) Prescott Area
Within 70 miles of Prescott: Former mining and ghost town of Jerome, now an arts and entertainment venue, with its 50-mile views of the red rocks of Sycamore Canyon and Oak Creek Canyon and the surrounding peaks and bluffs; Tuzigoot and Montezuma's Castle Sinagua period ruins; Fort Verde State Park; five Sedona vicinity wilderness areas; Sedona red rock formations, Sedona art galleries, boutiques and restaurants; Paolo Soleri's Arcosanti structures at Cordes Junction.
  Flagstaff, Ariz. General Overview
Points of Interest within two hours of Flagstaff: the Grand Canyon National Park, Walnut Canyon, N.M., Wupatki, N.M., Sunset Crater, N.M., Museum of Northern Arizona, Downtown Flagstaff and old Route 66, Lowell Observatory, Oak Creek Canyon, Sedona Red Rocks and the Secret Mountain Wilderness, Montezuma's Castle, N.M., Tuzigoot, N.M., Jerome Ghost Town, Ariz., San Francisco Peaks and the Kachina Wilderness, Hopi & Navajo Reservations, La Posada Hotel/Restaurant at Winslow, Ariz., and Grand Canyon Railroad at Williams, Ariz. For additional information, visit www.flagstaffarizona.org
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology


Author: Price, L Greer


Description: This overview of Grand Canyon geology is perfect for the first-time visitor or the seasoned Grand Canyon traveler. Chapters cover the basic priciples of geology, the history of geological exploration at Grand Canyon, the canyon's structural features, and the Colorado River. Includes over 70 photos and illustrations, an index, and glossary. 63pp



Living at the Edge: Explorers, Exploiters, and Settlers of the Grand Canyon Region


Author: Anderson, Michael F


Description: A comprehensive look at the pioneer history of the Grand Canyon Region, from its earliest residents to the creation of the national park at the end of the pioneer era (circa 1920). Included are close to two hundred historic photographs, many never published before, and 12 custom maps of the region. 184pp



Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West


Author: Stegner, Wallace


Description: Here Wallace Stegner, a Pulitzer Prize-winner, gives us a thrilling account of Powell's struggle against western geography and Washington politics. We witness the successes and frustrations of Powell's distinguished career, and appreciate his unparalleled understanding of the West. "Stegner's most exciting work." (San Francisco Chronicle) 496pp



Carving Grand Canyon: Evidence, Theories, and Mystery


Author: Ranney, Wayne


Description: Ranney explains how rivers in general can physically carve canyons, looks chronologically at the numerous theories that have been presented by successive generations of geologists regarding the Grand Canyon's formation, and describes a plausible sequence of geologic events that could create such a landscape. Numerous color photographs, detailed illustrations, and maps are provided. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR 160pp; 2nd edition 2012.



Encounters with the Archdruid


Author: McPhee, John


Description: The narratives in this book are of journeys made in three wildernesses - on a coastal island, in a Western mountain range, and on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The four men portrayed here have different relationships to their environment, and they encounter each other on mountain trails, in forests and rapids, sometimes with reserve, sometimes with friendliness, sometimes fighting hard across a philosophical divide. 256pp



Roadside Geology of Arizona


Author: Chronic, Halka


Description: The 18th printing of this book in the Roadside Geology Series offers a mini-course in geology, focusing on what can be seen from Arizona highways. Although written especially for those with little or no geologic training, there's plenty here for the professional geologist as well--a great introduction to Arizona and its past. Geologic terms are defined where first used and again in the glossary. Inside the front cover is a legend to geological symbols and abbreviations commonly used by geologists. 321pp



Unquenchable: America's Water Crisis


Author: Glennon, Robert


Description: In the middle of the Mojave Desert, Las Vegas casinos use billions of gallons of water for fountains, pirate lagoons, wave machines, and indoor canals. Meanwhile, the town of Orme, Tennessee, must truck in water from Alabama because it has literally run out. Robert Glennon captures the irony—and tragedy—of America’s water crisis in a book that is both frightening and wickedly comical. Unquenchable reveals the heady extravagances and everyday inefficiencies that are sucking the nation dry.



We are an Indian Nation: A History of the Hualapai People (First Peoples: New Directions in Indigenous Studies)


Author: Shepherd, Jeffrey P.


Description: This book focuses on the historical construction of the Hualapai Nation in the face of modern American colonialism. Shepherd shows that Hualapai nation-building was a complex process shaped by band identities, competing visions of the past, creative reactions to modernity, and resistance to state power. He analyzes how the Hualapais transformed an externally imposed tribal identity through nationalist discourses of protecting aboriginal territory; and he examines how that discourse strengthened the Hualapais’ claim to land and water while simultaneously reifying a politicized version of their own history. Drawing on recent work in American Indian history and Native American studies, Shepherd shows how the Hualapai have strived to reclaim a distinct identity and culture in the face of ongoing colonialism.





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