Best of the Southwest

American Southwest Tours and Adventures

Road Scholars has carved out dozens of unforgettable American Southwest tours. Would you like to learn about the ancestral homelands of Native Americans in Arizona and New Mexico? We have a tour for you. Perhaps learning through service is more your traveling style, in which case we have a tour volunteering at Navajo Nation Schools. 

Journey with Road Scholar on American Southwest tours, where painted deserts and grand canyons echo tales of geological history. Learn all about the vast and varied ecosystems and national parks of Arizona, Utah and New Mexico as you discover the flora, fauna, birdlife and Native Peoples who have called this region home.

Family Programs

Exploring The Grand Canyon

This seven-day family program Exploring the Grand Canyon North and South Rim can include several generations: grandchildren nine years old and up, parents, and grandparents. 

Climb aboard one of Sedona’s famed “Pink Jeeps” to explore red-rock canyons and dramatic scenic vistas not accessible to most visitors. Take a narrated flight high above the Grand Canyon in a fixed-wing aircraft, enjoying bird's-eye views of the Colorado River and inner canyon. Swim in the Colorado River and soak in the natural wonder of the landscape around you.

Zion National Park with Family

This is the ultimate seven-day family trip through Utah and Arizona’s national parks where travelers will hike, climb, horseback ride, and zip-line their way through the American Southwest. On this Southwest tour, families will travel by raft down the Colorado River, hike through Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park, and horseback ride in Zion Ponderosa Ranch. 

Get a taste of culture on this Southwest tour, experiencing one-of-a-kind opportunities to meet members of the local Navajo/Diné community and taste a "Navajo taco." 

Of course, s’mores around the campfire will be included!

On The Road

Ancient Puebloans

Road Scholar’s nine-day tour through Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico does a deep dive into the history of the Ancestral Puebloans to learn about prehistoric villages, explore the region’s National Parks, and visit important sites like Chimney Rock, Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, Aztec, Canyon de Chelly, and Chaco Canyon.

Visit large archaeological sites to view the remains of an incredibly complex civilization and gain perspective on how Native Americans retain ancestral traditions while adapting to the present day.

Sedona’s Red Rock Country and The Grand Canyon

Join experts as they take travelers on an epic seven-day tour of Sedona’s Red Rocks and the Grand Canyon to explore the geology, ecology, and human heritage of these spectacular canyon landscapes. 

Travel to the bottom of the Grand Canyon where you will be rewarded with a picnic on the banks of the mighty Colorado River. Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument, a five-story cliff dwelling of the prehistoric Sinagua people. This special Southwest adventure tour will be simply unforgettable. 

Why the Southwest Is a Must-Visit for Seniors

Exploring the American Southwest offers unrivaled views of red rock canyons and breathtaking scenery. Through our Southwest tours for seniors, you’ll be immersed in cultural traditions and a comfortable climate to learn about the significance of this region in our country’s history. Here’s what makes our Southwest getaways perfect for seniors:

• Dramatic Landscapes: The best Southwest tours for seniors introduce you to otherworldly landscapes characterized by striking geological formations, vibrant colors and vast, open spaces. Tours of Southwest national parks can bring you to iconic locations such as the Grand Canyon, which showcases the power of erosion over millions of years; Zion, known for its towering sandstone monoliths; and Monument Valley, famous for its isolated sandstone buttes that rise dramatically from the desert floor and recognizable from artwork and films like Forrest Gump. Other notable sites in this region include the Mojave Desert, Painted Desert, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and the red rock country of Sedona, with bright red and orange hues contrasting against green forests.
• Cultural Richness: The American Southwest is known for more than its natural beauty. Southwest adventure tours allow you to experience the unique blend of Native American, Spanish and Western cultures through art, music and cuisine. Pueblo and Navajo tribal culture is deeply embedded in the region’s identity, with adobe homes dotting the landscape and traditional pottery, weaving and jewelry sold at local shops. The legacy of Spanish colonization is still visible today, especially in the architecture and language, particularly in areas like Santa Fe, New Mexico, which is known for its plazas and missions.
• Mild Climate: The region’s mild climate makes it ideal for Southwest bus tours for senior singles who are interested in exploring the great outdoors and historic sites. Whether you’re attending the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta or going to rodeos like the Prescott Frontier Days in Arizona, you can comfortably enjoy Southwest experiences without being too hot or too cold.

Preparing for Your Southwest Adventure

The Southwest is ripe for adventure, and adequate preparation is crucial for a memorable and comfortable experience. To prepare for our Southwest tours for seniors, it’s essential to pack the right items. Bringing layers will help ensure your comfort throughout temperature changes, as the desert landscape can be cool in the mornings and evenings and hot during the day. Don’t forget comfortable hiking shoes, your toiletries, and necessary electronics like a phone, chargers and cameras. These small personal items will be invaluable on your trip.

It’s also important to keep your health considerations in mind. Tours of Southwest national parks, for example, can involve hiking and more intense physical activity, so speak with your primary care physician to assess what program activity level is right for you. Other travel tips include gathering all of your necessary travel documents, notifying friends and family of your itinerary and making an effort to truly immerse yourself in the travel experience.

Why Choose Road Scholar for Southwest Tours

Why go with Road Scholar on Southwest tours for seniors? Our Southwest getaways are led by local experts who provide in-depth knowledge and engaging narratives about the region. Programs include comprehensive travel arrangements to ensure a hassle-free experience for senior travelers. We also foster a strong sense of community among like-minded adventurers, creating an enriching and exciting environment. Whether you’re interested in solo travel or a multigenerational excursion, you can find an adventure to begin exploring the Southwest.

Discover the Intimacy of American Southwest Tours With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we offer a wide range of trips through the American Southwest, from Arizona to Colorado and beyond. Enjoy spirited conversations and educational lessons about the traditions of the indigenous cultures from local experts. 

Book your travel and learn more with Road Scholar today.