loading spinner
Arizona

Best of Sedona: Natural & Cultural Landscapes in Red Rock Country

Program No. 1062RJ
Immerse yourself in the story of Sedona as you join local experts to learn about and explore ancient cliff dwellings, iconic Red Rocks, a heritage railway and the majestic Grand Canyon.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
climate
Plan ahead.
What kind of weather can you expect? Take a look!
itinerary
Please Note:
The itinerary for this program is different on certain dates.
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
Activity Level: On Your Feet (2)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Nov 5 - Nov 10, 2023
Starting at
1,949
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2023
Starting at
1,949
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts. This date will also enjoy the ambiance of the holiday season with a visit to the Sedona Festival of Lights spectacular. Featuring luminarias, entertainment and cider for everyone.

Activity Level: On Your Feet (2)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Filling Fast!
Nov 5 - Nov 10, 2023
Starting at
2,619
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Filling Fast!
Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2023
Starting at
2,619
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts. This date will also enjoy the ambiance of the holiday season with a visit to the Sedona Festival of Lights spectacular. Featuring luminarias, entertainment and cider for everyone.

Activity Level: Keep the Pace (13)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 11 - Feb 16, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Feb 18 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Mar 3 - Mar 8, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Mar 17 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Apr 14 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

May 19 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
1,749
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
Starting at
2,149
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Activity Level: Keep the Pace (13)
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Feb 11 - Feb 16, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Feb 18 - Feb 23, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Mar 3 - Mar 8, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Mar 17 - Mar 22, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Apr 14 - Apr 19, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

May 5 - May 10, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

May 19 - May 24, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Sep 8 - Sep 13, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Sep 22 - Sep 27, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Oct 6 - Oct 11, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024
Starting at
2,169
Itinerary Note

This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.

Nov 3 - Nov 8, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

Dec 8 - Dec 13, 2024
Starting at
2,899
Itinerary Note

This date stays at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, one of Sedona’s top resorts.

At a Glance

Discover why Sedona and the Grand Canyon are the two most awe-inspiring sites in Arizona. Go beyond the geology to uncover the natural and human histories of these color-splashed landscapes. Enjoy an exploration of Sedona’s best-loved sights and red-rock vistas via an open trolley excursion. Ride the rails along the wild and scenic Verde River and beside its verdant canyon as you scan for wildlife. Explore Grand Canyon National Park on a full day journey to this iconic and quintessential American treasure with time to walk along the rim while soaking in its grandeur.
Activity Level
Varies by date
Walking up to 1/2 mile with longer optional hikes. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • See ancient cliff dwellings while uncovering the past of the Sinagua people at Montezuma Castle National Monument.
  • Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa with its magnificent 360-degree views of Sedona.
  • Spend a full day at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, complete with interpretive walks accompanied by a local expert.

General Notes

Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All Experts
Profile Image
Ken Zoll
Ken Zoll is the executive director emeritus of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, and a board member of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society. He is also a volunteer docent at cultural heritage sites in the Coconino National Forest. He has conducted fieldwork in cultural (ancient) astronomy of the Southwest and is a certified instructor with the Arizona Archaeological Society. Ken is the author of several books and articles on cultural astronomy, rock art, and the local history of Sedona and the Verde Valley.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Ken Mikell
Ken Mikell View biography
Ken Mikell is part of a music duo with his wife, Lynn. They play a wide range of traditional music, with particular attention to the Celtic roots of cowboy music. Using harp, guitar, recorder, fiddle and harmonica, they animate and illuminate the music that followed the trail west. From old time trail songs to the golden era of the radio and silver screen cowboy, they have an extensive knowledge of the history of Western music and enjoy sharing it with audiences.
Profile Image of Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell
Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell View biography
Maggie Mitchell has spent years leading educational excursions throughout the Sedona area. Her passion lies with the study of Arizona's wild creatures, and she loves sharing her love of reptiles and spiders with students of all ages.
Profile Image of Bill Krieger
Bill Krieger View biography
Bill Krieger is a Road Scholar educator who directed some of the earliest learning adventures during the 1970s. He has degrees from Northern Michigan University and the University of Pennsylvania. During his retirement, learning and sharing about the people and the geology of the Southwest have become his focus and his passion. Bill’s passions include biking, hiking, camping, writing, sketching, singing, and having conversations over a cup of coffee.
Profile Image of Carl Bowman
Carl Bowman View biography
With a bachelor’s degree in biology and having spent 25 years of his life on the South Rim, Carl Bowman knows the Grand Canyon well and specializes in relating the Canyon’s varied and constantly evolving geologic stories. He worked for the National Park Service from 1974-2013, and during his career served as a janitor, wildland fire fighter, archaeologist, ranger, and scientist. A long-time student of the Grand Canyon, Carl has shared its stories with park visitors, staff, university classes and lifelong learners.
Profile Image of Ken Zoll
Ken Zoll is the executive director emeritus of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, and a board member of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society. He is also a volunteer docent at cultural heritage sites in the Coconino National Forest. He has conducted fieldwork in cultural (ancient) astronomy of the Southwest and is a certified instructor with the Arizona Archaeological Society. Ken is the author of several books and articles on cultural astronomy, rock art, and the local history of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
Profile Image of Betty Johnson
Betty Johnson View biography
Betty Johnson has a passion for travel and exploration. While her professional experience is in non-profit management and Human Resources, she enjoys travel, talking about travel, and planning travel with her husband, Paul. They recently spent six weeks in Europe, training from France to Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. Betty's other pastimes include baking, crafting, and grandparenting. Her crafts include scrapbooking, photography, crochet, and quilting. Betty and Paul's daughter and her three kids all live with them and keep them on their toes!
Profile Image of Kennard Bork
Kennard Bork View biography
Kennard Bork is a former university geology professor who has found his bliss in retirement where Sedona’s red rocks and natural beauty provide the setting for great exploration and discovery. Ken is active in OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) and INHIGEO (International Commission on the History of Geological Sciences), both as a speaker and as a participant.
Profile Image of Rocky Sullivan
Rocky Sullivan View biography
Rocky Sullivan, a Kansas native, has been living in the southwest working on ranches among other things for the better part of three decades. During the last few years, he has brought his poetry into the limelight, gaining respect and praise from peers and audiences. Rocky won in his division of the 2015 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas, and again in 2017. He has been asked to perform at numerous venues since.
Profile Image of Karen Sullivan
Karen Sullivan View biography
Karen Sullivan was raised near the ocean as a beach baby, but has been a desert rat for over 30 years now. She has worked as a white water river expert for about 10 years in New Mexico, Idaho, and Colorado. As for hobbies, Karen enjoys gardening, snow skiing, and bicycling cross country. Karen has a background in art, sells her own pieces when possible, and has made her own Victorian gowns. She is well versed in photography and has a love for history.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Half Broke Horses
by Walls, Jeannette
Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle, wrote this true life novel which unfolds across Northern Arizona from the 1920s to the 1960s. Its heroine, Lily Casey Smith, (Ms. Wall's grandmother) battled the elements, prejudices, economic conditions and politics of remote frontier Arizona. Many of the locations described - Peach Springs, Seligman, Flagstaff, the Navajo Reservation, the Arizona Strip - are sites visited by NAU Road Scholar programs. Readers of this selection will feel the sense of heritage from this tale of life in our distant corner of America.
Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest
by Steve Plog
The American Southwest is home to some of the most remarkable monuments of America's prehistoric past, such as Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Stephen Plog, who has spent decades working in the region, provides the most readable and up-to-date account of the predecessors of the modern Hopi and Pueblo Indian cultures in this well-received account. Chaco Canyon became the center of a thriving Anasazi cultural tradition. It was the hub of a trading network extending over hundreds of miles, whose arteries were a series of extraordinary roads that are still being discovered and mapped. Interweaving the latest archaeological evidence with early first-person accounts, Professor Plog explains the rise and mysterious fall of Southwestern cultures. 224pp.
Arizona: A Cavalcade of History
by Trimble, Marshall
During America's first 100 years as a nation, pioneers moved ever-westward to new frontiers. When it became too crowded or the soil was mined out, they moved on to virgin land. Those days are gone forever. We have to learn to live with the problems we create. The knowledge gained from studying the mistakes of the past can help provide a better future. Will Rogers said it best: "The Indians never got lost because they were always looking back to see where they'd been." 368pp
Sedona (Images of America Series)
by Heidinger, Lisa Schnebly
Little more than a century ago, when only a handful of families lived in what is now Sedona, in Oak Creek Canyon, none would have dreamed it would become such a popular destination. The matchless combination of bright blue skies and red rocks has inspired artists of every medium to attempt to capture the mystic formations. Fortunately some began almost before the town was named after the wife of early settler T. C. Schnebly, who organized the first post office, at the beginning of the 20th century. From early apple growers to artists, what has united the diverse residents of Sedona over time is the conviction that they have found one of the earth's great treasures. 128pp.
Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West
by Stegner, Wallace
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
Grand Canyon Geology
by Beus, Stanley
This second edition of the leading book on Grand Canyon geology contains the most recent discoveries and interpretations of the origin and history of the canyon. It includes two entirely new chapters: one on debris flow in the Canyon and one on the impact of water flow releases from the Glen Canyon Dam. All chapters have been updated where necessary and all photographs have been replaced or re-screened for better resolution. Written by acknowledged experts in stratigraphy, paleontology, structural geology, geomorphology, volcanism and seismology, this book offers a wealth of information for geologists and general readers interested in acquiring an understanding of the geological history of this great natural wonder. 423pp





Important registration tip:
If you want to attend the live lecture, please do not wait until the last minute to enroll.
If you enroll after a lecture is complete, we’ll send you a recording of the event.