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.

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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
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1/2 mile with longer optional hikes. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 trip experts
Profile Image
Matt Turner
Since he decided to attend high school in Southwest Colorado, Matt Turner has been in love with the natural wonders of the Four Corners region prompting him to obtain a degree in Natural History from Prescott College. In addition to working as a field biologist and ecological consultant, he is an avid photographer, leads trips throughout the Southwest, across rivers and in the backcountry. As a naturalist, he hopes to impart a unique perspective of the region's natural environment in all of its visitors.

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

Profile Image of Matt Turner
Matt Turner View biography
Since he decided to attend high school in Southwest Colorado, Matt Turner has been in love with the natural wonders of the Four Corners region prompting him to obtain a degree in Natural History from Prescott College. In addition to working as a field biologist and ecological consultant, he is an avid photographer, leads trips throughout the Southwest, across rivers and in the backcountry. As a naturalist, he hopes to impart a unique perspective of the region's natural environment in all of its visitors.
Profile Image of Lisa Kearsley
Lisa Kearsley View biography
Lisa Kearsley moved to Arizona in the 1980s to earn a master’s degree in biology at Northern Arizona University and, like many who have come to Arizona, she never left. She has worked for the National Park Service at Grand Canyon as an interpretive park ranger and as a researcher, studying the effects of Glen Canyon Dam on the river. She also is a natural science illustrator, working with pen and ink, as well as watercolor.
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 Tracy Kee
Tracy P. Kee View biography
Tracy Kee, a native of the Deep South, grew up primarily in Tennessee. During her time working for a study abroad program in Italy, she met her full-blood Navajo husband, Eric, while he was teaching English to Italians. In 2007, after marrying, Tracy moved to the Navajo reservation. Tracy taught part-time business and computer classes at Diné College in Tuba City, AZ for many years. They have three children and enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities in northern Arizona.
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 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 Kyle Storey
Kyle Storey View biography
Kyle Storey is an urban planner with a passion for creating sustainable and livable communities. He possesses a love for nature and agriculture and is committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices. Kyle works towards implementing cutting-edge technologies to reduce our carbon footprint and transition towards a more sustainable future. Kyle is also a seasoned outdoor group leader who is deeply in touch with the natural world. He has led numerous outdoor adventures, from hiking and camping trips to wildlife expeditions and nature exploration.
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Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date and Direction
Oct 20 - Oct 25 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • May 05 - May 10 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Oct 06 - Oct 11 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Dec 08 - Dec 13 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Oct 20 - Oct 25 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • May 05 - May 10 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Sep 08 - Sep 13 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Sep 22 - Sep 27 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Oct 06 - Oct 11 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Oct 20 - Oct 25 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Nov 03 - Nov 08 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
  • Dec 08 - Dec 13 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
Oct 20 - Oct 25, 2024 Itinerary Differences: This date stays at The Element Hotel, Marriot's new and top rated Sedona Hotel.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
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6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5 B 3 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Sedona, AZ
D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Check-in after 3:00 PM. Early arrivals may be arranged ahead of time.

Afternoon: 4:30-5:15 p.m. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All field trips will be led by our Group Leader, a seasoned and experienced naturalist, unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: 6:45 p.m.: In our hotel conference room we will have a catered meal with a choice of a non-alcoholic drink. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the hotel bar and brought into our dining area.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

DAY
2
History, Archaeology, Sedona's Loved Sites, Desert Critters
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day, with stops. Getting on/off trolley; riding approximately 15 miles; about 2 hours.

Breakfast: at Hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, we will start off our day with an engaging presentation from an expert on archaeology and the prehistoric peoples who inhabited the Sedona and Verde Valley region. The native people of this area are so important to appreciating this beautiful land and having an understanding of the first peoples will greatly enhance our field trip to Montezuma Castle the next day. Following our first speaker, we will next a presentation from a local historian on Sedona's more recent pioneer history.

Lunch: Catered meal at the hotel.

Afternoon: Setting out for a riding exploration of Sedona with our Group Leader aboard a trolley, we’ll see some of the town’s most beloved sites including a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. During our exploration, we will learn about the history, geology, climate, flora, and fauna of the area. As we explore, we will have photo opportunities at some scenic vistas.

Dinner: Plated meal from restaurant adjacent to hotel.

Evening: In a conference room at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a program led by a local expert.

DAY
3
Montezuma Castle & Verde Canyon Railroad
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Driving approximately 70 miles total throughout the day; about 1/2 hour to Montezuma Castle National Monument; about 1/2 hour to Clarkdale and the Verde Canyon Railway. Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; flat, paved trails. The Verde Canyon Railroad travels about 40 miles; approx. 4 hours.

Breakfast: at Hotel.

Morning: Board our transport with our Group Leader for a field trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument. This 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling is nestled in a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley. It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America, constructed approximately 600 years ago by the Sinagua Indians. While here, we’ll observe the ruins from below and take note of Wet Beaver Creek’s unique ecosystem as we walk the paved loop trail. We’ll then ride to Clarkdale for our Verde Canyon train trip.

Lunch: Our first-class train tickets include lunch with charcuterie items such as cured meats, gourmet cheese, fruit, fruit dip, crackers, brownies, and bottled water. It also incudes a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon boarding!

Afternoon: Next, we'll transfer to the railroad platform and board the train for a leisurely ride with commentary given by a railroad expert and supplemented by our Group Leader. The Verde Canyon Railroad follows a 40-mile route along the Verde River. We’ll ride in comfort in renovated passenger and open air cars, journeying at a slow pace mostly near the canyon bottom. Along the route, we’ll pass red rock pinnacles, cross bridges, see Native American ruins, and ride through a 680-foot tunnel. Keep your eyes out for native plants and animals including the more than 30 eagles that winter in this scenic area. Following our journey we will stop at a restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel.

Dinner: Plated meal at a Sedona restaurant.

Evening: We’ll return to the hotel in Sedona in the late evening. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.

DAY
4
Geology, Western Ballads & Tales
Sedona, AZ
B,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Classroom based activities. Physical activity level dependent on personal interest during free time.

Breakfast: at Hotel.

Morning: At the hotel, enjoy a presentation in our hotel conference room on the geological and ecological story of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the surrounding area. The talk will help make sense of how the stunning beauty of this area came to be and prepare us for our time spent at the Grand Canyon.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Sedona has many options to offer visitors from fascinating art galleries, hiking the thrilling red rock trails, or taking a “Pink Jeep” out and explore Sedona’s back country and archaeological sites. The Group Leader will be happy to offer additional suggestions.

Dinner: at Hotel.

Evening: We will be joined at the hotel by local presenter.

DAY
5
Full-Day Field Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Driving approx. 230 miles throughout the day; about 2.5 hours each way. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on mostly flat, paved, or dirt paths.

Breakfast: at Hotel.

Morning: Depart the hotel for a full day field trip to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Your group leader will accompany us on our journey, revealing the Grand Canyon's unique geologic, biologic and historic features while we have the opportunity to walk along the canyon's rim upon arrival. During our walk, we’ll see Grand Canyon Village where many of the most impressive structures in the historic village were designed by Mary Jane Colter, a renowned architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company and Santa Fe Railroad. We may even see an endangered California condor soaring overhead as you gaze into the Canyon's depths below.

Lunch: Along the Grand Canyon’s rim, we will have sack lunches including a sandwich, chips, and fruit.

Afternoon: After a bit of time to explore independently on the rim in the historic village, we will begin our return journey to Sedona. Don't forget to take one last look across to the Canyon's North Rim, 10 miles away as the raven flies, before settling into your seat and recapping the 1.8 billion year layer cake of earth's history you've just seen in person!

Dinner: On our return back to Sedona, we will break up the trip at the halfway point to enjoy our final celebratory dinner in Flagstaff at a Greek Restaurant.

Evening: Back at the hotel meeting room with our Group Leader, we will have a program wrap-up session and reflect on our experiences. Share some of your favorite memories from the program with new Road Scholar friends. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes
Departures
B

Activity note: Check-out by 11:00 AM.

Breakfast: At hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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