Arizona

On the Road: Sedona's Red Rock Country and the Grand Canyon

Program No. 1088RJ
Set out on a larger-than-life learning adventure to experience Sedona’s Red Rocks and the Grand Canyon, joining experts for an insider’s view on these two monumental sites!

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At a Glance

The Colorado Plateau in Arizona claims two of North America’s most beautiful canyons. Explore the geology, ecology and human heritage of these spectacular canyon landscapes: Sedona’s Oak Creek Canyon and the incomparable Grand Canyon. In Sedona, enjoy a spectacular “Pink” Jeep trip into its stunning red-rock back country, exploring vistas seldom seen by visitors. Overnight in Grand Canyon National Park while soaking in the breathtaking panorama of this world heritage site. Travel an epic road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, through its multiplicity of layered rock and time, with the reward of a picnic on the banks of the mighty Colorado River.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to one mile on varied terrain. Some time for personal hiking at Grand Canyon. Bumpy jeep and van rides on slick rock, dirt and gravel roads. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Visit Montezuma Castle National Monument, a five-story cliff dwelling of the prehistoric Sinagua people.
  • Go off the beaten path on the Hualapai Indian Reservation on old Route 66 and in Sedona on a Pink Jeep adventure.
  • Explore Grand Canyon South Rim’s dramatic viewpoints and trails with regional experts.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell
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.

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

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 Carrie Calisay Cannon
Carrie Calisay Cannon View biography
Carrie Calisay Cannon is a member of the Kiowa tribe of Oklahoma and also is of Oglala Lakota descent. She has a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and an M.S. in Resource Management. She is currently employed as an Ethnobotanist for the Hualapai Department of Cultural Resources. She administers a number of department projects and programs which promote the intergenerational teaching of Hualapai ethnobotanical knowledge. She works towards ensuring tribal ethnobotanical knowledge persists as a living practice and tradition.
Profile Image of Slim Woodruff
Slim Woodruff View biography
Marjorie “Slim” Woodruff is a graduate of Northern Arizona University. She has worked in outdoor recreation and education for most of her adult life. Slim is a board member and outings chair for the Grand Canyon Historical Society. She is a senior instructor with the Grand Canyon Conservancy Field Institute. Living on the South Rim, her usual hangouts are inside the canyon. Her writings can be found in High Country News Writers on the Range and The Outdoor Journal.
Profile Image of Shayla Pollard
Shayla Pollard View biography
Shayla Pollard was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She currently attends Northern Arizona University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Spanish. In her free time, Shayla loves adventuring wherever she can. She has visited a wide array of national parks in the Southwestern United States and continues to check more off her list. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, paddle boarding, and rafting. Shayla is excited to share her passion with NAU Road Scholar.
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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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7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6 B 4 L 6 D
DAY
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Sedona, AZ
D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m.

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 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: In our hotel conference room we will have a meal with a choice of a non-alcoholic drink. Alcoholic beverages will be available at the hotel bar.

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
Geology, Sedona's Best Loved Sites
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

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

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea.

Morning: We’ll be joined at the hotel by a geologist for a presentation on the geologic story of Sedona, Grand Canyon and the surrounding area.

Lunch: Catered meal at the hotel.

Afternoon: Setting out for a riding exploration of Sedona with our Group Leader. We will see some of the town’s most beloved sites. 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: Catered meal at the hotel.

Evening: In the evening we will be joined by a local expert for a presentation on a topic of local interest.

DAY
3
Montezuma National Monument, Sedona 4x4 Adventure
Sedona, AZ
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Driving approx. 30 miles roundtrip to Montezuma Castle National Monument; about 1.5 hours total. Climbing in/out of 4x4 vehicles; assistance available as needed. 4x4 ride is approx. 15 miles roundtrip; about 2 hours, with stops; some bumpy sections of the ride. Jeeps comfortably fit 7 passengers and have seat belts and grab bars for participants to hold on to with each seat. Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, paved trails at Montezuma with some rocky, sandy, uneven terrain.

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea.

Morning: We will travel 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 will observe the ruins from below and take note of Wet Beaver Creek’s unique ecosystem as we walk the paved loop trail. Then, we will depart for the Verde Valley Archeology Center and Museum as we accompany a docent to learn about the incredible and diverse accomplishments of the people who inhabited the Sedona/Verde Valley area for over 12,000 years.

Lunch: Plated meal at a near by restaurant.

Afternoon: Enjoy a 4X4 "Pink Jeep" adventure in the beauty of Sedona's Red Rocks Wilderness. Drivers who are well-versed in the geology, flora, fauna and pre-historic details of the region will guide you on this truly exceptional experience. Expect some sections of road where there may be jostling in the vehicle as the driver navigates dirt roads, sandy washes, and/or slick rock. Vehicles are very comfortable, seat up to 7 people, and have grab bars to hold on to with every seat. We will go on some short walks with our drivers away from the jeeps as we visit viewpoints and they provide informative commentary on the area’s ancient, modern, cultural, and natural history.

Dinner: Plated meal at a nearby Mexican Restaurant.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

DAY
4
Oak Creek Canyon, Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon - South Rim
B,L,D
Yavapai Lodge West

Activity note: Driving approximately. 115 miles; about 2.5 hours. Walking approximately 1.5 miles total throughout the day; mostly flat, paved or dirt paths.

Breakfast: Hotel Continental Breakfast with Coffee and Tea.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we will transfer to the Grand Canyon via scenic Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff. As we travel, we will marvel at the change of life zones and scenery as we move from the Sonora Desert Colorado Plateau. Continuing, we’ll make our way past the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field and the site of Arizona’s highest point – Humphreys Peak – reaching an elevation of 12,633 feet. As we drive, our Group Leader will provide commentary on the regional geography and natural history. Having arrived at the South Rim, we will see Grand Canyon Village. Many of the 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 we gaze into the Canyon's depths.

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

Afternoon: We will then stop at a few more amazing viewpoints, have the opportunity to walk along the rim, and visit Grand Canyon Village all led by a local expert. Highlights of the village include the Kolb Studio where the Kolb brothers took photos of mule riders into the canyon. The buildings of Santa Fe Railroad and Fred Harvey, and architect and designer Mary Jane Colter’s work including the Bright Angel Lodge, Lookout Studio, and the Hopi House. At the east end of the Village, we will visit the El Tovar Hotel, built in 1903 and one of the great hotels in the National Parks. From the village, we will be able to see the North Rim and various spires and monuments rising from the canyon floor. We will also have time to explore rim trails and admire canyon vistas. Keep your eyes out for the endangered California condor soaring overhead as you gaze into the Canyon's depths below. Next, we will transfer to our lodge on the south rim and check-in.

Dinner: Cafeteria style meal served at the Yavapai Lodge restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
5
Grand Canyon’s South Rim, Route 66 Nostalgia
Peach Springs, AZ
B,D
Hualapai Lodge

Activity note: Walking up to 1.5 miles total throughout the day; mostly flat, paved or dirt paths. Optional longer hiking opportunities available. Drive to Peach Springs area is approximately 130 miles; approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Breakfast: At the lodge dinning facility, we will have a cafeteria style meal featuring choices such as an egg dish, breakfast meats, cereals, and fresh fruit, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: In the morning we will check out of the lodge and head to breakfast. Then, it is time to continue our Grand Canyon learning adventure with time for a walk along the canyon’s rim with our Group Leader as they discuss geology as well as natural and human history. Following you will have time to explore independently. The National Park Service includes a free shuttle along the West Rim Drive to Hermit's Rest with access to numerous scenic viewpoints (Powell, Hopi, Mohave, and Maricopa points to name a few) with sweeping views of the canyon and the Colorado River. You might also like to go for a rim walk, hike further into the Canyon, attend an NPS ranger program, or just find a quiet spot to contemplate and gaze out at the Grand Canyon, taking in all of its grandeur.

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

Afternoon: After rendezvousing at a predetermined time and place, we will board the vans and transfer from Grand Canyon National Park to our accommodation along a historic stretch of the famous Route 66. En route, we will keep a look out for Burma Shave signs, enjoy wide open views, and drive through a classic site of Route 66 nostalgia – Seligman – with its focus on American road touring in the 1950s. Seligman is the town which Radiator Springs, from the Pixar movie “Cars,” was based on. In late afternoon, we will arrive at our accommodation and have access to the more remote and wild western end of the Grand Canyon.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a dinner featuring a salad bar and home-cooked entrees. Coffee, iced tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: In the hotel meeting room, we will hear a presentation given by a local expert about the natural and biological environment of Arizona. Exact topics are dependent on availability of presenters who travel long distances to reach the hotel.

DAY
6
Peach Springs, Grand Canyon, Colorado River
Peach Springs, AZ
B,L,D
Hualapai Lodge

Activity note: Driving approx. 40 miles total; about 4 hours: 20 miles on a rough unpaved road to bottom of canyon, 3 hours, including stops; return drive is approx. 20 miles, 1 hour. Walking up to 2 miles on short group walks to viewpoints; sandy terrain and possible hot temperatures, depending on time of year. Additional elective walk of about 1 mile; approximately .5 hour; on road down to the Colorado River.

Breakfast: At the lodge, we will have breakfast featuring a variety of hot and cold choices, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: We will transfer from the hotel to Peach Springs Canyon via vans on the bumpy Diamond Creek Road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado River. This is the only drivable road to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, so expect adventure! Along our journey, we will stop at various points of interest while the walls rise higher and higher as we come closer to the Colorado River. We will pass through hundreds of millions of years of geologic history that has culminated in the arrival to the 1.8 billion year old rock that makes up the Granite Gorge. Among our highlights will be a self-led walk along Diamond Creek down to the Colorado River. Alternatively, those who require it can continue to the picnic site via van where we will rendezvous with the walkers for lunch.

Lunch: On the banks of the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, we will enjoy sack lunches amidst remarkable scenery.

Afternoon: Our field trip at the bottom of the Grand Canyon will continue with a viewing of Diamond Creek Rapids as we look for desert bighorn sheep and watch for river runners in their rafts passing by us on the Colorado River. Our Group Leader will share some of the interesting history, facts and management issues regarding the Colorado River with us as we relax on the beach. We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner: At the hotel restaurant, we will enjoy a tasty plated meal for our farewell dinner in the company of our fellow participants.

Evening: With our Group Leader, we will gather in the hotel meeting room for a program wrap-up 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
7
Program Concludes with return to Sedona
Sedona, AZ
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out and departure by 7:15 a.m. Driving approximately 130 miles back to Sedona; about 3 hours. Expected arrival in Sedona by approx. 10:15 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Early morning Lodge breakfast.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll load our vans and transfer back to the starting hotel in Sedona. This concludes our program. 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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