Jun 9 - Jun 15, 2025
2,749
1,649
Utah/Arizona
Rafting, Hiking & Horses: Zion National Park With Your Family
Program No. 20966RJ
Get a new perspective on Utah and Arizona’s national parks with your family as you hike, climb and horseback ride, learning the unique story of these beautiful places.
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
Age 8 - 17
ROOMING OPTION PRICING
The figures below indicate the rooming options available.
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| DATES | ||||
Jun 9 - Jun 15, 2025
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 3,299 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| |
Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2025
2,749 1,649 | ||||
Jun 23 - Jun 29, 2025
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 3,299 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| |
Jul 7 - Jul 13, 2025
2,749 1,649 | ||||
Jul 7 - Jul 13, 2025
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 2,749 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| 3,299 / Adult
1,649 / Child
| |
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
7 days
6 nights
17 meals
6B 5L 6D
3
Zion National Park
Zion National Park, UT
4
Ranch Activities & Exploration
Zion National Park, UT
5
Antelope Slot Canyon & Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell, AZ
6
Colorado River Float Trip
St. George
7
Program Concludes
St. George
At a Glance
Rafting down the Colorado River. Hiking through Antelope Canyon and Zion National Park. Horseback riding and much more at Zion Ponderosa Ranch. Join in the ultimate family adventure as you discover the history and science behind the natural wonders of Arizona and Utah! Hike to the sandstone formations of Snow Canyon and Antelope Canyon, and join a falconer for a meeting with some of his closest feathered friends. Enjoy special opportunities to meet members of the local Navajo/Diné community and taste a "Navajo taco." At the Zion Ponderosa Ranch, try your hand at skeet shooting and other great activities — then enjoy s’mores around the campfire!
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Hiking up to 2-3 miles; optional activities include rock climbing, paint ball, skeet shooting, horse back riding. Elevations of 5,500 feet.
Family Programs
Share your love of learning with your family. These programs are designed for any combination of generations: grandparents, aunts, uncles, parents and children.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy all kinds of adventures at Zion Ponderosa Ranch, like horseback riding, paintball, jeep tours and much more!
- In Zion National Park, hike on the Pa’rus trail, which runs along the Virgin River, and watch for mule deer and wildflowers as you take in the magnificent sandstone cliffs.
- Take a flat water float trip down the mighty Colorado River; then explore the swirly and striped beauty of Antelope Canyon—the most photographed slot canyon of the desert Southwest.
General Notes
This is a Family program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 8 and up.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Martin Tyner
At the age of 19, Martin Tyner was hired as curator of birds of prey at Busch Gardens, Calif., and was soon working in the movie industry as a trainer of big cats, elephants, primates, sea mammals and raptors. He is the founder of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit wildlife rescue and environmental education organization. With the help of his Golden Eagle, Bud, they received a donation of 22.6 acres of property for the development of a permanent wildlife rescue facility in Utah.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Martin Tyner
View biography
At the age of 19, Martin Tyner was hired as curator of birds of prey at Busch Gardens, Calif., and was soon working in the movie industry as a trainer of big cats, elephants, primates, sea mammals and raptors. He is the founder of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation, a non-profit wildlife rescue and environmental education organization. With the help of his Golden Eagle, Bud, they received a donation of 22.6 acres of property for the development of a permanent wildlife rescue facility in Utah.
Suggested Reading List
(6 books)
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.
Rafting, Hiking & Horses: Zion National Park With Your Family
Program Number: 20966
Books about Flora
Wildflowers of Southwestern Utah, Hayle Buchanan. 1992. Text covers flowers, shrubs and trees in their various life zones from Zion, Bryce and Cedar Breaks. $7.95
Canyon Country Wildflowers, Damian Fagan. 1998. A field guide to common wildflowers, shrubs and trees. $19.95
Sagebrush Country a Wildflower Sanctuary, Ronald Taylor. 1992. A field guide to common wildflowers, grasses and shrubs of the Great Basin. $14.00
Wildflowers of the Desert Southwest, Meg Quinn. 2000. A field guide to common desert wildflowers. $9.95
Books about History
Heart of the Desert Wild, Greer Chesher, 2000. Award winning book about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM). It covers a variety of topics from geology to history. The photography and design of this book are outstanding and remains the definitive book on the GSENM.
A Roadside History of Utah, Cynthia L. Bennett. 1999. Compelling stories of Utah’s exceptional people.
Utah’s History, Richard D. Poll. 1989. A more in-depth and statewide focus on history.
Hole-in-the-Rock, David E. Miller, 1995. If you want to learn more about one of the epic pioneer journeys in American History this is the book. It is area related and is a good read for those interested in history.
Highway 12, Christian Probasco. 2005. Popular with travelers along Highway 12. It features a unique look at the history, people and their perspectives on this very special corridor.
Outlaw Tales of Utah, Michael Rutter, 2002. True stores of Utah’s most famous robbers, rustlers and bandits.
Books about Native American / Prehistory
Rock Art of Utah, Polly Schaafsma, 2002.
Traces of Freemont: Society and Rock Art in Ancient Utah, Steven Simms, 2010.
Archeology of the Southwest, Linda Cordell, 2012.
Education
The Redrock Canyon Explorer, Irene Brady and Geology Rocks, by Cindy Blobaum & Michael Kline. Two books that are a great starting place for grandparents and educators that would like to get a fun and creative educational tool for their grandchildren or students. $19.95 and $12.95
Last Child in the Woods, Richard Louv. 2005. An absolute must-read for parents if we are going to save our children from the Nature- Deficit Disorder. $13.95.
Sharing Nature with Children, Joseph Cornell. 1989. A parents and teachers nature awareness guidebook. $9.95.
Geology
Geology – a Golden Guide, by Frank H.T. Rhodes, 1991, St. Martin’s Press, N.Y.
Geology of Utah’s Parks and Monuments, Sprinkel et. al. Utah Geological Association, 2000. Contains geology papers on 25 parks and monuments of Utah (644 pages). Written for a geologist.
Utah‘s Spectacular Geology, Lehi Hintze, 2005 The geologic story of Utah’s landscapes and how they came to be.
A Traveler's Guide to the Geology of the Colorado Plateau, Don Baars, 2002. A comprehensive guide to the Colorado Plateau.
The Practical Geologist, Dougal Dixon, Raymond Bernor, 1992 This book is a great introductory guide to the basics of geology. Great diagrams, pictures and is well written.
Geology Underfoot in Southern Utah, R. Orndorff, R. Wieder, D. Futey, 2006 A hands on book about getting out among the rocks. Explores 33 sites in Southern Utah. Tells of ancient eruptions, deserts, seas, swamps and movements of massive rock units over eons.
Beyond the Visible Landscape, W. Kenneth Hamblin, 2004. A unique book that consists of a series of panoramic photographs taken from the air. Focuses on the fundamental features of the landscape. Contains excellent diagrams & descriptions of the geology in the photographs.
Geology (specific)
Ron Kay’s Guide to Zion National Park, Ron Kay, 1995 A complete guide of Zion National Park by one of Road Scholar’s own instructors.
Shadows of Time: The Geology of Bryce Canyon National Park, Frank Decourten, 1994 A book with breathtaking photographs, well written on the geology of Bryce Canyon N. P. and surrounding high plateaus.
Water, Rock, & Time: The Geologic Story of Zion National Park, Robert Eves, 2005. This book is so nice you may want to leave it on the coffee table.
Zion National Park: Towers of Stone; by J.L. Crawford; Zion Natural History Association, Springdale, Utah, Fourth Edition 2002.
Carving Grand Canyon, Wayne Ranney. 2005. A synopsis of ideas and theories that geologists have developed over time about the carving of the Grand Canyon. This story is told in an engaging style that non-scientists will find inviting.
Canyonlands Country, Donald Baars, 1993. Geology of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.
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.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
17 meals (
6B, 5L, 6D
)
1 expert-led lecture
8 expert-led field trips
2 hands-on experiences
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
St. George
Meals:
D
Stay:
Holiday Inn Convention Center
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00-5:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table 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.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 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. Transportation will be provided primarily by motorcoach unless otherwise specified. Be sure to bring a daypack, water bottle, sun protection, sturdy walking shoes and anything else you think you will need during our hikes in the desert. Durations of hikes vary depending on the group. Periods in the daily 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. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Snow Canyon State Park, Birds of Prey Presentation
Location:
St. George
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Holiday Inn Convention Center
Activity Note
Walking up to 2 miles on sandy, uneven, and rocky trails with a maximum elevation change of 100 feet. Getting on/off a motorcoach.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll begin our adventure with a field trip via motorcoach to Snow Canyon State Park, where our instructor will introduce the area’s geology via a short hike to a viewpoint along the rim with motorcoach stops within the canyon. We’ll soak in the beauty of the scenery and notice the exquisite red and white sandstone cliffs, rolling mounds of petrified sand dunes and lava (basalt) rock formations.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll travel to the Washington County Recreation Center for an afternoon swim in the indoor aquatic center.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
We’ll be joined in the hotel meeting room by a federally licensed eagle falconer for a presentation on birds of prey native to the Southwestern United States. With the opportunity to see a live falcon, hawk, and golden eagle up close, we’ll learn about these beautiful and fascinating animals. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Zion National Park
Location:
Zion National Park, UT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Activity Note
Walking 2-3 miles, mostly paved trails, some uneven and slippery terrain depending on which hike is chosen with a maximum elevation change of 200 ft. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 45 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of our hotel and transfer by motorcoach to Zion National Park for field trips led by our instructor who will provide information about the Virgin River and Zion Canyon’s geology and plant habitat along the way.
Lunch:
On the lawn at Zion Lodge, we’ll have box lunches.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue hiking in Zion National Park to see more of its natural wonders. Later, we’ll travel via motorcoach on the historic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway, ascend nearly 1,000 vertical feet, and go through a mile-long tunnel to Zion’s breathtaking east side. We’ll make a quick stop to photograph astounding Checkerboard Mesa before leaving the park and checking into our next lodging.
Dinner:
At the ranch, an extensive Western-style dinner buffet awaits us.
Evening:
At the ranch, we’ll observe the sky and be amazed at how many stars we can see at night!
Day
4
Ranch Activities & Exploration
Location:
Zion National Park, UT
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort
Activity Note
All activities for the day are located at the ranch. Depending on the activity, a low to moderate level of physical coordination is required. Each family should assess their own abilities and comfort level prior to initiating any activity. Some activities require prior no-fee registration in order to accommodate a limited number of participants. Our Group Leader will explain the sign-up process the night before.
Breakfast:
At the ranch.
Morning:
Let’s get ready for incredible adventures and a fabulous time participating in activities at the ranch! We’ll be able to choose from activities such as horseback riding, rock climbing wall, paintball, a jeep ride, skeet shooting, mini-golf, hiking, ping pong, horse shoes, and swimming.
Lunch:
At the ranch’s cafeteria.
Afternoon:
Activities at the ranch will continue for an afternoon of fun-filled adventure.
Dinner:
Western-style dinner at the ranch.
Evening:
We’ll gather around the campfire for stories and s’mores, then prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
Antelope Slot Canyon & Glen Canyon Dam
Location:
Lake Powell, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Page at Lake Powell
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Hiking is up to 1/2 mile in deep sand in a narrow slot canyon. Closed-toe shoes recommended for the hike through Antelope Canyon.
Breakfast:
At the ranch.
Morning:
After checking out, we’ll depart via motorcoach to Page, AZ. We’ll stop en route for a field trip to Antelope Slot Canyon, the most photographed slot canyon in the Southwest U.S. There, we’ll embark on an expert-led exploration of Upper Antelope Canyon. The Navajo name is Tse' bighanilini, which means “the place where water runs through rocks.” Upper Antelope is at about 4,000 feet elevation and the canyon walls rise 120 feet above the streambed, all located within the LeChee Chapter of the Navajo Nation. We’ll discover why this beautiful canyon has rightly earned its world-renowned reputation.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll transfer via motorcoach to Glen Canyon Dam, which forms Lake Powell, one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the U.S. At the visitor center, we will learn via independent discovery about the building of the dam, how electric power is generated, and water use and conservation measures in the west. We’ll then proceed to the hotel for check-in.
Dinner:
We’ll transfer via motorcoach to the Native American Performing Arts Theater where we’ll enjoy a traditional Navajo taco dinner.
Evening:
After dinner, we’ll get a fascinating glimpse into Navajo history, culture, and traditions via music and dance presented by Navajo tribal members. Upon our return to the hotel, prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Colorado River Float Trip
Location:
St. George
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Holiday Inn Convention Center
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 3 hours to St. George after river float, with at least one stop along the way. Minimal walking, no hiking today. We will place our luggage on the curb beside the motorcoach 15 minutes prior to departure for transit to Saint George.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After check-out, we’ll travel by motorcoach a few miles to the banks of the Colorado River, where we begin our flat water float trip, led and operated by local experts. Our field trip begins with an exciting ride down the two-mile long Glen Canyon Dam access tunnel. With the dam soaring 700 feet above, we’ll board a motorized pontoon raft for our journey downstream, where we will experience one of the most dramatic stretches of river found in the western United States. While underway, we’ll hear about the area’s story of soaring sandstone cliffs, crystal blue-green waters, abundant wildlife, former inhabitation by native cultures, exploration by Major John Wesley Powell, and the Colorado River’s modern role in the Southwest’s water and power delivery system.
Lunch:
On the river, we’ll have box lunches.
Afternoon:
Returning to St. George via motorcoach, we’ll check in to our rooms with time to freshen up and relax until dinner.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Program Concludes
Location:
St. George
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
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 another rewarding program 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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MEALS
17 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
6 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
- Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
- Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 29, 2025
- Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 13, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 11 Reviews
Sort By:
IT WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
— Review left December 1, 2024
This was a great program with lots to see and do. The leaders, Paula and Darrell were knowledgeable, friendly and knew how to keep us on track. Between Darrell’s videos and Paula’s crafts, the bus miles flew by. Every destination was interesting and enjoyable. I appreciated that every hotel had a pool for the kids to burn off energy and cool down! It was a wonderful bonding experience for me and my grandson.
— Review left July 2, 2024
The Zion family trip was terrific! Plenty to do every day, and sufficient choices of activities to keep all age levels interested. Heidi, the group leader, was excellent in involving all participants, and showed understanding of participants needs.
— Review left August 21, 2023
A great program for grandparents/parents looking for a way to experience the desert southwest culture and geology with their kids. The program gives you a chance to learn about the geology, history, and biodiversity of the area and then get out to experience and explore the region through walks, horse rides, and a float trip. The cultural experiences, such as Navajo food and dance, enhance the experiment. Road Scholar has a great relationship with many vendors in the area, which makes for a great experience.
— Review left August 18, 2023
A fun trip with my grandson. These grandparent trips are a wonderful way to bond. And the kids have fun interacting with other kids. The learning experiences were interesting for the most part. Especially liked the program with the birds. Group leaders were terrific. Also the wonderful bus driver who enhanced our experience.
— Review left July 14, 2023
We had an outstanding visit to Southwest Utah and Northern Arizona. Our program guides were the best! We created beautiful memories with our granddaughter.
— Review left June 19, 2023
Our trip to Zion and the Ponderosa Resort with our son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren was the highlight of the year. All the children who were there bonded like a little tribe and found plenty of activities to keep them occupied and happy. Spontaneous swim parties were a daily occurrence and after a day or two they were eating meals together while the adults had their own social time.
Getting to learn about the area in and around Zion was fascinating. Our Geologist lecturer and guide, Janice was very knowledgeable and set up interesting demonstrations that were fun for the kids and adults as well.
The coordinator, Marcia, and our drive, Kelly, took great care of us. As long time area residents they could be counted on to know the history and interesting stories of the area which added a lot to the experience. All the extra activities and programs made this a memorable trip.
— Review left September 16, 2022
The trip (program) was fine once we got going. The problem with Road Scholar is the lack of up front customer service. We had trouble understanding the explanation of the program and wanted clarification. We had trouble reaching anyone on the phone and had to wait for a call back. Once received, the rep only parroted the written material we already had. Also, the program name was misleading. Rafting turned out to be a “float” down River on a pontoon boat. Road Scholar needs to improve customer service by having people with knowledge of the program answer questions and be more specific in the description of the program.
— Review left August 9, 2022
This program is jam-packed with fun and interesting activities. Both the kids and adults actively participated in the programs with interest and excitement. I highly recommend this trip. The trip leaders are top notch.
— Review left August 8, 2022
This program was sensory overload--astounding scenery and close-up observation against a backdrop of the geologic history.
— Review left August 8, 2022
This program provides a great variety of experiences appropriate for all ages in natural settings which are exceptional and unlike most of our living environments.
— Review left June 30, 2022
