Arizona

Exploring the Grand Canyon's North & South Rims With Your Family

Program No. 21290RJ
Get a unique perspective of the Grand Canyon as you explore the North and South Rims, learn about Native American culture and fly above the Colorado River for a bird’s-eye view!

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At a Glance

The Grand Canyon is way too big to take home with you, but on this once-in-a-lifetime family adventure, you’ll create indelible memories so that a little piece of the canyon stays with you forever. Join a Grand Canyon expert to discover the geology, natural history and Native American heritage of this world wonder. Enjoy walks and hikes to beautiful view points, marvel at a sunset. Ride a 4x4 jeep through Sedona’s magnificent red-rock country and so much more as you learn from park rangers about what this treasure means to America.
Activity Level
Outdoor: No Sweat
Walk 1-2 miles daily over varied terrain. Riding jeep on dirt roads, sand and slick rock. Elevations up to 8,000 feet.
Family Programs
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.

What You'll Learn

  • 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 thrilling narrated flight high above the Grand Canyon in a fixed-wing aircraft, enjoying bird's-eye views of the Colorado River and inner canyon.
  • Take a refreshing dip in a quiet eddy of the Colorado River in Marble Canyon; see fantastical mushroom rocks and learn about the area’s colorful human history.

General Notes

This is a Family Program for participants, their adult children and grandchildren ages 9 and up.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Thomas Combrink
Thomas Combrink was born in South Africa and, as a child, lived in Zambia and Zimbabwe where his father was a British government land surveyor. In the bush with his parents, he gained an appreciation and love for the natural world. Thomas earned degrees from Texas A&M (Park & Recreation Resource Management) and Michigan State University (Agricultural Economics). He retired from Northern Arizona University with research in applied economics and tourism. Living in Flagstaff for 32 years, he has explored much of the Colorado Plateau.

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

Profile Image of Thomas Combrink
Thomas Combrink View biography
Thomas Combrink was born in South Africa and, as a child, lived in Zambia and Zimbabwe where his father was a British government land surveyor. In the bush with his parents, he gained an appreciation and love for the natural world. Thomas earned degrees from Texas A&M (Park & Recreation Resource Management) and Michigan State University (Agricultural Economics). He retired from Northern Arizona University with research in applied economics and tourism. Living in Flagstaff for 32 years, he has explored much of the Colorado Plateau.
Profile Image of Joel Kane
Joel Kane View biography
Joel Kane grew up roaming Appalachian Pennsylvania but has called the Southwest home for years. After serving in the Navy, he earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the University of California/Los Angeles. He later worked as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service at Fossil Butte National Monument in Wyoming, Zion National Park in Utah, Oregon Caves National Monument in Oregon, and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. He is pursuing his master's degree in geology at Northern Arizona University/Flagstaff.
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.
Meals
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
  • Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024
  • Jun 09, 2024 - Jun 15, 2024 (Phoenix & The Valley of the Sun to Departures)
  • Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 13, 2024 (Phoenix & The Valley of the Sun to Departures)
  • Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024 (Phoenix & The Valley of the Sun to Departures)
2 nights
Tempe
Welcome to Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area. This contemporary hotel offers an ideal location in Tempe, AZ, close to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as countless shops, dining outlets and attractions. Walk to Tempe Marketplace, with over 75 shops and 25 restaurants, or visit the Chicago Cubs Training Facility. Karsten and Papago golf courses are also nearby, as well as Arizona State University (ASU).
2 nights
Grand Canyon
At Yavapai Lodge®, natural beauty meets the magic of convenience. Set within the incredible scenery of the park, this Grand Canyon hotel occupies a prime location in the canyon. It's about a one-mile walk from the canyon's South Rim and steps from the general store, bank and post office. Of course, it's more than just the perfect place to start your adventure. Its newly-remodeled main lodge makes it a great place to relax and recharge, thanks to cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio. The park’s free shuttle-bus service has a stop directly in front of the lodge that provides access to park viewpoints, Grand Canyon Village and Visitor Center. Rooms in Yavapai West are located in 10, single-story Mid-Century Modern buildings from the heyday of Route 66. These rooms are built on a single story, and contain a ceiling fan to help keep you cool.
1 night
Page
The Page Courtyard overlooks the high desert sandstone walls and the beautiful scenery of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, and is on the beautiful Page National Golf Course. This property is 1.6 miles from Lake Powell, with its boating, water skiing and fishing. Native American arts and crafts are on sale nearby. Wilderness hiking locations surround the Lake Powell Recreation Area.
1 night
Grand Canyon
The only lodging available on the North Rim, this old lodge of rough hewn logs and rocks is chiseled into the limestone of the rim itself, offering broad views of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Canyon, the South Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks nearly 100 miles south. Rooms are in nearby cabins on the same grounds, within walking distance of the lodge. These historic cabins are both rustic and romantic.
2 nights
Tempe
Welcome to Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area. This contemporary hotel offers an ideal location in Tempe, AZ, close to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as countless shops, dining outlets and attractions. Walk to Tempe Marketplace, with over 75 shops and 25 restaurants, or visit the Chicago Cubs Training Facility. Karsten and Papago golf courses are also nearby, as well as Arizona State University (ASU).
2 nights
Grand Canyon
At Yavapai Lodge®, natural beauty meets the magic of convenience. Set within the incredible scenery of the park, this Grand Canyon hotel occupies a prime location in the canyon. It's about a one-mile walk from the canyon's South Rim and steps from the general store, bank and post office. Of course, it's more than just the perfect place to start your adventure. Its newly-remodeled main lodge makes it a great place to relax and recharge, thanks to cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio. The park’s free shuttle-bus service has a stop directly in front of the lodge that provides access to park viewpoints, Grand Canyon Village and Visitor Center. Rooms in Yavapai West are located in 10, single-story Mid-Century Modern buildings from the heyday of Route 66. These rooms are built on a single story, and contain a ceiling fan to help keep you cool.
1 night
Page
The Page Courtyard overlooks the high desert sandstone walls and the beautiful scenery of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, and is on the beautiful Page National Golf Course. This property is 1.6 miles from Lake Powell, with its boating, water skiing and fishing. Native American arts and crafts are on sale nearby. Wilderness hiking locations surround the Lake Powell Recreation Area.
1 night
Grand Canyon
The only lodging available on the North Rim, this old lodge of rough hewn logs and rocks is chiseled into the limestone of the rim itself, offering broad views of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Canyon, the South Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks nearly 100 miles south. Rooms are in nearby cabins on the same grounds, within walking distance of the lodge. These historic cabins are both rustic and romantic.
2 nights
Tempe
Welcome to Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix/Tempe ASU Area. This contemporary hotel offers an ideal location in Tempe, AZ, close to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, as well as countless shops, dining outlets and attractions. Walk to Tempe Marketplace, with over 75 shops and 25 restaurants, or visit the Chicago Cubs Training Facility. Karsten and Papago golf courses are also nearby, as well as Arizona State University (ASU).
2 nights
Grand Canyon
At Yavapai Lodge®, natural beauty meets the magic of convenience. Set within the incredible scenery of the park, this Grand Canyon hotel occupies a prime location in the canyon. It's about a one-mile walk from the canyon's South Rim and steps from the general store, bank and post office. Of course, it's more than just the perfect place to start your adventure. Its newly-remodeled main lodge makes it a great place to relax and recharge, thanks to cozy seating areas and an outdoor patio. The park’s free shuttle-bus service has a stop directly in front of the lodge that provides access to park viewpoints, Grand Canyon Village and Visitor Center. Rooms in Yavapai West are located in 10, single-story Mid-Century Modern buildings from the heyday of Route 66. These rooms are built on a single story, and contain a ceiling fan to help keep you cool.
1 night
Page
The Page Courtyard overlooks the high desert sandstone walls and the beautiful scenery of the Glen Canyon Recreation Area, and is on the beautiful Page National Golf Course. This property is 1.6 miles from Lake Powell, with its boating, water skiing and fishing. Native American arts and crafts are on sale nearby. Wilderness hiking locations surround the Lake Powell Recreation Area.
1 night
Grand Canyon
The only lodging available on the North Rim, this old lodge of rough hewn logs and rocks is chiseled into the limestone of the rim itself, offering broad views of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Canyon, the South Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks nearly 100 miles south. Rooms are in nearby cabins on the same grounds, within walking distance of the lodge. These historic cabins are both rustic and romantic.





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