Sign in to continue
OR
Create An Account
Creating an account allows you to enroll in a program, reference your upcoming itinerary, and more.
Create an Account
We keep your personal information private, safe, and secure.
Arizona
Treasured Landscapes: Hiking Organ Pipe and Saguaro National Park
Program No. 22724RJ
Join experts in southern Arizona to hike among the signature cacti of Saguaro National Park and Organ Pipe. Experience stunning landscapes and a dazzling array of life.
LODGING & MEALS
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging & Meals For:
Nov 16, 2025 - Nov 22, 2025
Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 18, 2026
Jan 18, 2026 - Jan 24, 2026
Jan 25, 2026 - Jan 31, 2026
Feb 09, 2026 - Feb 15, 2026
Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 21, 2026
Nov 02, 2026 - Nov 08, 2026
Nov 08, 2026 - Nov 14, 2026
Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 21, 2026
Lodging and meal options may differ by date. Select a date to see the information specific to that date.
What You'll Eat
6
Breakfasts
5
Lunches
6
Dinners
Total:
17 Meals
The following choices may be available when requested in advance:
Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Where You'll Stay
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
2 NIGHTS
Location:
Tucson
Start each day with a delicious cooked-to-order breakfast, and enjoy classic American dishes in The Garden Grille & Bar restaurant. Grab snacks from the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience store. Keep up with work in the Business Center, which offers printing and photocopying access, or host a conference in the 4,488 sq. ft. Santa Rita room for up to 250 guests. Swim laps in the beautiful outdoor swimming pool with a lazy river and whirlpool for the whole family to enjoy, or work out in the fitness center with cardio machines and weights. To keep fit in the comfort of your own room, borrow a Stay Fit Kit® from reception.
4 NIGHTS
Location:
Ajo
The Sonoran Desert Conference Center is located in Ajo, Arizona, a former copper mining town in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Roughly two hours from Tucson and just 15 minutes from the entrance to Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, the Center is ideally located for a learning adventure in the spectacular Sonoran Desert. Ajo’s historic town center was designed in 1914 by the firm Kenyon & Maine at the behest of John Greenway, the first owner of the New Cornelia Copper Mine. Inspired by the City Beautiful movement, Greenway and his partners sought to design a town that would keep mine workers happy and productive. More than a century later and 30 years after the closure of the mine in 1985, the stunning Spanish Colonial architecture has been preserved and the arcaded town plaza is a vibrant center of community activity. A highlight of the Ajo town center is the Curley School Campus, an unmissable landmark. The school closed in 1995, when a new K-12 campus opened across town. The International Sonoran Desert Alliance purchased the property and converted two of its three main buildings – the stately 1919 main building and the “J-wing” - into the Curley School Artisan Apartments, putting Ajo on the map as a center of creativity and artistic endeavor. In 2011, ISDA began renovations on the third school building, an elementary annex added in 1940s, to transform it into the Sonoran Desert Conference Center. Architect Rob Paulus of Tucson came up with the design, which we call “Southwest Industrial”. The aesthetic elegantly blends the heritage of the building and the spirit of the region, retaining original school features and complementing them with warm tones, mountain views, and desert landscaping.
Travel Information, Transportation Details & Required Documents
Learn how you can prepare for this adventure.
Jan 12 - Jan 18, 2026
Jan 18 - Jan 24, 2026
Jan 25 - Jan 31, 2026
Feb 9 - Feb 15, 2026
Feb 15 - Feb 21, 2026
Nov 2 - Nov 8, 2026
Nov 8 - Nov 14, 2026
Nov 15 - Nov 21, 2026
Documents
Personal Information and Preferences
After you enroll, we’ll ask you to provide or update your personal information and preferences, which includes your health information, lodging and meal preferences for your program.
ADDITIONAL FORM TO COMPLETE: Northern Arizona University requires all participants to complete an “Assumption of Risk, Waiver and Release for Participation in Voluntary Programs” form before arriving to your program. This form is located in your "My Account Page". In your Trip Summary Page you will see a link for "Documents and Forms". Please sign and return this enclosed form (below) to the NAU Road Scholar office. MAIL: Northern Arizona University, PO Box 5604, Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5604. SCAN/EMAIL: roadscholaroperations@nau.edu. FAX: 928-523-5991. Note: Please be sure to reference your program # and start date. Thank you. PERMIT TO COMPLETE: A Luke Air Force Base (AFB) - FREE "Annual General Recreation Permit" is required of all participants for group access to the Crater Range hike on day 5 of our program. Please log on to https://luke.isportsman.net for User Directions and Registration. Below in the "Specific Notes about Your Program" section of this document is a discussion regarding the relevance of the permit to your program and helpful tips for completing the permit process. Thank you.
Visas
United States citizens don’t need a visa for any of the countries you’ll be visiting. Non-U.S. citizens should refer to their country's requirements to ensure they have the necessary documentation for travel.
Traveling by Air
Plane
Arrival day is on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Meet the group at Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport in Tucson. AZ
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 5:00 p.m. Program Registration; 5:30 p.m. Orientation followed by Welcome Dinner.
Your trip ends on: Sunday, January 18, 2026 in Tucson. AZ at Sonoran Desert Conference Center
End of Trip: 7:30 a.m. hotel check-out after breakfast; 8:00 a.m. transfer to Tucson International Airport arriving at 11:00 a.m.
Ground Transportation Options
Program Arrival Airport
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport Shuttle
The estimated travel time to the check-in location is travel time from airport to hotel upon shuttle pick up is 10 minutes. .
The estimated distance to the check-in location is 2 miles .
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport
Hotel Shuttle
Phone: 5207410505
Cost: Provided by hotel.. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are not required.
Call Hilton Garden Inn once you have retrieved your luggage in the baggage claim area.
Program Departure Airport
Ajo to Tucson International Airport (TUS) (Last Day of Program #22724)
The estimated travel time from the last location is 2 hours 45 minutes .
The estimated distance to the last location is 132 miles .
Road Scholar Van
Commercial Van/Shuttle
Phone: 9285232359
Cost: Included.. Prices subject to change.
*Advanced reservations are not required.
Road Scholar vans depart by 8:00 am from Ajo - Sonoran Desert Conference Center and transport to Tucson Airport, arriving by 11:00 am, followed by drop offs at starting hotel. Book your flights accordingly.
Traveling by Car
Car
Arrival day is on 1/12/2026.
Meet the group at Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport in Tucson. AZ.
Start of Trip: 3:00 p.m. hotel check-in; 5:00 p.m. Program Registration; 5:30 p.m. Orientation followed by Welcome Dinner.
Your trip ends on: Sunday, January 18, 2026 in Tucson. AZ at Sonoran Desert Conference Center.
End of Trip: 7:30 a.m. hotel check-out after breakfast; 8:00 a.m. transfer to Tucson International Airport arriving at 11:00 a.m..
Parking
Parking is free for the length of the program.
Directions
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport from I-10 westbound
Take Interstate -10 west and take exit 267 and Valencia Road. Turn left onto E. Valencia Road. Continue about 2.5 miles and turn left on S. Country Club Rd. The hotel will be on the left.
Hilton Garden Inn Tucson Airport from I-10 eastbound
Take Interstate -10 east and take exit 264A for Palo Verde Road south. Travel south on Palo Verde Road approximately 2 miles. Turn right on E. Valencia Road. Turn left on S. Country Club Road. The hotel will be on the left.
Close
You’ve hit a bump in the road
We apologize, but we’re having some technical problems right now. You can either try again later or give us a call at (800) 454-5768, Monday-Friday, 8am – 9pm ET.