Arizona

Red Rocks & Rafting: Sedona & Grand Canyon With Your Grandchild

Program No. 2520RJ
Alongside your grandchild, find adventure in Sedona’s Red Rocks and the Grand Canyon as you whitewater raft, explore hidden waterfalls and awe-inspiring views!

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At a Glance

The Grand Canyon is so gigantic that if you gathered together every single person on the planet and put them inside it — they would only fill a fraction of it! It’s hard to imagine how big this natural wonder is until you see it with your own eyes. Share a week with your grandchild you'll never forget at the majestic Grand Canyon and amid the spectacular red rock cliffs of Sedona. Experience the Grand Canyon with a trip to the bottom of the canyon on a remote rode on the Hualapai Reservation. Take part in an exciting 37-mile whitewater adventure in motorized rafts on the Colorado River!
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking up to one mile on varied terrain. Getting in/out of rafts. Some bumpiness in open-air jeep ride. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.

What You'll Learn

  • Experience the Grand Canyon’s beauty on a walk along the South Rim and a ride to the bottom of the canyon through the Hualapai Reservation.
  • Experience a 37-mile whitewater adventure in the Grand Canyon on a motorized raft.
  • Explore Sedona’s red rock country by jeep to see off-the-beaten-path sights, and get up close to local desert critters during a wildlife presentation!

General Notes

Program is for grandchildren ages 9-12. Children must be 9 years old for rafting.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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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 Kristin Hooten
Kristin Hooten View biography
Kristin Hooten has spent the majority of her life in the mountains of Flagstaff, Arizona. She earned a bachelor's degree in Parks and Recreation Management with an emphasis in Outdoor Education and Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Kristin has worked in the outdoor industry in different capacities and enjoys her ongoing education with the surrounding region. When not in the office or field, she is found enjoying the great outdoors either on a paddleboard or in her camper.
Profile Image of Kaitlyn McGrane
Kaitlyn McGrane View biography
Kaitlyn McGrane grew up in Los Alamos, New Mexico. She moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, to study at Northern Arizona University in the fall of 2020. Kaitlyn is studying for a degree in information systems management and marketing. She has been working with Road Scholar in the Flagstaff office since late 2021. She loves living in Flagstaff and exploring the trails with her dog.
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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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6 days
5 nights
15 meals
5 B 5 L 5 D
DAY
1
Check-In, Program Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Sedona/Verde Valley
D
Element Sedona

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

Afternoon: Program Registration 4:30 p.m. After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the conference room by the pool to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Dinner: At the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, we’ll choose plated meals from a select menu with kid-friendly selections available as well. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Orientation. 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 passenger vans, unless otherwise noted. This is a Road Scholar intergenerational program. Grandparents are responsible for their grandchildren. If/when separate age group activities are conducted concurrently, program staff will supervise. Children are never to be left unsupervised. 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 full day ahead.

DAY
2
Sedona Jeep Adventure, Grand Canyon Geology, Desert Animals
Sedona/Verde Valley
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Climbing in/out of 4x4 vehicles; assistance available as needed. Driving approx. 15 miles roundtrip; about 2 hours, with stops; some bumpy sections of the ride. Walking about 1 mile throughout the day; some rocky, sandy or uneven terrain.

Breakfast: At the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, the breakfast buffet will feature an egg dish, breakfast meats and breads, hot and cold cereals, fruit, juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: In the hotel meeting room, our Group Leader will teach us about the geography of this region and what makes Sedona and the Grand Canyon such special places in Arizona. Then let the fun begin! We’ll get picked up at the hotel in 4x4 vehicles by drivers who are also well-versed in the geology, flora, fauna and pre-historic details of the region, then head off on our open-air 4x4 adventure to an off-the-beaten-path location in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. 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. There will be some short walks away from the jeeps as we visit viewpoints, historic attractions, or archaeological sights. We’ll then return to the hotel.

Lunch: At the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, we’ll choose plated meals from a select menu with kid-friendly selections available as well. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In an interactive hands-on presentation at the hotel, we’ll learn about the region's layer cake geology and how to "read the rocks" as we all participate in building a 3-D model of the Grand Canyon. This presentation will be led by the educators and naturalists from the Willow Bend Environmental Education Center in Flagstaff and it will be a learning exercise that will help prepare us for our visit to one of the greatest geologic wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon.

Dinner: Plated meal from restaurant adjacent to hotel.

Evening: At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a program led by an educator focused on desert critters such as spiders, live snakes, and scorpions. We’ll have the opportunity to see, touch and have our pictures taken with our desert friends and learn about the ways they adapt and thrive in this harsh environment.

DAY
3
Kids Craft, Red Rock Crossing on Oak Creek, Kids Only
Sedona/Verde Valley
B,L,D
Element Sedona

Activity note: Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; some paved, unpaved, sandy and rocky trails to creek-side location for swimming. Creek bottom uneven with a mix of slippery rocks, pebbles and sand. Be sure to bring swimwear and shoes you can wear in the water – no flip flops. Driving approximately 5 miles one way to Red Rock Crossing; about 1/2 hour with a scenic stop.

Breakfast: Buffet from restaurant adjacent to hotel.

Morning: In the morning, we’ll hit the trail for our nature hike to Oak Creek. At Red Rock Crossing we’ll have the chance to wade or swim in the water with Cathedral Rock as a backdrop. Participants who choose not to walk/hike at the pace of the children will be able to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this world famous scene.

Lunch: At the restaurant adjacent to the hotel, we’ll choose plated meals from a select menu with kid-friendly selections available as well. Beverages include soft drinks, tea, coffee, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Afternoon: In early afternoon, we'll gathering in the hotel meeting room for our craft project led by our Group Leader. We'll be creating our own hand-woven "coasters" in the style of traditional Navajo rugs woven by Native American peoples to represent personal or spiritual significance. Afterwards, we’ll gather for a secret hands-on, "Kids Only" activity led by our Group Leaders! Shhhhh! While the kids are engaged, the adults may wish to take a breather, a dip in the pool or engage in purely adult conversation for a short time. Late in the afternoon we’ll have some time independently to begin packing for tomorrow's transfer, resting or swim time in the pool.

Dinner: Plated meal from restaurant adjacent to hotel.

Evening: In the meeting room at the hotel, we will participate in the viewing of an animated movie, Rango. The movie is set in a Southwestern desert town. After a car accident, Rango winds up in an old western town called Dirt. What this town needs the most is water, but they also need a hero and a sheriff. The thirsty Rango instantly takes on the role of both and selfishly agrees to take on the case of their missing water. This is a fun evening to enjoy and gain wider perspective on the ongoing current topics of water supply in the West.

DAY
4
South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Route 66, River Trip Prep
Peach Springs
B,L,D
Hualapai Lodge

Activity note: Driving approx. 250 miles throughout the day to Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim and Peach Springs; about 5 hours total, with stops. Walking approx. 1 mile along Canyon rim; about 1 hour; roughly 7,000 foot elevation; mostly paved trail with gradual up and down. Elective hike of about 1 mile roundtrip; less than 1 hour; rocky, uneven trail; up to 150 foot elevation change.

Breakfast: Buffet from restaurant adjacent to hotel.

Morning: After checking out of the inn, we’ll travel to Grand Canyon National Park. En route, we’ll learn from our Group Leader about famous Oak Creek Canyon as we travel Highway 89A, one of Arizona's most scenic highways up the hairpin switchbacks in view of the San Francisco Peaks to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Once at Grand Canyon National Park, we’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Canyon with glimpses of the Colorado River below and the North Rim across the Canyon. Our Group Leader naturalist will point out significant canyon features and introduce us to the canyon's story focusing on natural and human history as well as geology. There will be time for a walk along the rim and, for those who desire, a short hike into the canyon on the famed Bright Angel Trail.

Lunch: On the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, we’ll have our sack lunches with pre-selected sandwich choices, chips, fruit and cookie.

Afternoon: Next, we’ll visit historic Grand Canyon Village and enjoy some time for independent exploration. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Don't forget to ask the Group Leader about the fountain in the Bright Angel Lodge where you can get ice cream! In late afternoon, we’ll set out from the South Rim for transfer along part of Old Route 66 to Peach Springs on the Hualapai Indian Reservation.

Dinner: At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a buffet dinner with coffee, tea, water. Alcoholic beverages on the reservation are prohibited by law.

Evening: We’ll then gather with our Group Leaders in the hotel meeting room for an orientation on the next day's rafting adventure on the Colorado River.

DAY
5
Grand Canyon River Raft, Waterfall Hike
Peach Springs
B,L,D
Hualapai Lodge

Activity note: Drive approx. 135 miles total. Morning about 20 miles, 1.5 hours; unpaved, rough road. Afternoon approx. 115 miles, 2.5 hours, with stop. Rafting approx. 37 miles; 5-6 hours total. Climbing in/out of rafts, assistance provided as needed. River temperature about 50 degrees F – air can be 100+ degrees F. Hiking about 1 mile total for the day; some slick rocks, sand. Elective climb using ropes & ladders to hidden waterfall.

Breakfast: In the lodge dining room, the breakfast buffet will feature an assortment of hot and cold options, plus juice, coffee, tea, milk, water included.

Morning: We’ll meet our transportation at the hotel and travel to our drop-in point on the Colorado River at the bottom of spectacular Diamond Creek Road. Upon arrival at our destination, we will go through a safety orientation with our river leaders and get fitted with life jackets before embarking on our river rafting trip. We will divide up into multiple groups to fit on 8- to 10-passenger motorized pontoon rafts (approximately 25 feet long), each with a certified rafting expert. The river trip down the Colorado River is about 37 miles in length. During the first 16 miles we will encounter about 10 whitewater rapids, some rather large (5, 6 and 7’s on a 1 to 10 scale), so we will get wet. The air temperature in summer at the bottom of the canyon will likely be around 100 degrees so the splashing is a welcome relief and will keep us cool. We’ll pull our rafts to see a couple of attractions en route including the beautiful and hidden Travertine Grotto where we’ll have an opportunity to climb up on a series of rope ladders on the rocks and splash in the flowing waterfall. This is for the adventurous. All stops are optional depending on comfort and ability. After 16 miles the rapids disappear, but the scenery remains "grand" in all regards. Hualapai tribal members will operate rafts and, along with our staff, provide information about the canyon along the way.

Lunch: Along the river, we’ll have sack lunches provided by the river company including a sandwich, chips, and cookie, plus a soft drink, juice or water.

Afternoon: Continuing downriver, we’ll reach Pearce Ferry where we will get off our rafts and board the bus that will transport us out of the canyon. The bus will drop us off at the lodge in Peach Springs. On our way we’ll travel through a landscape of Joshua Trees and creosote bush as we cross the beautiful basin and range landscape of the Mohave Desert. Upon arrival in Peach Springs, we’ll board our vans for the short transfer back to the inn.

Dinner: In the dining room at the lodge in Peach Springs, we’ll enjoy a hearty buffet farewell dinner with tea, coffee, water.

Evening: We’ll then gather for a program wrap-up to share some of our favorite memories from our program together with new Road Scholar friends. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

DAY
6
Program Concludes, Independent Departures
Departures
B,L

Activity note: Inn check-out and departure by 8:00 a.m. Driving approximately 145 miles back to Sedona; about 3.5 hours. Arrival in Sedona expected by approx. 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Lodge buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the lodge, we’ll load our vehicles and transfer back to the starting hotel in Sedona.

Lunch: Upon arrival in Sedona, sack lunches will be provided for those who would like one. This concludes our program.

Afternoon: 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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