Driving approximately 110 miles from Sedona to Grand Canyon National Park; about 2.5 hours, with stops. Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; along the rim on paved paths.
At the hotel, we will have a breakfast buffet featuring a variety of items including a choice of eggs, breakfast meats, biscuits and gravy, cereal, breads, muffins, bagels, and cinnamon rolls, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.
Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll make our way to the Grand Canyon via scenic Oak Creek Canyon and Flagstaff. We’ll travel past the San Francisco Peaks Volcanic Field and the site of Arizona’s highest point – Humphreys Peak – which reaches an elevation of 12,633 feet. As we drive, our expert naturalist will introduce us to the regional geography and natural history. We will arrive at Grand Canyon National Park by mid-morning and travel to various viewpoints, including Mather Point or Yavapai Point, all while learning about the canyon through introductory commentary.
In the field on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon we will have a sack lunch enjoyed picnic style.
At the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, we will transport to the Historic Grand Canyon Village where our Group Leader will conduct a lively history walk focusing on the development of the park from the arrival of the railroad to modern day park management issues. We’ll spend any additional time to take in the grandeur and immensity of this natural wonder. We’ll then check into the hotel in the late afternoon with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
At the lodge dining facility, we will select and order plated entrées ahead of our arrival to dinner, which will come with salad, sides, and a dessert. Fountain drinks, coffee, iced tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.
At leisure. Those who wish to participate may transfer to a park location for an engaging elective program led by National Park Service Rangers. Programs will cover a Grand Canyon topic of interest and changes nightly. Please note this activity is dependent on national park scheduling and current Covid mandates.