Arizona/New Mexico
Ancestral Homelands: Hopi, Navajo and Chaco Canyon
Program No. 4541RJ
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Ancestral Homelands: Hopi, Navajo and Chaco Canyon
Ancestral Homelands: Hopi, Navajo and Chaco Canyon
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Participant Reviews
Based on 69 Reviews
SHOWING
Our tour leaders were the essential core of success and inspiration for this experience. Milton Tso and Greg Webb were knowledgeable about the life, environment and social connections that made our time together so enjoyable. Milton shared stories of Navajo life while driving us to many remote locations , as did Greg. Greg shared a wealth of history, archeology and anthropology. They both made several crucial adaptations to our itinerary when unforeseen circumstances, like the government shutdown, intervened.
Most of all, they both understood and applied, understanding of group dynamics and sensitivity to personality traits to their daily direction.
They brought their whole selves to this expedition. As I had said in my closing reflections on the last day, my key take-away was not, as I originally expected “insights into First Peoples’ anthropological and historical contexts,”. But meeting the people residing in their ancestral lands today, their generosity, and resilience. Milton and Greg are to be applauded for their enthusiasm to this process.
And, somehow, someday, I hope Chaco Canyon is on my travel itinerary.
— Review left January 17, 2026
Supeer program!!
— Review left November 12, 2025
I enjoyed this program very much. I was disappointed that we were not able to go to Chaco Canyon due to the government shutdown, but Road Scholar made up for this by diverting us to Acoma Sky Village which was very interesting to learn about.
— Review left October 26, 2025
Even With a Gov't Shutdown Tourguides Made it Magical
— Review left October 22, 2025
I highly recommend this tour. The sites were breath-taking. The guides were so very knowledgeable and friendly. We packed in a lot, yet it was not overly exhausting. I was amazed how well planned everything was.
— Review left October 3, 2025
Road Scholar programs combine comfortable travel with learning.
— Review left October 1, 2025
A wonderful experience for those who share an appreciation and passion for diverse cultures and archaeology/history of diverse locations and sharing that experience with others who feel much the same
— Review left September 28, 2025
Fascinating program, strikingly beautiful part of the world, greatly enhanced by the patience, knowledge and good humor of our guides.
— Review left September 22, 2025
It was very memorable awesome trip!
Thank you for the amazing experience and super guide Matt, Fil, Milton!!!
— Review left May 7, 2025
Ancestral Homelands is a good way to learn about the Native Americans of the Flagstaff, Chinle and Gallup areas while touring the dwellings. We were lucky to have 3 group leaders (Matt, Fil and Milton) to give different perspectives from their knowledge bases. Others spoke to us as needed in the areas we visited. Food and hotels were generally adequate. Be aware that Flagstaff is a long (and construction-filled) drive from Phoenix so allow extra days if you don't fly or drive into Flagstaff. The Flagstaff hotel was outside of town, but there are ride-share companies and I picked up a rental at the Flagstaff airport when I needed to get back to Phoenix.
— Review left May 5, 2025
This is a wonderful program in every way. I recommend it highly.
— Review left April 29, 2025
One of the best parts of this trip for me was that many of our experiences were led by local experts. Our lead guide, Eric, is full-blooded Navajo and grew up on the reservation. Then on four of the days we had wonderful local experts: the docent at the Museum of Northern Arizona; a Hopi father and son of Walpi Village; Dorothy Ami, a Hopi potter; Sylvia, who grew up in Canyon de Chelly and who still lives there; a Navajo family hosted us for lunch in their home in Chinle; and a delightful older gentleman and long-time employee at Richardson's Trading Post in Gallup. Each of these people were exceptional in what and how they presented to us. My husband and I have camped and traveled all over the southwest, but we could never have had these kind of experiences on our own.
— Review left April 27, 2025
Outstanding introduction to Hopi and Navajo country. Leaders were informative, helpful, patient. Hope to take another Road Scholar trip to this area--and explore more of the world!
— Review left April 21, 2025
Such a fun and informative trip. Great leaders & field trips. Our weather was perfect so it was easy to see everything that was planned.
— Review left April 13, 2025
Is very difficult to navigate different learning styles. It becomes more difficult the greater the numbers involved. Everyone’s level and background varies. All three presented interesting perspectives. I loved the educational and experiential backgrounds. These guys offered a wealth of knowledge and could address any question. I would encourage the constant use of reference points. What was happening in different world locations at times of focus for instance. Also, ALDs are quite useful but coupled with cords from name tags can cause minor frustration. This is a learning experience. Bring your curiosity and an open mind.
— Review left April 5, 2025
Ancestral Homelands is an extraordinary program in every way. You will gain a much broader understanding of the way of life of the Hopi and Navajo people in addition to a broader appreciation of our beautiful country....an outstanding experience!
— Review left April 1, 2025
For anyone interested in Native American culture, this program will explain the history and present day cultures of the areas visited. I highly recommend this program for anyone that wants to visit these cultures and meet Native Americans living in this area.
— Review left April 1, 2025
An immersion in Navajo and Hopi history and culture with 3 amazing Native American guides.
— Review left March 26, 2025
what a magnificent and beautiful trip to the Hopi and Navajo ancestral lands. Our guides were beyond compare! Thank you to each of them for such an enjoyable trip.
— Review left March 26, 2025
Wonderful trip! The Navajo land and its native people are wonderfully connected. They value their land and keep the land healthy by the way they live. The views are spectacular.
I met a very nice Native American working at the last hotel where we stayed. We continue to keep in touch via text message.
My husband, his cousin and I were together for this trip.
The contrasting heights of the land was magnificent...Mesas, high and flat on top...Indian people live on top of the mesa in winter and in the valleys of the mesa in Summer. They farm the land in the valley, have livestock and horses that roam free.
Trip highlight was seeing the ancient Navajo villages built in the cleft of rocks and the ancient paintings on the sides of vertical rocks.
Absolutely a MUST do trip!
— Review left March 24, 2025
If you want to learn more about Native American culture and history while exploring some of the Southwest's awe-inspiring natural wonders, this is the trip for you! I gained a new appreciation and respect for Native American culture in general and the Navajo and Hopi people in particular. Highly recommend!
— Review left March 23, 2025
Fantastic and informative trip. Spectacular scenery. Accommodations were made for the less physically active, as well as those who liked to hike. A unique trip that I would highly recommend to anyone.
— Review left March 23, 2025
The program, while being a bit fast-paced at times, gave us an opportunity to experience ancient cultures through archeological site visits as well as to interact with modern cultures. We had enriching experiences on this trip that may not have been possible if we set out on our own. The leaders were diversly knowledgeable, friendly and caring.
— Review left November 16, 2024
Excellent program that expanded my knowledge and feelings for the people of the past as well as the present day peoples.
— Review left November 4, 2024
This was my first Road Scholar experience. The trip was everything I hoped for and more. Mike Masek, Matt Turner, and Fil Kewanyama were absolutely amazing when it came to organizing our activities and sharing their knowledge of the ancestral lands of the Hopi and Navajo. Our group was very nice and I enjoyed touring, sharing meals, comparing notes, and generally just having a great time with every one I met. Again, many thanks to Mike, Fil, Matt, and all of the people who helped make our trip unforgettable.
— Review left October 31, 2024
Matt, Mike, and Fil shared many valuable insights regarding their areas of expertise. They were all informative and congenial and seemed to enjoy working with each other. We learned a lot about Native American history and culture as well as local geology and plants.
Anyone prone to car sickness or back or neck pain should be aware that both the 3-hour Canyon de Chelly afternoon driving tour as well as the 20-mile extremely bumpy road to Chaco Culture National Historical Park can be very problematic.
The food and accommodations were fine. We didn’t experience any issues at the hotels. Meals were abundant and efficiently served.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Our recent Roads Scholar trip featured Ancestral Homelands: Hopi, Navajo, and Chaco Canyon plus Walnut Canyon and Canyon de Chilly. I wish there were adequate words to discribe what we saw, experienced, and gained from this adventure into the past and present of these remarkable places. We learned of the Navajo and Hopi cultures from our two experienced leaders with one being Navajo. We learned of the past Ancient Puebloans of the Southwest, saw their architure, saw their petrolifts first hand, but we learned of the modern day cultures provided through lectures, demonstrations, etc. One of the most meaningful days on our adventures was having lunch in the home of a beautiful Navajo family. They welcomed us, fed us,shared stories, and laughter with us all. We came away with sense of what makes these people rich....their love of family, their faith and connection to the earth. We want to personally thank our two group leaders....for making this trip a living classroom, with the textbook written by the geology, peoples and stories of these lands.
— Review left October 2, 2024
Very interesting to learn a side of history I was never taught, even though born in the area visited. The guides were great and definitely added to the experience. We enjoyed the lectures and just had a wonderful experience.
— Review left May 7, 2024
The Ancestral Homelands: Hopi, Navajo, and Chaco Canyon program was phenomenal. We experienced the different cultures in a personal way, having members of the communities guide us and share their experiences. Growing up in the 60's, I developed preconceptions of Indian culture that were challenged by the experiences I had this week; challenged in a good way. I am grateful that I left the week with a better vision of these cultures and am anxious to learn more from primary sources within the communities. Thank you Road Scholar.
— Review left April 29, 2024
Trip was better than I could have imagined. Met and exceeded all expectations.
— Review left April 20, 2024
Want to experience the Native American history and culture? This program provides insight into both the Native American present day traditions and challenges and the amazing historical origins. Be prepared for some moving and exciting experiences but also be prepared for some rugged rides into the beautiful, secret canyons of the US, The walking was the easiest part of the journey. This experience changed my heart and my soul.
— Review left April 6, 2024
Wonderful experience for a single traveler -- warm and welcoming, total sense of security.
— Review left March 30, 2024
This was my 3rd Road Scholar Trip in 2023, I just wish I had known about these trips earlier. The Southwest is a fascinating place and contains so much history and culture. Anyone that wants to learn more about the Native Americans that truly knew how live on and with the land will benefit from this experience. The leaders are so well versed as to the history, features and past inhabitants of this vast part of American history, it is a trip worth taking.
— Review left November 15, 2023
The program exceeded our expectations. From the guest speakers, to the field trips, and the knowledgeable group leaders-we enjoyed every minute. We are richer as a result of our experience with Road Scholar.
— Review left November 8, 2023
This was a great program for anyone interested in understanding more about the Native American cultures of the Southwest. The program does a good job of balancing the history of the cultures as well as understanding the current issues facing them. Chaco Canyon is an amazing place. Amanda and Vic were very knowledgeable. This was a great trip.
— Review left November 1, 2023
I found this trip to be engaging, informative and moving. I particularly enjoyed guest speakers Ravis Henry, Dorothy Ami and Chris from the Walpi Village tour. They gave me an open, warm and informed perspective on the Hopi and Navajo way of living. Buck was a skillful, generous and kind leader, Rocky and Tom were terrific partners and the three worked together seamlessly. At least it seemed seamless.
Thank you to Road Scholar for offering this class!
— Review left October 19, 2023
Canyon de Chelly and Chaco Canyon are MUST SEE!!!!!
— Review left October 10, 2023
This was an incredible program. The leaders were experts in so many areas and were able to give us overviews on this very special area of our country. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who wants to understand the Navajo and Hopi culture and see some incredible scenery.
— Review left October 2, 2023
This program was an eye-opener for me. Having native guides helped me to understand Native American cultures better. The sites we visited were all exceptional. They were long days, but well worth it. I feel much more knowledgeable now about the culture, history, and geology.
— Review left September 28, 2023
The leaders of the program were excellent. In addition to seeing Chaco and Canyon de Chelly, we learned much about the culture and beliefs of the modern Navajo and Hopi people from our Native American guides.
— Review left September 25, 2023
This program is an amazing and in-depth look at Native American history and culture in the Southwest! Highly recommended!
— Review left May 17, 2023
Please see my posted photos for this program. https://tripcast.co/c/_EE8hdL6dBQ
— Review left May 15, 2023
I was traveling and camping in "Indian Country"between programs.' Trying to deal with review for Ancestral Homelands was more than I could do. Also I drove from my home in Oregon to AZ and NM. No time for serious reviews during the drive.
I thought the program was well done for the most part. Vans are a mixed blessing. Joel asked us to rotate which helped me to get to know other participants and hear what drivers had to say. Joel did a good job with presentations . It would have been helpful to have had some one more trained in anthropology or archeology as part of group leadership. I like geology so it was better for me than some of the others.
Time spent in NAU Museum was excellent! Field trips were great. Water as unusual experience commented on almost everywhere. Time in Canyon de Chelly amazing. Some Guided time in Chaco Visitor Center display would have been good addition! Trading Posts and especially accompanying lectures were very good.
Meal in home in Chinle was good but very difficult for woman who was trying to serve so many people. I was near her and could ask questions but people toward the back had problems. Drivers might have been able to help more but it was a difficult arrangement.She and her friends made a heroic effort. I liked meeting Native Foods.I also liked being in a Native home.
Hotels were ok. Other meals ok. Group seemed a little large.
— Review left May 10, 2023
This is a fun and challenging program. You will learn about the geology of this very different landscape. You will meet people and indigenous groups who live and work here. This program will give you a wealth of knowledge about this part of the world.
— Review left April 4, 2023
This was a trip I'd wanted to take for years and it was terrific. I felt like I had a authentic adventure with good companions and excellent group leaders. Highly recommended! Be sure to plan for the weather which can be all over the place.
— Review left April 3, 2023
This trip was made more meaningful by the two trip leaders Eric, who is Navajo, and Fil, who is Hopi. They shared information about their tribes, culture, and community which gave me a greater appreciation of the places we visited- Walnut Canyon, Canyon De Chelly, and Chaco Canyon. It is a must trip!
— Review left October 31, 2022
Even though I'd visited some of the sites covered by this program, visiting them again with expert and personable guides/instructors lifted my appreciation of these places to new heights.
The cottonwoods at Canyon de Chelley defy description....they were at the height of their autumn glory!! Nice timing!!
— Review left October 28, 2022
This trip is an in depth Southwest experience, learning about geography, history, art and fauna. Chaco Canyon is spectacular.
— Review left October 25, 2022
Wonderful adventure with lots of opportunity for learning and exploration.
— Review left October 24, 2022
We visited places that I would have found to remote and out of the way to visit on my own and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to do - having a native American as one of our guides, gave me additional insight. The balance of different types of experiences made it a well rounded trip.
— Review left October 5, 2022
I loved this program. just know that you are going to be traveling -walking and riding in a van in very remote areas. Plan your attire accordingly.
— Review left October 4, 2022
Truly enjoyed this program. Gave me new perspectives on past and present Native American life. The activities were planned for all abilities and each were meaningful.
— Review left September 26, 2022
This was our first trip with Road Scholar and was great! We really enjoyed the leadership and the knowledge they shared was beyond expectations.
We plan to take another trip in 2023.
Leslie Koch
— Review left August 4, 2022
This was an absolutely fabulous tour!
— Review left May 8, 2022
Feel free to quote me as you wish.
— Review left April 24, 2022
If you are have an interest/intrigued with early and contemporary native American southwest cultures, their history, art and ways of living do this trip!
— Review left April 21, 2022
Wow, best tour ever in our 70 years. Watch the activity level listed, but this experience was complete & fantastic! Expanded my view of the USA & world, either adding or confirming my knowledge & beliefs. Thank you Road Scholar !!!!!
— Review left March 21, 2022
The Navajo, Hopi and Chaco trip takes you back to the ancestral homes of Northern Arizona and New Mexico. If you love Native American history, especially the South West, this trip is awesome in its beauty. The group leaders are experienced and offer a wealth of information.
— Review left March 21, 2022
BEST educational tour that I’ve been a part of!
— Review left March 20, 2022
Ancestral homelands was an awesome program, even for someone who generally doesn't like structured tour type vacations. I never would have learned/seen so many amazing sites without the guides.
— Review left March 20, 2022
Wonderful, magical, spiritual.
— Review left November 4, 2021
This was a very enjoyable, extremely eye-opening trip. We explored ancient Native American ruins that I had no idea even existed; toured beautiful Canyon de Chelly in a jeep (which was an unforgettable experience); and met many knowledgeable people who shared their culture and their arts with us. Our guides, Stewart Lasseter and Filmer Kewanyama were fantastic. I'm so glad I went.
— Review left October 26, 2021
This program was wonderful! There is lots of content about the geography, history, and culture. The Hopi instructors on our trip shared their stories, their culture and their gifts with passion. I would recommend any trip lead by Stewart Lasseter.
— Review left September 27, 2021
I highly recommend this program. It was everything I had hoped for---and more.
— Review left October 16, 2019
The Pueblo Heritage program is great! I learned a lot about ancient and modern native southwestern cultures, thanks to outstanding leaders. The field trips to the three canyons were the highlights of the week.
— Review left May 6, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar trip, and it exceeded my expectations. I got way more than my money’s worth. The location, the content of the program and the leaders were all excellent. I would highly recommend this opportunity.
— Review left April 28, 2019
The leaders on this trip are fantastic, with a wealth of local knowledge. The scenery is breathtaking, and you'll see a lot of it, with many hours in the van! But most of all, you will experience Native culture and homelands first hand from excellent interpreters, and set foot in places where beautiful ruins give fascinating glimpses of the past. Canyon de Chelly was magical and Chaco was awe inspiring.
— Review left April 4, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar trip; it will not be my last! We travel on our own several times a year, but having a program like this with experienced guides and a well planned trip takes a lot of guesswork out. Well Done!
— Review left March 17, 2019
This is a great program to gain insight to these ancient cultures and actually walk the lands where they lived. Each day is very different and fresh with guest speakers who enhanced our experience. The lodgings and food were great and the leaders were tops. It was an excellent experience for all involved.
— Review left March 16, 2019