Hiking Arizona’s Marble Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs: Off the Beaten Path

This was my first Road Scholar trip and I couldn’t have been more pleased. I am not a hiker so I read (and reread) the program literature and tried to adhere to all of the guidelines – which I would highly recommend even if you’re a seasoned hiker. The program description is definitely accurate, nonetheless, I did not anticipate hiking next to sheer drop-offs or scrambling up and down rocky terrain. But I always felt secure – our leaders were prudent, knowledgeable, and PATIENT. And, everyone in our group was fantastic. We all helped each other out – whether it was finding an alternate “scrambling path” to getting a much-needed nudge. I would highly recommend this program.

I'd never been on an organized tour before and my friend and I wanted to try it out. We had both heard good things about Road Scholar and were both impressed and satisfied with this experience that gave us access to and information about a majestic landscape with which we would not have interacted to the same degree that Road Scholar afforded us. I know I'll be back for more!

This program was great, educational, and challenging. I saw beautiful scenery that most never get a chance to view. We not just hiked but this was the first time I had to scrambled and did it in some form during 4 of the 5 hikes. The Marble Canyon Lodge staff was fantastic as were all meals. The guides are very personable and so interesting.

This program was challenging with scrambling required on 4 of the 5 hikes. I enjoyed it wasn't an improved trail hike. I saw things not normally seen by others and truly a learning experience in more ways than just mental.

This is a great experience but be prepared for the climbing and occasional exposure to heights. The absence of trees or vegetation makes the height more apparent. There is a good bit of rock scrambling involved. That said, our instructors were terrific and always considerate of each member's level of physicality. This is rugged terrain so get in your best shape beforehand.

Great trip and great leadership. Be sure to emphasize in catalog and online that this trip is very difficult and requires being a highly skilled hiker. Participants will scramble and basic rock climbing.

This was a great week of hiking in am area I had never been to before.

This program is very challenging and is not for the casual hiker or anyone who has balance issues or fear of heights. There is plenty of rock scrambling and hiking on steep trails with loose gravel which is clearly detailed in all the literature provided beforehand. With that being said, I loved all the hikes and highly recommend the program. These are hikes that I would never do alone and truly enjoyed being able to see the amazing vistas and terrain. The hikes are off the beaten path which added to the beauty as you were never around a lot of other people. Cathedral Butte was my favorite hike.

If you like scrambling over rocks and ledges and seeing amazing 360-degree views from the tops of buttes and plateaus, this program is for you! My husband and I enjoyed being out in a remote location where we rarely saw people outside the group on most hikes. This program is for experienced hikers who know what gear to bring, how to use trekking poles if necessary, etc. We enjoyed the camaraderie of our leaders and group while exploring a very interesting part of the country where geology is king!

After my first Road Scholar trip in 2024, I am looking forward to getting the next one scheduled. Thank you Road Scholar for such a rewarding experience.

Definitely physically challenging but the experience was well worth the effort to prepare, travel, and do it.

Experienced hikers would love this trip - significant elevation gains up to 1600 ft, lots of rock scrambling, navigating along narrow paths, and steep ascents and descents. Not for those with balance or fear of heights issues. It was a glorious trip for me!

Loved this program!! Great and unusual program! BUT beware, this hike needs a high degree of fitness in all areas: cardio, strength, stabilty (balance) and flexibility. If you don't work out regularly and strategically for stability and strength don't do it. It's harder than you think!

This was a spectacular program. I learned a lot about geological history, which is fascinating. It was amazing to be surrounded by stunning cliffs and rocks that laid bare directly before my eyes the passage of eons of time. Mike Young and Brendan O'Neil were wonderful trip leaders. Mike's carefully planned routes provided special mind-opening visual and educational "treats" each day, and the routes were absolutely off the beaten path, as we were the only people visible for miles most of the time. Be prepared to be challenged to do things out of your comfort zone, such as walking along narrow paths on steep cliffs or climbing rocks that seem impassable. It is important to prepare for the physical challenge of this trip, by walking as much as possible for at least a couple months ahead of time and climbing up and down a lot of stairs! Marble Canyon Lodge was clean and the beds were very comfortable. The food wasn't gourmet, but that wasn't important. If your group gels together as well as ours did, you're in for a special treat.

This is really OFF THE BEATEN PATH! Few trails, not many switchbacks, just straight up the rocks with amazing views and an endless variety of plants, rock formations, and colors to look at when you stop to catch your breath. A strenuous and rewarding trip.

If you love to hike and enjoy a physical challenge, this is the trip for you. Road Scholar tells you what to bring and how to prepare physically for this trip. FOLLOW THAT ADVICE and this will be the best hiking trip in your life.

Program description is accurate. Good balance, good physical shape, and no fear of heights are necessary for full enjoyment of this trip. The hikes were all different with astounding views and geological features, and a little wildlife and history thrown in. Hiking to the top of The Cathedral was an experience of a lifetime.

The Marble Canyon program is physically challenging. We helped each other with rock scrambles during the hikes. The teamwork fostered friendships and made the trip more enjoyable.

I was so proud of myself! This was a challenging program and I was able to accomplish it with the expert guidance from our trip leaders and the help and kindness of our group participants. I challenged myself on this trip in a way I haven't since retirement. It was so much fun, we immediately signed up for another trip.

This trip was everything I hoped for, and more! The leaders Chris & Amy were great — so knowledgeable, fun, and personable, while at the same time keeping everything well organized. They managed to make everyone feel comfortable, even on the more technical and challenging parts of the hikes. I had so much fun with a great group of fellow travelers, and I am happy that I pushed myself to do a few things out of my comfort zone that I do not normally do when I am hiking on my own.

This program takes you off the beaten path and away from crowded trails. The hikes are challenging but the participant is rewarded with incredible scenery and the satisfaction that comes from completing demanding hikes. The program leaders are top notch. Of the eight Road Scholar trips I have completed, this one was the best.

If you want a challenging program that will take you outside of your comfort zone and give back awesome experiences, knowledge and personal insights - go for it!

I enjoyed the hikes to remote places where we never saw other hikers. I enjoyed the fun way that information was shared. The leaders were excellent! I enjoyed getting to know the other participants, all of whom had fascinating life stories.

Although this trip was well out of my comfort zone, it was a glorious feeling to be so remote in that exquisite area of the country. Our leaders, Mike and Kristin instilled confidence and helped those of us up the big scrambles when needed. If you like scrambling this is definitely for you! If you don't, it's still a great trip to expand horizons, and see/experience places and things nobody else does!

I just finished my 1st Road Scholar Trip and would recommend this program to anyone looking for a fun and challenging hiking experience. Word to the wise, read and take part in all the pre-trip suggestions to prepare for this adventure, I am glad I did and was able to do a type of hiking I had never done without any trepidation. I am looking forward to my next Road Scholar program.

You must have confidence in your balance, and not be seriously fearful of heights.

Great series of hikes. All different and required different skills. Enjoyed the group as well as the leaders.

I just completed this program and had a great experience. If you enjoy hiking, this is a great trip to challenge your abilities and make new friends. It definitely lived up to the challenging rating, but the great leadership team was there to instruct and build confidence. We had one rainy day that was rescued with some shorter trips and music from one of the leaders. The trips were approximately 6 miles with a climb of about 1600 feet or going up or down a wash of similar distance. Just Do It!

A wonderful week of big sky, grand vistas, geological layers, grit on trails and reflections of light. Be ready for hikes with a drop off plus stories true and embellished. I would definitely travel with Mike and Amanda again.

We loved that the hikes were into uncharted territory. Our guides were careful to keep our tracks minimal so as to keep the trails uncharted. Very challenging and very rewarding! The day we hiked Cathedral Butte and then down the wash to the Colorado River was our favorite. Our guides were incredibly knowledgeable and capable. They kept our group together effortlessly and all were able to complete all five hikes. The two condors were a bonus!

If you have never been to the Marble Canyon area of AZ,and you are very fit, an experienced hiker, and love gorgeous views, this is the program for you. It would be even better if Page, AZ was not the place for where you stay. This requires a lot of driving to trail heads and back at the end of the day, leaving little to no down time. If they could move back to Marble Canyon, the problem would be solved. It would also help to stay somewhere where they know what a vegetarian is and needs for food. Do not under estimate the difficulty of this trip. The hikes are fabulous if you are fit and do a lot of hiking on rocky, steep sandy surfaces. There is only one hike on a trail, but it is very steep up and down with lots of sand. If you like challenges, go for it!

The "Hiking Arizona's Marble Canyon and Vermillion Cliffs: Off the Beaten Path" program is as challenging as it gets and more than lives up to its billing. Marvelous environments, great instructors/guides and welcoming and friendly fellow participants made for an absolutely wonderful experience. You better be in good physical shape for this one!!!

This program was a wonderful experience, with hiking to places I never thought it was possible for me to reach. Be in good physical condition, have good balance, and strong legs will help. The leaders were excellent in helping everyone get through the rough spots. And of course, the Marble Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs area is absolutely gorgeous.

Pay close attention to the program details. The hiking is very strenuous and if you aren't in great shape, you will drag the rest of the team down.

At times I was out of my comfort zone, but never felt fear. The jaw-dropping views, and education by Mike are not to be missed.

This hiking program certainly lived up to its catalog description of “Off the Beaten Path”. It was an incredible hiking adventure made all the better by the outstanding leadership and knowledge exhibited by our two RS/NAU leaders, Mike and Brendan. They provided a continual dialog of interesting information about the geology of the area, the history of the early settlers and of the flora encountered. All hikes involved walking in deep sand and some slick rock scrambling where almost every hiker required some additional help to navigate safely. The visual impact of this high desert area of wide open spaces with the Colorado River Canyon and the tall rugged geological feature of the Vermilion Cliffs was just magnificent.

This program is more strenuous than typical mountain hiking on trails. Preparation should include extra practice climbing over large ( shoulder height)rocks or objects. Climbing on a playground might be good practice !

This was an absolutely amazing hiking experience, and it exceeded all of my expectations! Our leaders, Mike and Brenden, did an excellent job of helping us navigate the terrain, definitely challenging in some areas, but worth all of the effort required. A trip I’ll never forget!

The hike leaders were outstanding in their knowledge about the trip and it’s environs. They were also outstanding in their patience and flexibility in dealing with participants’s needs. The hotel rooms were modest but adequate. The food was disappointing.

It's a fine website, well organized & easy to locate other programs in which I might be interested.

The Marble Canyon trip is exceptional. Believe it when it says it is challenging. Very unique experience and I am so glad I took this trip. The hike leader was outstanding in ability and knowledge.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and hiking Marble Canyon and Vermlilion Cliffs was an amazing trip. The description of challenging and off the beaten path couldn't have described this trip any better. What an amazing week. Our guides, Donnie and Eric, were top notch with just the right amount of education and knowledge. They were very open, welcomed questions, and extremely knowledgeable about the area. I truly felt like a kid again, especially on the Cathedral Wash hike climbing up and down over rocks. The accommodations were clean. The lodge was able to accommodate a vegetarian diet and I never felt like I would go hungry. Everyone in our group was so welcoming and fun. We quickly became friends and I look forward to them visiting my home town or joining them for another Road Scholar trip. Memories from this trip will last a lifetime.

If you like interesting and challenging hikes in slot canyons this might be the right trip for you.

This program was so good, from the challenging hikes, to the quality of the Group Leaders, to the stunning location, I almost want to keep it a secret!

The program description was exactly as experienced in the field. There were no surprises. Instructors were fantastic, very knowledgeable of the area's topography, geology and history.

The program far exceeded my expectations. Amanda and Mike were outstanding. They were very knowledgeable and informative and I might add very patient. I would highly recommend this program to any serious hiker. I would also emphasize the the activity level "Challenging". BE PREPARED.

The Marble Canyon adventure will push your limits ten minutes into the first day and throughout the week. This was an exceptional experience from all perspectives and I would highly recommend any EXPERIENCED hiker to consider this opportunity.

The program description said challenging and it was every bit that! I loved it!

Views from the heights we achieved were incredibly beautiful. Very challenging hikes, but the leaders maintained close watch over the participants and ensured each received the help they may have needed, such as boosting us up to clear large boulders.

The challenging hikes are worth the sights along the way.

We just returned from our trip to the Vermillion Cliffs/Marble Canyon with Road Scholar. This was our fourth trip with Road Scholar, and they have all been superior! Last week's hikes pushed my abilities in a good way! There was always a competent hand to grab or foothold pointed out when needed. It would be impossible to adequately describe the places we hiked, and the sights we experienced. Truly a wonder of nature to be experienced. I can't encourage you too much to be prepared both physically and mentally for an amazing workout each day. This was the toughest hiking I have done, but, some of the most rewarding. We were the oldest couple on this trip, but, have been hiking and adventuring all our married life. I would give it 100 stars if possible. Marble Canyon Lodge is the perfect place to stay. You wake up each morning looking at those Vermillion Cliffs!!! Hardy food! It was fun to talk to some of the other lodge guests who were preparing to go on their Grand Canyon float trips. They take off at close by Lee's Ferry. We saw many Condors at the Navajo Bridge, which was in walking distance. Our guides, Mary and Amanda, could not have been more prepared to give us this amazing experience. Their knowledge and skills were above and beyond! Plus, they were always up, with a smile on their faces, and ready for another day of adventure with us. Thanks, Road Scholar!

If you want a "warm-up hike", look elsewhere. This trek is get going out the gate. Ready, set, prepare to be "wow-ed".

I was surprised how far north Grand Canyon extends. I was amazed by the constantly changing lights and colors of the desert and plant life.

Excellent program. Difficult hikes. I am younger than typical participants but felt they were challenging. Program description need to make more information made that in advance that on no day will be on trails but rather be off trails on stones and also climbing over rocks/cliffs etc. The title "off the beaten Path" is not good enough as that means a lot of different things. Are there other programs that are exactly similar to this in terms of hiking over boulders/canyoneering out of thousand trips available in US. If not then more detailed description of each day is needed. -would have liked more choices of itinerary on difficult days . or at least a formal suggestion lists for things to do on your own. i say this as a couple of members were told to not join on the last day (not myself) and one of them was quiet unhappy on hearing this and felt left out. -given that this is a risky trip and people did fall closer supervision is necessary. On the 4th day on a hike the guides went to explore a side canyon on an impromptu trip without clear instructions on whether to follow or stay. They were exploring on their own a set of ponds they found. So Off the Off trail. as they were gone ahead one of the person while climbing a cliff fell backward (on his own) and then further lost balance and went in pond (luckily as this could have been a head injury) with no one watching as the people who had stayed back were somewhere else. I felt this could have been avoided and could have been worse. Hikes are interesting, scenic, adventurous.

Great area to hike in and the program offered trails off the beaten path so rarely saw other people. The hiking was hard and you can not be afraid of heights. Hiked from 8 am or so to 4-5 pm so be prepared to be out all day and very active.

The Marble Canyon trip was exceptional. The leaders, the guest speakers, the lodge staff, were all excellent. The knowledge of the area gained by descriptions from our leaders of the geology, anthropology, archeology, botany, history, ancestry, and much more allowed us to come away with an appreciation of what we had just experienced and had been exposed to . Thank you Road Scholar for this learning and physically challenging experience. We have grown to another dimension after taking this trip. We have already signed up for another Road Scholar trip and have already recommended you to others. We'll be back!

This is an excellent program, but be aware that it is more of a physical challenge (due to rock scrambling and even a minor amount of non-technical bouldering) than most other similarly rated (challenging) RS programs.

This program was more challenging than I anticipated but I learned that I can do more than I ever thought I could. Thank you Road Scholar!

A challenging, fulfilling experience that I will treasure. Our leaders, Mike and Mary, could not have done a better job. Their love and knowledge of the area was matched by their expertise and support and encouragement of participants. This is not a trip for the faint of heart, but that is precisely why I felt a strong sense of accomplishment upon completion of each day's hike.

My husband and I have lived and hiked extensively in Arizona for 40 years, but this was our first experience hiking in beautiful Marble Canyon. We would never have been able to find our way along the majority of these scenic (mostly unmarked) trails that led us through rock, sand, vegetation, boulders and cliff sides and we would never have dared to maneuver our way up and over and back down through the labyrinths of beautiful desert landscape without the guidance of our exceptional leaders. Bruce and Amanda were an enthusiastic, friendly, and capable team. I hope other Road Scholar participants are as lucky as we were to have them as our leaders. They were approachable, funny, knowledgeable, and truly wanted us to get the most out of our experience. They encouraged us to do things we would not have otherwise done, but our safety and wellbeing was always their priority. All 16 participants in our group were welcoming and congenial, and had positive attitudes. Our group ranged in age from 60s to 80s and were enthusiastic and active hikers, runners, cyclists, and/or cross country skiers. With the help of our guides and the encouragement of our fellow hikers we all were able to complete each of the challenging (and laughter-filled) hikes, including the 1,500’ ascent on the final day. We hope that Road Scholar will offer even more day hike programs that are as challenging as this exceptional adventure.

This experience was amazing. Mike, our trip leader was always very encouraging and knowledgeable, and made these unique hikes possible. The hikes were challenging and each had wonderful geological as well as historical features and great views. I was able to achieve more with the group than I would ever have attempted on my own.