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Arizona/Utah

On the Road: Absolute Southwest — A Canyonlands Adventure

Program No. 8718RJ
This one has it all – three iconic National Parks, two National Monuments, a raft trip on the Colorado, a Jeep trip in Monument Valley and quintessential S.W. landscapes throughout!

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At a Glance

Journey to Sedona, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks. Learn about the geologic upheavals, native cultures and settlers that give this region its character. Traverse storied landscapes on the Colorado Plateau, experience the Navajo Reservation and gaze up at canyon rims from the Colorado River.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles daily over varied terrain. Elevations just over 8,000 feet. Participants may elect to opt out of longer walks.

What You'll Learn

  • Enjoy a Navajo-led 4x4 adventure in Monument Valley and a smooth-water raft float on the Colorado River.
  • Experience the famous Antelope Canyon, Sedona, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks.
  • Study the region’s geology, natural history, Native Americans, current issues and historical characters.

General Notes

This program starts in Phoenix, Ariz. and ends in Las Vegas, Nev. Transportation on this program is usually by full sized motorcoach, with about 40 participants.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Matt Turner
Since he decided to attend high school in Southwest Colorado, Matt Turner has been in love with the natural wonders of the Four Corners region prompting him to obtain a degree in Natural History from Prescott College. In addition to working as a field biologist and ecological consultant, he is an avid photographer, leads trips throughout the Southwest, across rivers and in the backcountry. As a naturalist, he hopes to impart a unique perspective of the region's natural environment in all of its visitors.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Matt Turner
Matt Turner View biography
Since he decided to attend high school in Southwest Colorado, Matt Turner has been in love with the natural wonders of the Four Corners region prompting him to obtain a degree in Natural History from Prescott College. In addition to working as a field biologist and ecological consultant, he is an avid photographer, leads trips throughout the Southwest, across rivers and in the backcountry. As a naturalist, he hopes to impart a unique perspective of the region's natural environment in all of its visitors.
Profile Image of Karlyn Bunting
Karlyn Bunting View biography
Karlyn Bunting grew up in Page, Arizona, after the construction of Glen Canyon Dam – at the heart of what is commonly called the Grand Circle. He loves to hike and explore the many natural wonders of the region, and is deeply interested those who traveled this region prior to our modern day — from the Ancestral Puebloans to the Mormon migrations. Karlyn is also an avid photographer and storyteller, and enjoys sharing his unique and multi-faceted perspective of the Colorado Plateau.
Profile Image of Don Lago
Don Lago has been exploring the Grand Canyon for 30 years, kayaking it six times and backpacking it about 75 times. He has done years of backcountry research for Grand Canyon National Park. He is the author of two Grand Canyon history books from university presses.
Profile Image of Joanna Joseph
Joanna Joseph View biography
Daughter of a Montana saddle maker, Joanna Joseph is an artist, musician and interpreter of human history. At the University of Montana, she studied art, drama and classical Greek. Joanna was also program supervisor at Glen Canyon Dam, developing an appreciation for the importance of water in the Southwest. A resident of Big Water, Utah, she has worked with Road Scholar since 1994.
Profile Image of Shayla Pollard
Shayla Pollard View biography
Shayla Pollard was born in Phoenix, Arizona. She currently attends Northern Arizona University where she is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science with a minor in Spanish. In her free time, Shayla loves adventuring wherever she can. She has visited a wide array of national parks in the Southwestern United States and continues to check more off her list. Her favorite outdoor activities include hiking, paddle boarding, and rafting. Shayla is excited to share her passion with NAU Road Scholar.
Profile Image of Devon Beam
Devon Beam View biography
Devon Beam has called Northern Arizona home since 2018. After working in the outdoor industry for the past 15 years, he began working with Road Scholar to continue his ongoing passion for promoting outdoor recreation. Devon has traveled extensively throughout the United States and Central America. His hobbies include traveling, baking bread, playing guitar, and biking in remote places with his spouse.
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