Breakfast:
At the Yavapai Dining Hall.
Morning:
After checking out and loading luggage, we’ll travel the East Rim of the Grand Canyon for a stop at the Desert View overlook, the location of the famous Mary Colter’s Watchtower and some of the best views of the Colorado River. We will have time to explore the base of the watchtower with our naturalist available to answer any questions. Climbing the watchtower is limited by a permit system, and may not be available to our group. Known for her many works for the Fred Harvey Company and the Santa Fe Railroad, Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter was a female architect in the early 20th century and helped blend Spanish Colonial and Mission Revival architecture with Native American motifs. The Watchtower is an interpretation of a prehistoric “tower kiva” with lavishly painted interior walls by Hopi artist Fred Kabotie. Next, we will have some time to explore the historic 1916 Cameron Trading Post independently. Set on the banks of the Little Colorado River, the Trading Post is a welcomed rest stop that features a beautiful hidden garden, an in-house Navajo rug weaver, and interesting stone architecture.
Lunch:
At the historic Cameron Trading Post, we’ll have a plated lunch.
Afternoon:
Continuing on our journey, we’ll travel through the Navajo Reservation and the Painted Desert to Kayenta on the way to Goulding's Lodge. En route, we’ll make a stop at the Kayenta Burger King — the unlikely site of a famous Navajo Code Talker exhibit. We’ll then make our way to Goulding's Lodge.
Dinner:
At the historic Goulding's Lodge and Trading Post Restaurant, we’ll dine while we enjoy sweeping views of red rock mesas and vistas out the restaurant window. (alcoholic beverages are not sold on the Navajo Reservation).
Evening:
For those with interest, in the Earth Spirit Theater, we’ll settle in to view a classic John Ford western movie which was shot in the Monument Valley region.