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Various Hiking Programs
Hiking Grand Canyon: An
Incredible Experience
Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon: "Hiking Arizona’s High Country"
Sedona : "Connecting With Nature"
Lake Powell: "Hiking
the Slick Rocks, Slot Canyons and Red Rocks"
Grand Canyon: "Hiking Along and Below the
South Rim"
NEW
Hiking Grand Canyon: An Incredible Experience
# 6113
Note: Registration for Mar 16-22 and Apr 6-12 opens on
Sep 26, 2007.
Embraced in the Grand Canyon National Park, Marble Canyon sits
between the north rim and the south rim of the park. A fly-fishing
destination, Marble Canyon has a history stretching back 10,500 years when
the first evidence of humans appeared in the area. Indian tribes have been
living in the region continuously for the past 4,000 years.
Course
Description
Hiking Grand Canyon: An Incredible Experience
From beginning to end and rim to river, this is an incredible
opportunity to experience the fullness of Grand Canyon's scenic beauty and
wild backcountry, a vastness that spans 277 miles from end to end, larger
than many eastern states. During five full days of hiking, and a travel day
plus short hike on the south rim in Grand Canyon National Park, we will
sample these vast and spectacular landscapes. We hike at Lees Ferry, the
canyon's beginning, Marble Canyon, the south rim, and in the depths of
Granite Gorge at Diamond Creek in western Grand Canyon, site of the only
road to the bottom of the canyon. We'll be learning of the geology, ecology,
and human history of Grand Canyon from experienced wilderness guides,
including Hualapai tribal members at Peach Springs. Our hikes will take us
into convoluted slot canyons, wading through crystal streams deep in ancient
rocks, older than the dawn of life, and along lofty rims with forever views.
Activity Level: 5 (see
description)
Hikes range from four to seven miles, largely off-trail (maintaining a
fairly moderate pace) with some rugged footing and some ups and downs
(steady elevation gains of up to 500 feet; no required hiking along steep,
vertical edges). Hiking elevations from 1,500 to 7,000 feet.
Itinerary
Marble Canyon, 4 nights; van to Peach Springs, 3
nights. Independent arrivals at Marble Canyon by 5 p.m. Independent
departures from Peach Springs after 8 a.m. Airports: Las Vegas, 5-6 hours
(no shuttle access) and Phoenix, 4-5 hours (shuttle available to both
sites).
Accommodations
Historic lodge/motel at Marble Canyon with
incredible views of Vermillion and Echo Cliffs. Very near the rim of Marble
Canyon and historic Navajo Bridge (600 feet above the Colorado River; foot
traffic only). Peach Springs lodging in a tribal lodge with spa and
state-of-the-art non-chlorinated swimming pool. AC/TV both sites.
Seasons Offered
Spring and Fall.
Sedona, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon: Hiking
Arizona’s High Country
# 2112
Photo
Album
 Nestled at the foot of the San Francisco Peaks in
northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a perfect departure point for trips to the
Glen and Grand canyons or Sunset Crater National Monument. At 7,000 feet in
elevation, it is one of the highest cities in the nation.
Public transportation available from Phoenix airport to Flagstaff.
Program Description
From lush riparian canyons of Sedona to infinite vistas
of the Grand Canyon, discover the diverse hiking opportunities of Arizona’s
high country. Traverse forests of quaking aspen, spruce, fir and ponderosa
pine as you hike in Flagstaff’s
San Francisco Peaks.
Explore the inside of an eroded cinder cone, exposing its deep red "hoodoos"
and sculpted lava towers. Trek through Sedona’s majestic red rock country,
discovering its hidden creeks, slick rock and vertical crimson cliffs. Top
off your week with a full day hike into the Grand Canyon where each footstep
taken equals 20,000 years of Earth’s geologic history. Five days of
matchless hikes present an intimate feeling of the Southwest and a sense of
exploration beyond the beaten path.
Three full-day, moderate to challenging hikes up to seven miles; two
half-day, moderate hikes up to three miles; hiking will be at elevations
ranging from 4,000 ft. to 9,000 ft.; trails are uneven and sometimes rocky.
Flagstaff is at 7,000' elevation and enjoys warm day time temperatures and
cool nights.
Activity
Level: 5 (see description)
Accommodations and Notes
Modern hotel in Flagstaff with clean and spacious rooms.
Amenities include outdoor pool, spa, and exercise room.
Seasons Offered
Summer
Sedona
Hiking: "Connecting with Nature"
# 2117
Photos by Bob
Photos by Brenda
 Sedona is Arizona's premier
day-hiking center. Located where the upper Sonoran Desert meets the Colorado
Plateau, Sedona is surrounded by multi-hued canyons, imposing rock monoliths
and a rich biodiversity. This
program exposes hostelers to panoramic views, archaeological sites, and
botanical and geologic phenomena of this world-class destination. 120 miles
north of Phoenix. Accessible by commercial shuttle from
Phoenix airport. Sedona's elevation is 4500'. Near national monuments,
Flagstaff and
Grand Canyon.
Course Description
Come discover an outdoor classroom second to
none! This small group program, designed for intermediate level, physically
fit hikers, will seek out the most beautiful and awe-inspiring destinations
in the area and utilize simple awareness techniques to facilitate a deeper
connection and appreciation of nature. Discover the region's incredible
natural history and gain insights and a connection to the natural world that
only Sedona can provide. Learn to identify native plants utilized by
prehistoric peoples for medicine and food. Discover facts and fallacies
behind Sedona's new age and vortex lore and reach your own conclusions.
Enjoy incomparable vistas on spectacular daily hikes.
Activity Level: 5 (see description)
Daily hikes up to six miles with net
elevation changes of 500'; most trails traverse rocky terrain with
occasional steep slopes, so be prepared for some nontechnical rock-scrambling.
Accommodations
Fall 2006: Modern hotel in 'The
Village of Oak Creek', outdoor pool and spa; Winter/Spring 2007: resort
setting on the banks of Oak Creek with sweeping views of red rock
surroundings, tennis courts, golf course, full fitness room and spa,
swimming pool.
Seasons Offered
Spring and Fall.
Hiking the
Slick Rocks, Slot Canyons, and Red Rocks of Lake Powell
# 6114
Photo Album
Comments from our participants
 Straddling the Utah-Arizona
border, 270 miles from both Phoenix and Las Vegas,
Lake Powell is the
186-mile-long turquoise centerpiece of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
Nearby are Navajoland, the Paria Wilderness Area, and Grand Staircase
Escalante National Monument. Limited flights from Phoenix and Denver.
Course Description
Hiking the
Slick Rocks, Slot Canyons, and Red Rocks
Hiking boots and a daypack are your ticket
to some unforgettable forays into the Lake Powell area. Discover the secret
treasures of canyon country: hidden arches, slot canyons, ancient
petroglyphs, surrealistic rock formations and matchless panoramic vistas.
Naturalist guides and instructors reveal the geologic forces that have
shaped these magical landforms. Learn about the dinosaurs, plants and
animals, prehistoric Indians, explorers, Mormon pioneers, dam builders, and
contemporary culture who have used, enjoyed, and defined themselves against
this landscape. Daily hikes with evening lectures and entertainment will top
off this unforgettable week.
Activity Level: 4 (see
description)
Daily hikes of 3-6 miles, ranging from easy to
moderately challenging, including cross-country and some rugged terrain,
some rock scrambling required on one hike; no extended uphill climbs.
Accommodations
Stay at the
Courtyard by Marriott, overlooking the high desert sandstone
walls and blue waters of lake Powell. This property is a mile from the lake,
with its boating, water skiing and fishing.
Seasons Offered
Winter/Spring, and Fall.
Grand Canyon: Hiking Along
And Below The South Rim
# 6112
Photo Album
 The Grand Canyon is a tourist mecca but few visitors take the opportunity to
hike along its rim or into the Canyon itself. Come and see how much of the
Canyon can be seen day hiking without the burden of a heavy backpack.
Immerse yourself in the canyon's majesty by being able to see it up close
and on your own two feet.
Grand Canyon's South Rim is 75 miles north of Flagstaff (accessible by
plane, train, and bus), elevation 7,000'. Commercial van to Grand
Canyon from Flagstaff daily; commuter flight from Las Vegas.
Course
Description
Hike beneath towering ponderosa pines, through
fragrant stands of pinon-juniper and step your way around yucca, agave and
cacti as you venture along and below the rim experiencing the wonder that is
Grand Canyon. From your hike along the rim at Hopi Pt. in the west to the
Desert View descent of the Palisades in the east, to Cedar Ridge on the
fabled S. Kaibab trail, you will see more of the Canyon than you ever
imagined. Naturalist guides provide insight to the Canyon's epic geologic
story and natural and human histories making this a week to remember.
Evening programs to include National Park Service ranger programs. Drink in
the essence of this natural wonder by learning about the Canyon while
immersed in its grandeur.
Activity Level: 5 (see
description)
Daily moderate hikes of 3 - 6 miles on uneven
terrain. Build up to more strenuous
hikes by week's end. Maximum elevation
change 1,200'. Build up to more strenuous hikes by week's end.
Accommodations
Lodging and meals at a Grand
Canyon National Park Lodge, just one quarter mile from the rim and adjacent
to the historic Grand Canyon Village.
Seasons Offered
Winter/Spring and Fall.
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