ARIZONA - WOMEN'S ADVENTURE ITINERARY:
DAY 1 Meet in Phoenix.
Transfer to Grand Canyon South Rim (6,800-ft elevation);
Wupatki National Monument; 1-2 miles, easy; Grand Canyon Rim
Trail; 1 mile, easy
After meeting at our pre-tour hotel in Tempe, just minutes from
the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, our journey to the
Grand Canyon begins. We start in the Lower Sonoran Desert, which
is distinctively marked by Saguaro cacti, and enhanced by the
Arizona state tree—the yellow-flowering Palo Verde. As we ascend
the Colorado Plateau, the San Francisco Peaks dominate our
horizon, and Ponderosa Pines line the route. After driving
through the dramatic volcanic terrain of Sunset Crater National
Monument, we stop for a picnic lunch at Wupatki National
Monument. Here we explore the most impressive prehistoric Indian
pueblo in Northern Arizona, known to have been a thriving center
of trade and ritual gatherings in the 12th century A.D.
Panoramic views of the Painted Desert unfold to the east, and
the sacred Kachina Peaks lie to the west.
We arrive mid-afternoon at the east entrance of Grand Canyon
National Park. With a brief pause at the Desert View Watchtower,
we are introduced to the visionary architectural style of Mary
Elizabeth Colter; her design influences are evident throughout
the park. More significantly, at an incredible overlook, we gain
our first personal experience of the natural wonder that is the
Grand Canyon. Entering the heart of the Park, we walk the Rim
Trail from Yavapai Point to our home for the next two nights—a
classic Grand Canyon hotel situated directly on the rim.
On our first evening, we dine in one of the park’s distinctive
canyonside restaurants offering regional fare—and bask in superb
views of a high desert sunset. The unique palette of canyon
colors provides an otherworldly ambiance.
El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon South Rim
DAY 2 Grand Canyon West Rim Trail from El Tovar Hotel to
Hermit’s Rest (6,800 ft elevation); 8 miles, easy to moderate
Early risers enjoy a brilliant sunrise in the cool morning air.
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our walk directly from the
hotel—heading west on the Rim Trail to Hermit’s Rest. Early in
our journey we take time to examine the Kaibab Limestone fossil
site, home to fossilized remains of marine creatures dating back
250 million years. Spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and the
mighty Colorado River abound at many vantage points along the
way. Our route winds through pinyon-juniper forest, where we may
catch a glimpse of Vocal Abert squirrels, mule deer, or even
silver coyotes. We eat lunch at a scenic overlook, enjoying the
opportunity to take in the sheer vastness of the canyon.
After our day’s walk, we have the option of visiting two points
of historic and cultural interest. Kolb Studio is the former
home and business of the Kolb brothers, pioneering photographers
at the Grand Canyon. The studio is located directly on the South
Rim and offers free art exhibits and dramatic canyon views. Hopi
House, which offers a variety of arts and crafts, is also
perched at the South Rim. It was built by Native American
laborers and was once home to Hopi and Navajo artisans and their
families.
This evening we share another hearty meal at the canyon rim,
retiring afterward to our accommodations for a good night’s rest
in anticipation of a sunrise walk the next morning.
El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon South Rim
DAY 3 Shoshone Point; 2 miles, easy. Transfer to Sedona via
Oak Creek Canyon. Walnut Canyon National Monument; 2 miles, easy
to moderate
A sunrise over the Grand Canyon is a stirring sight —and a
reward for all who join the dawn walk along the canyon rim.
Birdsong greets us at this peaceful hour, the canyon literally
illuminating before our eyes.
After an early breakfast, our guides lead us to remote Shoshone
Point, where we say goodbye to the Grand Canyon National Park.
However, we cannot leave the area without experiencing the
astonishing IMAX movie production—“Secrets of the Grand
Canyon”—which serves as our final farewell. En Route to Sedona
we stop in Flagstaff for lunch, which is followed by a visit to
Walnut Canyon. Here we walk among 12th-century Sinagua Indian
ruins that have been built into the canyon walls. The vegetation
here is unique; one side of the canyon contains fir and pine
trees, typical of the Pacific Northwest, while the other,
south-facing slopes have many species of cactus, more
representative of the Upper Sonoran Desert in central Arizona.
This diverse environment makes for beautiful scenery as we walk
along footpaths into the canyon.
Next, our route takes us through Oak Creek Canyon, where the
road descends via switchbacks with stunning views of the
Mogollon Rim, Oak Creek, and Sedona in the distance. We venture
into the heart of Sedona’s red rock country and our home for the
next three nights—an upscale resort located on the banks of Oak
Creek, featuring exquisite service, comfortable rooms, an
on-site spa, and unique decor.
This evening we dine in town at a local favorite restaurant,
followed by a retreat to our creekside resort. A dip in the hot
tub or a glass of wine by the fire entices us to linger and
enjoy the evening before retiring to the comforts of our
lodgings.
Amara Creekside Resort, Sedona
DAY 4 Pre-breakfast yoga class; Little Horse Trail and Chapel
of the Holy Cross; 4 miles, easy to moderate; Afternoon spa
options
As the sun rises on our first morning in Sedona, we enjoy the
view from our private balconies, sipping coffee and anticipating
the day’s discoveries. For those interested, a yoga class is
available—a perfect way to stretch our muscles before a good day
of walking.
We gather as a group for breakfast before heading out for the
day. Little Horse Trail penetrates deep into an area of massive
domes and towering cliffs. Along the way it offers dramatic
views of Sedona’s signature red rock monoliths— Bell Rock,
Courthouse Butte and Cathedral Rock. Our guides describe the
geological and ethnobotanical features that characterize the
landscape of this region. A short walk from the trail leads us
to the remarkable Chapel of the Holy Cross, a landmark and
pilgrimage sight for many visitors.
This afternoon, Sedona is ours to explore. The lively town is
home to a vibrant art scene. In Tlaquepaque, Sedona’s Arts and
Crafts Village, stroll at a leisurely pace among the shops and
galleries lining cobblestone walkways, or sit by the banks of
Oak Creek and enjoy the peaceful feeling that envelops this
unique setting. Those seeking another level of relaxation may
take advantage of one of many spa services available to you (at
your own expense). The hotel spa offers an extensive array of
options to choose from.
This evening’s dining spot in Sedona is ours for the
choosing—with the ready assistance of our guides, of course, who
are available to make recommendations and reservations.
Amara Creekside Resort, Sedona
DAY 5 Pre-breakfast yoga class; Templeton Trail; 7 miles,
moderate
We wake this morning to another glorious sunrise in red rock
country. A pre-breakfast yoga class is available for those that
are interested.
Following breakfast, a short drive brings us to the start of
today’s journey. Our walk features dramatic red rock views and
tranquil creekside settings. En route we skirt the base of
Cathedral Rock, one of the most famous Sedona landmarks; we
enjoy a hearty packed lunch on the red rocks, with the expansive
beauty of this region unfolding before our eyes. Following our
walk, we return to Sedona in time to enjoy a dip in the pool or
a glass of wine on our private balconies before our farewell
dinner.
As the sun sets over Sedona, we experience anew the sense of
tranquility that characterizes this exceptionally beautiful
location.
Amara Creekside Resort, Sedona
DAY 6 Local artisan shop visit; Transfer to Phoenix.
Departure
After our final breakfast as a group, we take time to visit with
a local artisan, and learn more about what attracts painters and
sculptors to this unique southwestern community.
With lunch enroute at a unique local eatery, we depart Sedona
for a two-hour drive back to the lower desert and our final
destination of Phoenix.
Itinerary Changes: Please bear in mind that this is
a typical itinerary, and the actual walks and sites may vary due
to season, special events or weather. We reserve the right to
alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a
year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate
change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour
and your experience.
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