
Tour Title: Grand Canyon w/ Volcanoes and Native
American Ruins Tour
Tour Duration: 12 hours from Sedona
Tour Description:
Travel to Northern Arizona in a comfortable vehicle that seats no more than 14 passengers for an intimate and personal experience. The tour is fully narrated by some of the most experienced guides in the Southwest. We will make frequent stops for photo opportunities at great scenic sites, stretch your legs, and for bathroom breaks.
The tour begins with a ride through the scenic red rocks of Sedona, through Oak Creek Canyon—one of the top scenic drives in America! Continue through the Ponderosa Pines of Flagstaff, past the dormant volcanoes of the San Francisco Peaks on our way to the Grand Canyon.
we'll head up to Sunset Crater National Monument, the Colorado Plateau's youngest volcano. Here, you will be able to stroll amongst the dormant volcanoes and pristine lava fields as you learn about the history and geology of the area. While nearly a millenia old, these lava fields look as though they were created just last week. It appears to be such a lunar landscape, all of the Apollo Astronauts practiced their Rover missions here.
Next, we head to Wupatki National Monument, where we visit the well-preserved ruin site of this Sinagua Indian trading village that was still being inhabited when the eruption at Sunset Crater took place. Based on the artifacts that have been found, we believe the people that traded here came from as far away as South America and may have included the Mayans. Learn all about the Anasazi ("Ancient Ones") and the Sinagua ("People Without Water") and find out what really happened to the people once thought to have "mysteriously disappeared".
As we make our way across the Navajo (Diné) Reservation and the western portion of the Painted Desert, we'll stop at the Historic Trading Post in Cameron, originally built in 1916. This is one of the finest places to shop for authentic Native American souvenirs. You may also visit The Gallery, home of many breathtaking pieces of fine and historic Indian Arts and Crafts.
We'll have lunch at the restaurant at the Trading Post, where you will be able to order right off of the special menu they have put together for us. As always, we recommend you try their Navajo Tacos.
After departing the Trading Post, we make our final leg to the Grand Canyon National Park with a scenic drive along the Little Colorado River Gorge and climb to an altitude of approximately 7,500 feet.
Upon entering the National Park (entrance fees are included), you'll get your first views of the Grand Canyon and Colorado River at Desert View. You will be able to gaze over 10 miles across the Grand Canyon to the North Rim, look down at the Colorado River nearly a mile below you, and get a glimpse of Navajo Mountain in Page, Arizona, over 90 miles away!
Climb up to the top of the Watchtower Observatory, one of the crowning achievements of Mary Colter, surely the finest architect the Southwest has ever seen. As we make our way along the rim of the Grand Canyon, we'll stops at some of the most scenic and historic points between the South and East Rims of the Grand Canyon.
The last stop on our tour is at the Grand Canyon Village, where you'll have time to visit and shop at the many historic buildings and museums; such as the Hopi House, the rustic El Tovar Lodge, the Grand Canyon Railway Station as well as Lookout and Kolb Studios. You can also take in some wondrous views of the Grand Canyon looking down onto the Bright Angel trail and Indian Gardens. You may even get a glimpse of the mules heading out of the Grand Canyon or the incredible California Condors!
Additional Information:
Pickup Times / Locations:
Pickups at All Sedona and Flagstaff hotels.
Departure time is approximately 7:00AM from Sedona and 8:00am from Flagstaff with pickups slightly before that depending on the specific guest hotel. Tour operator will contact guest the afternoon before for exact pickup time and answer any last minute questions.
Type of Transportation:
All of our vehicles will have large windows so you can enjoy the views with no obstruction. Although each of the vehicles is slightly different, the vehicle will be selected to maximize guest comfort, with full climate controlled and individual seating. No vehicle has more than 14 passengers to allow for a personal and intimate experience.
All vehicles have audio PA system in order to maximize you entertainment experience while on-board.
Sorry no in-vehicle bathrooms are available but we make frequent stops where clean bathrooms are available.
We can accommodate a collapsible wheel chair. For a rule of thumb, guest will need to navigate three steps in or out of the vehicle unassisted. Vehicle have assist bars and seat handle for ease of entry and exit. A collapsible wheelchair can be provided but must be requested 24 hours prior to tour departure.
Lunch / Dinner Options:
Lunch will be at the historic Cameron Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation. You will be able to sample from the menu traditional Navajo cuisine, the Navajo Taco is the favorite. If you are not feeling adventurous there is also more traditional hamburgers, sandwiches, and salads. All portions are ample so Bon Appetit.
What to Bring and Wear:
You should wear comfortable shoes, a hat to keep your head protected from the sun, sunglasses, and sunscreen. It may be cool in the early morning or evening and can get very hot in the afternoons. A light shirt, shorts and a rain jacket are recommended in warmer months. It does rain in Arizona so you may also want to carry an umbrella. Light day packs are great for carrying everything you will need and for filling up with all of the wonderful souvenirs that you will find at the many gift shops. Of course, don't forget your camera with plenty of film or memory.
We require that all children 4 and younger be in a car seat. You may bring your own or we can provide one for you. If you would like to use one of our car seats please let us know in advance so we can reserve one for you.
Physical Activity Level:
Light. Plenty of walking opportunities but if you are not up for it, the tour is such that a minimum you will need to walk is only three city blocks for the entire day.
Included:
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Bottled water is provided, but guests are welcome to bring alternate beverages and snacks. Please no alcohol is permitted.
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Lunch
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All permits and admission fees.
Not Included:
Guide tips not included: 20% tip for your guide recommended if you enjoy your tour.
Tour Availability:
This is a very popular tour that departs daily. As we are concerned for guide and customer safety we reserve the right to cancel a tour in the event of hazardous weather. Our commitment is to keep in contact with the customer during these rare periods.
Cancellation Policy:
Guest can cancel up to 24 hours before scheduled tour date and departure time and receive a full refund.
Tour Operator Information:
Complete Tour Operator details, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation email. We select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.
Please Note: This tour is NOT available on Christmas Day/December 25th.