Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
1,899
Arizona
Best of Sedona: Natural & Cultural Landscapes in Red Rock Country
Program No. 106260MEADV-1116-60
Immerse yourself in the story of Sedona as you join local experts to learn about and explore ancient cliff dwellings, iconic red rocks, a heritage railway and the majestic Grand Canyon.
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800-454-5768
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DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
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This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!
6 days
5 nights
13 meals
5B 3L 5D
3
Montezuma Castle & Verde Canyon Railroad
Sedona, AZ
4
Geology, Western Ballads & Tales
Sedona, AZ
6
Program Concludes
Departures
At a Glance
Discover why Sedona and the Grand Canyon are the two most awe-inspiring sites in Arizona. Go beyond the geology to uncover the natural and human histories of these color-splashed landscapes. Enjoy an exploration of Sedona’s best-loved sights and red-rock vistas via an open trolley excursion. Ride the rails along the wild and scenic Verde River and beside its verdant canyon as you scan for wildlife. Explore Grand Canyon National Park on a full day journey to this iconic and quintessential American treasure with time to walk along the rim while soaking in its grandeur.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1/2 mile with longer optional hikes. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Best of all, you’ll…
- See ancient cliff dwellings while uncovering the past of the Sinagua people at Montezuma Castle National Monument.
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa with its magnificent 360-degree views of Sedona.
- Spend a full day at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, complete with interpretive walks accompanied by a local expert.
General Notes
Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell
Maggie Mitchell has spent years leading educational excursions throughout the Sedona area. Her passion lies with the study of Arizona's wild creatures, and she loves sharing her love of reptiles and spiders with students of all ages.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell
View biography
Maggie Mitchell has spent years leading educational excursions throughout the Sedona area. Her passion lies with the study of Arizona's wild creatures, and she loves sharing her love of reptiles and spiders with students of all ages.
Carl Bowman
View biography
With a bachelor’s degree in biology and having spent 25 years of his life on the South Rim, Carl Bowman knows the Grand Canyon well and specializes in relating the Canyon’s varied and constantly evolving geologic stories. He worked for the National Park Service from 1974-2013, and during his career served as a janitor, wildland fire fighter, archaeologist, ranger, and scientist. A long-time student of the Grand Canyon, Carl has shared its stories with park visitors, staff, university classes and lifelong learners.
Ken Zoll
View biography
Ken Zoll is the executive director emeritus of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, and a board member of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society. He is also a volunteer docent at cultural heritage sites in the Coconino National Forest. He has conducted fieldwork in cultural (ancient) astronomy of the Southwest and is a certified instructor with the Arizona Archaeological Society. Ken is the author of several books and articles on cultural astronomy, rock art, and the local history of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
Rocky Sullivan
View biography
Rocky Sullivan, a Kansas native, has been living in the southwest working on ranches among other things for the better part of three decades. During the last few years, he has brought his poetry into the limelight, gaining respect and praise from peers and audiences. Rocky won in his division of the 2015 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas, and again in 2017. He has been asked to perform at numerous venues since.
Karen Sullivan
View biography
Karen Sullivan was raised near the ocean as a beach baby, but has been a desert rat for over 30 years now. She has worked as a white water river expert in New Mexico, Idaho, and Colorado. As for hobbies, Karen enjoys gardening, snow skiing, and bicycling cross country. Karen has a background in art, sells her own pieces when possible, and has made her own Victorian gowns. She is well versed in photography and has a love for history.
Suggested Reading List
(7 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Best of Sedona: Natural & Cultural Landscapes in Red Rock Country
Program Number: 1062
The Archaeology of Ancient Arizona
General overview of the archaeology of Arizona written by archaeologists with combined experience of over half a century of a combination of laboratory and fieldwork.
Grand Canyon Geology
This second edition of the leading book on Grand Canyon geology contains the most recent discoveries and interpretations of the origin and history of the canyon. It includes two entirely new chapters: one on debris flow in the Canyon and one on the impact of water flow releases from the Glen Canyon Dam. All chapters have been updated where necessary and all photographs have been replaced or re-screened for better resolution. Written by acknowledged experts in stratigraphy, paleontology, structural geology, geomorphology, volcanism and seismology, this book offers a wealth of information for geologists and general readers interested in acquiring an understanding of the geological history of this great natural wonder. 423pp
Half Broke Horses
Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle, wrote this true life novel which unfolds across Northern Arizona from the 1920s to the 1960s. Its heroine, Lily Casey Smith, (Ms. Wall's grandmother) battled the elements, prejudices, economic conditions and politics of remote frontier Arizona. Many of the locations described - Peach Springs, Seligman, Flagstaff, the Navajo Reservation, the Arizona Strip - are sites visited by NAU Road Scholar programs. Readers of this selection will feel the sense of heritage from this tale of life in our distant corner of America.
Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest
The American Southwest is home to some of the most remarkable monuments of America's prehistoric past, such as Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. Stephen Plog, who has spent decades working in the region, provides the most readable and up-to-date account of the predecessors of the modern Hopi and Pueblo Indian cultures in this well-received account. Chaco Canyon became the center of a thriving Anasazi cultural tradition. It was the hub of a trading network extending over hundreds of miles, whose arteries were a series of extraordinary roads that are still being discovered and mapped. Interweaving the latest archaeological evidence with early first-person accounts, Professor Plog explains the rise and mysterious fall of Southwestern cultures. 224pp.
Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West
Here Wallace Stegner, a Pulitzer Prize-winner, gives us a thrilling account of Powell's struggle against western geography and Washington politics. We witness the successes and frustrations of Powell's distinguished career, and appreciate his unparalleled understanding of the West. "Stegner's most exciting work." (San Francisco Chronicle) 496pp
Arizona: A Cavalcade of History
During America's first 100 years as a nation, pioneers moved ever-westward to new frontiers. When it became too crowded or the soil was mined out, they moved on to virgin land. Those days are gone forever. We have to learn to live with the problems we create. The knowledge gained from studying the mistakes of the past can help provide a better future. Will Rogers said it best: "The Indians never got lost because they were always looking back to see where they'd been." 368pp
Sedona (Images of America Series)
Little more than a century ago, when only a handful of families lived in what is now Sedona, in Oak Creek Canyon, none would have dreamed it would become such a popular destination. The matchless combination of bright blue skies and red rocks has inspired artists of every medium to attempt to capture the mystic formations. Fortunately some began almost before the town was named after the wife of early settler T. C. Schnebly, who organized the first post office, at the beginning of the 20th century. From early apple growers to artists, what has united the diverse residents of Sedona over time is the conviction that they have found one of the earth's great treasures. 128pp.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Sedona, AZ
Program Concludes
Departures
Meals
13
| 5B |
3L |
5D |
Activity Level
Discover why Sedona and the Grand Canyon are the two most awe-inspiring sites in Arizona. Go beyond the geology to uncover the natural and human histories of these color-splashed landscapes. Enjoy an exploration of Sedona’s best-loved sights and red-rock vistas via an open trolley excursion. Ride the rails along the wild and scenic Verde River and beside its verdant canyon as you scan for wildlife. Explore Grand Canyon National Park on a full day journey to this iconic and quintessential American treasure with time to walk along the rim while soaking in its grandeur.)
Best of all, you'll...
- See ancient cliff dwellings while uncovering the past of the Sinagua people at Montezuma Castle National Monument.
- Visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross and Airport Mesa with its magnificent 360-degree views of Sedona.
- Spend a full day at Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim, complete with interpretive walks accompanied by a local expert.
General Notes
Select dates are designated for small groups and are limited to 24 participants or less.
Featured Expert
Margaret (Maggie) Mitchell
Maggie Mitchell has spent years leading educational excursions throughout the Sedona area. Her passion lies with the study of Arizona's wild creatures, and she loves sharing her love of reptiles and spiders with students of all ages.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Carl Bowman
With a bachelor’s degree in biology and having spent 25 years of his life on the South Rim, Carl Bowman knows the Grand Canyon well and specializes in relating the Canyon’s varied and constantly evolving geologic stories. He worked for the National Park Service from 1974-2013, and during his career served as a janitor, wildland fire fighter, archaeologist, ranger, and scientist. A long-time student of the Grand Canyon, Carl has shared its stories with park visitors, staff, university classes and lifelong learners.
Ken Zoll
Ken Zoll is the executive director emeritus of the Verde Valley Archaeology Center, and a board member of the Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society. He is also a volunteer docent at cultural heritage sites in the Coconino National Forest. He has conducted fieldwork in cultural (ancient) astronomy of the Southwest and is a certified instructor with the Arizona Archaeological Society. Ken is the author of several books and articles on cultural astronomy, rock art, and the local history of Sedona and the Verde Valley.
Rocky Sullivan
Rocky Sullivan, a Kansas native, has been living in the southwest working on ranches among other things for the better part of three decades. During the last few years, he has brought his poetry into the limelight, gaining respect and praise from peers and audiences. Rocky won in his division of the 2015 National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Abilene, Kansas, and again in 2017. He has been asked to perform at numerous venues since.
Karen Sullivan
Karen Sullivan was raised near the ocean as a beach baby, but has been a desert rat for over 30 years now. She has worked as a white water river expert in New Mexico, Idaho, and Colorado. As for hobbies, Karen enjoys gardening, snow skiing, and bicycling cross country. Karen has a background in art, sells her own pieces when possible, and has made her own Victorian gowns. She is well versed in photography and has a love for history.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 1/2 mile with longer optional hikes. Elevations up to 7,000 feet.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(7 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
13 meals | 5B | 3L | 5D |
4 expert-led lectures
5 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Sedona, AZ
Meals:
D
Stay:
Element Sedona
Activity Note
Check-in after 3:00 PM. Early arrivals may be arranged ahead of time.
Afternoon:
4:30-5:15 p.m. Program Registration: After you have your room assignment, come to the Road Scholar table in the hotel conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:30 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. All field trips will be led by our Group Leader, a seasoned and experienced naturalist, unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
6:45 p.m.: In our hotel conference room we will have a catered meal with a choice of a non-alcoholic drink. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased at the hotel bar and brought into our dining area.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
History, Archaeology, Sedona's Loved Sites, Desert Critters
Location:
Sedona, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Element Sedona
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile throughout the day, with stops. Getting on/off trolley; riding approximately 15 miles; about 2 hours.
Breakfast:
at Hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will start off our day with an engaging presentation from an expert on archaeology and the prehistoric peoples who inhabited the Sedona and Verde Valley region. The native people of this area are so important to appreciating this beautiful land and having an understanding of the first peoples will greatly enhance our field trip to Montezuma Castle the next day. Following our first speaker, we will next a presentation from a local historian on Sedona's more recent pioneer history.
Lunch:
Catered meal at the hotel.
Afternoon:
Setting out for a riding exploration of Sedona with our Group Leader aboard a trolley, we’ll see some of the town’s most beloved sites including a stop at the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. During our exploration, we will learn about the history, geology, climate, flora, and fauna of the area. As we explore, we will have photo opportunities at some scenic vistas.
Dinner:
Plated meal from restaurant adjacent to hotel.
Evening:
In a conference room at the hotel, we’ll enjoy a program led by an educator focused on desert critters such as spiders, live snakes, and scorpions. We’ll have the opportunity to see, touch and have our pictures taken with our desert friends and learn about the ways they adapt and thrive in this harsh environment.
Day
3
Montezuma Castle & Verde Canyon Railroad
Location:
Sedona, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Element Sedona
Activity Note
Driving approximately 70 miles total throughout the day; about 1/2 hour to Montezuma Castle National Monument; about 1/2 hour to Clarkdale and the Verde Canyon Railway. Walking about 1 mile total throughout the day; flat, paved trails. The Verde Canyon Railroad travels about 40 miles; approx. 4 hours.
Breakfast:
at Hotel.
Morning:
Board our transport with our Group Leader for a field trip to Montezuma Castle National Monument. This 5-story, 20-room cliff dwelling is nestled in a limestone recess high above the flood plain of Beaver Creek in the Verde Valley. It is one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America, constructed approximately 600 years ago by the Sinagua Indians. While here, we’ll observe the ruins from below and take note of Wet Beaver Creek’s unique ecosystem as we walk the paved loop trail. We’ll then ride to Clarkdale for our Verde Canyon train trip.
Lunch:
Our first-class train tickets include lunch with charcuterie items such as cured meats, gourmet cheese, fruit, fruit dip, crackers, brownies, and bottled water. It also incudes a champagne or sparkling cider toast upon boarding!
Afternoon:
Next, we'll transfer to the railroad platform and board the train for a leisurely ride with commentary given by a railroad expert and supplemented by our Group Leader. The Verde Canyon Railroad follows a 40-mile route along the Verde River. We’ll ride in comfort in renovated passenger and open air cars, journeying at a slow pace mostly near the canyon bottom. Along the route, we’ll pass red rock pinnacles, cross bridges, see Native American ruins, and ride through a 680-foot tunnel. Keep your eyes out for native plants and animals including the more than 30 eagles that winter in this scenic area. Following our journey we will stop at a restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
Plated meal at a Sedona restaurant.
Evening:
We’ll return to the hotel in Sedona in the late evening. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.
Day
4
Geology, Western Ballads & Tales
Location:
Sedona, AZ
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Element Sedona
Activity Note
Classroom based activities. Physical activity level dependent on personal interest during free time.
Breakfast:
at Hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, enjoy a presentation in our hotel conference room on the geological and ecological story of Sedona, the Grand Canyon, and the surrounding area. The talk will help make sense of how the stunning beauty of this area came to be and prepare us for our time spent at the Grand Canyon.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Sedona has many options to offer visitors from fascinating art galleries, hiking the thrilling red rock trails, or taking a “Pink Jeep” out and explore Sedona’s back country and archaeological sites. The Group Leader will be happy to offer additional suggestions.
Dinner:
at Hotel.
Evening:
We will be joined at the hotel by local musicians who will perform their western ballads and tales. Our performers are frequent guests at Southwest cowboy poet festivals and have been delighting Road Scholar participants for more than two decades.
Day
5
Full-Day Field Trip to Grand Canyon National Park
Location:
Sedona, AZ
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Element Sedona
Activity Note
Driving approx. 230 miles throughout the day; about 2.5 hours each way. Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day on mostly flat, paved, or dirt paths.
Breakfast:
at Hotel.
Morning:
Depart the hotel for a full day field trip to the Grand Canyon's South Rim. Your group leader will accompany us on our journey, revealing the Grand Canyon's unique geologic, biologic and historic features while we have the opportunity to walk along the canyon's rim upon arrival. During our walk, we’ll see Grand Canyon Village where many of the most impressive structures in the historic village were designed by Mary Jane Colter, a renowned architect and designer for the Fred Harvey Company and Santa Fe Railroad. We may even see an endangered California condor soaring overhead as you gaze into the Canyon's depths below.
Lunch:
Along the Grand Canyon’s rim, we will have sack lunches including a sandwich, chips, and fruit.
Afternoon:
After a bit of time to explore independently on the rim in the historic village, we will begin our return journey to Sedona. Don't forget to take one last look across to the Canyon's North Rim, 10 miles away as the raven flies, before settling into your seat and recapping the 1.8 billion year layer cake of earth's history you've just seen in person!
Dinner:
On our return back to Sedona, we will break up the trip at the halfway point to enjoy our final celebratory dinner in Flagstaff at a Greek Restaurant. Enjoy a plated meal from a select menu; coffee, tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.
Evening:
Back at the hotel meeting room with our Group Leader, we will have a program wrap-up session and reflect on our experiences. Share some of your favorite memories from the program with new Road Scholar friends. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
Departures
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Breakfast:
At hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
13 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Mar 16, 2025 - Mar 21, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 10, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 24, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 07, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Feb 08, 2026 - Feb 13, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Mar 01, 2026 - Mar 06, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 20, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 17, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- May 03, 2026 - May 08, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- May 17, 2026 - May 22, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Sep 06, 2026 - Sep 11, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Sep 20, 2026 - Sep 25, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Oct 04, 2026 - Oct 09, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Oct 18, 2026 - Oct 23, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Nov 01, 2026 - Nov 06, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
- Nov 15, 2026 - Nov 20, 2026 (Sedona, AZ to Departures)
Participant Reviews
Based on 37 Reviews
Sort By:
The Best of Sedona :Natural & Cultural Landscapes in Red Rock Country was an exceptionally good trip, which exceeded our expectations in all that we got to see and experience . Each day was better than the previous in sights and vistas seen , knowledge and insights gained. Our group leaders ( Shayla and Karen) were exceptionally good, with in depth knowledge of Red Rock Country, Sedona and the Verde Valley, all of the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects that make this region so unique and beautiful. The Grand Canyon was the culmination of a week that provided jaw dropping and inspiring and unforgettable landscapes, to last a lifetime of memories. Do not miss this trip, it truly captures the uncompromising variety of landscapes that make up the Best Landscapes of Red Rock Country and the Grand Canyon.
— Review left October 20, 2024
First, I want to express my enthusiasm for “Best of Sedona: Natural & Cultural Landscapes in Red Rock Country.” I appreciated every aspect of the program, the fellow group members, the excursions to the Grand Canyon, native American dwelling sites, Verde River Valley, train trip to a ghost town with Hollywood history and especially the group leader. Our leader, Karen Sullivan, even went to great lengths to accommodate special wishes, even spontaneously taking several of us out to a nearby ‘dark sky’ area to view the heavens unencumbered by city lights. Another special visit to the Crane Petroglyphs Heritage Site opened my eyes to the fact that the apparently haphazard petroglyphs there in fact document sophisticated calendrical observations of the former inhabitants. The program included a very entertaining evening musical presentation and introduced us to experts helping me appreciate the history — geological, biological, archaeological and social — of the people and things we encountered. There were quite a number of first timers on this program and I believe all were impressed with this introduction to the Road Scholar experience. Highly recommended.
— Review left October 4, 2024
We loved everything about this program! Our tour guide, Rocky Sullivan was excellent and we learned so much from him as well as from all the presenters. Thank you for a great experience!
Michael and Susan Adams-St Petersburg, Florida
— Review left April 21, 2024
Great program and I learned more about our great United States.
— Review left March 27, 2024
This trip was wonderful and gave a great overview of the Sedona area. I enjoyed the ride on the Verde Canyon railroad and the trip to the south rim of the Grand Canyon. We arrived at the canyon on a snowy foggy morning and slowly the sun came out and the fog lifted to unveil the beauty and splendor of the canyon. There are no guarantees on weather, but this couldn't have turned out better. This is an interesting tour and Shayla and Rocky were great group leaders. Free time in the afternoon one day is provided to go to the museum, take a pink jeep tour, hike, or shop in uptown Sedona.
— Review left March 16, 2024
My friend and I came to this program thinking we would learn about and visit landmarks in Sedona and the Grand Canyon, but it was so much more! Participating in an All-Women group was a blast! The women were warm, friendly, smart, and we both came away wanting to keep in touch with all of the other participants. This was so warm and fuzzy, and exciting. This was my first Road Scholar trip, but won't be the last!
— Review left February 25, 2024
Loved being in a Women’s Only group. Women were from all over the country, some were highly educated while some were not, different ages and backgrounds, but we all bonded and enjoyed being together. It was hard to say goodbye at the end of our trip. Sedona and the Grand Canyon were beautiful and so very interesting. This was my first trip and I will be scheduling more.
— Review left February 24, 2024
What a fun experience! I learned a great deal about this part of the country and made many new friends. I especially enjoyed having a small group that was all women. We really bonded and had a great time!
— Review left February 23, 2024
Everyone must see Sedona.
— Review left December 17, 2023
This trip is a good tasting menu of northern Arizona and covers many different subjects of interest to those interested in geology, archaeology, and local history.
— Review left May 15, 2023
This is a very educational experience. You experience so many sites in a short period of time. The program was well organized and fun.
— Review left May 5, 2023
This program was enjoyable and informative. I felt more energized after the program - its nice to know there is so much more to learn and experience.
— Review left February 18, 2023
Food was the worst ever.- at the hotel, and the Chinese restaurant was filthy dirty, moldy and food was HORRIBLE. WE ALL COMPLAINED.
And then the tour leader said we should bring our own food on the Verde train if we wanted, and the staff CONFISCATED our lunches we brought. The tour group leader was apologetic, but did not advocate to the supervisor on my behalf..
I am diabetic and needed that lunch, but instead they threw a box of lettuce at me (I have pictures. I had to speak to a supervisor myself in order to retrieve my personal lunch.
Additionally, when we registered, the first RS agent said we had to pay for two separate rooms--that there were no singles left. That was an additional $700. Then, after speaking with the hotel, they said they never heard of such a thing and did have a room available where my husband and I could be together. I called back RS and the agent said she did not understand what happened and they did have a single room available and would refund us the $700. Still waiting.
— Review left November 21, 2022
Great and educational program about Sedona and its history. So very much fun with a very engaging leader and group of people. I'm in awe of the surroundings and the Grand Canyon specifically. Quite the head turner!
— Review left November 1, 2022
This was my first Road Scholar trip, and I was very impressed and satisfied and happy with everything. I look forward to taking another trip. Well organized and well done in every way! No wonder people say wonderful things about RS.
— Review left October 5, 2022
Always available experience going on a Road Scholar tour.
— Review left October 3, 2022
Five days were too short for this tour as there is so much to see and experience in the Sedona area. However, this tour offered a variety of educational lectures, whether it was about desert critters, the prehistory and recent history, the geology, or the movie industry in Sedona. Sedona and the Grand Canyon are must-sees for anyone who loves the Great Outdoors!
— Review left October 3, 2022
The Sedona experience was fantastic. I learned so much about an area of the country I had never seen. The geology, history, scenery, and history of the native peoples was interesting and informative.
— Review left September 17, 2022
Loved the knowledge of indigenous people in the area. I appreciated the seminar headed by Ken Zoll who discussed his research into the Sunwatchers of the Sinagua people. The Sunwatchers developed a solar calendar etched into the rock, petroglyphs, which functioned to guide seasonal farming.
Bill Krieger, our program leader was always available and approachable. In addition to his informed leadership, he knew ancient history and had a profound understanding of indigenous people and their contribution to life in the area. Bill kept things light; he interspersed his dialogue with witty asides. :)
All 'round good trip.
— Review left May 25, 2022
Thank you, Road Scholar, for allowing us to learn about Sedona in depth. The speakers were terrific and our co-travellers were interesting. The one thing I felt that was missing was physical guidance at the sites we visited. That is, instead of a lecture at the beginning of the site, I felt the leaders should bring us all along and provide details as we went. I'm not saying they didn't present the information in advance, but physically lecturing as we went could make it all come together at the time we were visiting. I felt "left out to dry" at Bell Rock and the Grand Canyon.
Visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, I felt, took up much valuable time, better spent at the vortices.
All in all, it was a wonderful time -- the weather was great and the company was divine. Thank you.
— Review left May 18, 2022
Enjoyed the trip very much. The leader was great - always a good word to say, talked well with the group, and was very knowledgeable. Fellow travelers were congenial and fun to be with.
The rooms were great as was the food. The Greek restaurant in Flagstaff was the absolute best. Enjoyed the afternoon off to prowl around the area. Would not do Spring Break again - just too many people.
The trip was less active than I anticipated. Will try to get more information the next time I book. Sitting for several hours was difficult - the lectures themselves were well presented and very interesting but the chairs were very uncomfortable.
I'm glad I did the trip. It was my first trip and it was interesting to see how many of the group had done multiple trips and really enjoyed it.
— Review left April 5, 2022
This was a beautifully organized trip in great location with a wonderful leader.
— Review left February 21, 2022
Website was easy to use.
— Review left February 19, 2022
Sedona is beautiful this time of year. The Verde Canyon RR trip was the highlight.
— Review left November 15, 2021
I am happy with everything about Road Scholar!
— Review left November 8, 2021
I enjoyed the program immensely! It was everything I thought it would be and more.
— Review left October 24, 2021
Not been to Red Rock Country? This program is jam-packed with archaeological, geological, and ethnobotanical information. The views are breath-taking. The cliff dwellings, the Canyon, the dessert, the red rocks, anywhere you look. Guaranteed: You'll fall in love with Sedona and want to return.
— Review left October 3, 2021
This was my first Road Scholar trip and it will not be my last!!!! Enjoyed every minute and learned so much!!
— Review left September 27, 2021
This was the best RS trip I've ever been on! Ashley our coordinator was caring, energetic, kind, organized and smart: in sum, perfect! Only tweak I would make is to the Grand Canyon day - think it might work better to eliminate 1-2 stops while in the National Park and allow folks more time, especially at the first location (Watchtower on our program). Otherwise, everything in Sedona and Northern AZ was outstanding. This is a great trip. FIVE STARS!
— Review left April 27, 2020
Our first Road Scholar trip was an amazing success. From the landscape of Arizona to the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Canyon, it was all we had hoped for. We are already planning another trip!
— Review left February 24, 2020
Our Best of Sedona Experience was wonderful. It sets the bar for our future trips! Ashley Hardy was a great leader with great relationship and management skills. The daily activities were exciting and memorable. I'm so glad we participated in this wonderful program.. We stayed at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa for a wonderful 5 nights with our Road Scholar group. The customer service we experienced was exceptional. Our room was very comfortable. The meals served to our group were delicious and varied. Our dietary needs were taken into account each meal. My commendations to your staff in each area of service - from the front desk to housekeeping to catering to the barkeepers. All spot on. THANK YOU!!!
— Review left February 17, 2020
I always learn new facts and have new experiences even when I am familiar with the topics and locations.
— Review left February 14, 2020
This was a great program introducing participants to Northern Arizona and Sedona. The participants were very interesting and pleasant. There was a good balance of educational offerings and sight-seeing with a little down time built in. Our group leader was excellent, and she really came through for us when several people became ill at the same time. The Hilton at Red Rocks is a beautiful venue and I particularly liked the gas fireplace in the room. it made it very cozy. There was a nice kitchen set up including small frig, microwave, coffee maker and lots of storage.
— Review left December 23, 2019
Ashley Hardy is a gem!
Wonderful spirit and extraordinary knowledge.
Truly enhanced the trip!
— Review left December 12, 2019
Our leader, although new to Road Scholar, performed wonderfully. The geologist offered in-depth lectures on the rock formations as we traveled, and in the Grand Canyon. He was wonderful. Go on this trip soon, as he is over 90 years old. The train ride is a bit long but we were offered a running commentary on the landscape from a local who was informative and humorous. The gent who gave the lecture on archaeology and prehistoric peoples had an in-depth knowledge which he very effectively shared. I will certainly not remember all the information he presented but it gave me an idea of the settlement of this part of the country.
— Review left September 22, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar program and it certainly won't be my last. It was a fulfillment of a lifelong dream to see and experience the Grand Canyon, and to have Dr. Beus share his knowledge of the geology of this wonder made it all the more rich an experience. Sedona was stunningly beautiful. Our leader Mary Hanson was the best...warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly well organized and skilled in her leadership. Thank you Road Scolar for the trip of a lifetime!
— Review left May 31, 2019
The Road Scholar program provides an interesting and stimulating opportunity to learn, re-learn places, events and cultural narratives of people and disciplines in a compressed wrinkle in time. The interaction among the participants from various backgrounds and regions is in itself a life-embracing surprising joy.
— Review left May 24, 2019
