Soaring spires, painted red against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks and endless blue sky, characterize the magical desert scenery of northern Arizona and southern Utah. From the quiet desert paths of Sedona, to the bustling recreation center of Moab, home to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks; the region offers some of the most unique topography found anywhere in the world. We’ll enjoy stunning views of imposing sandstone arches, feel the cool breath of hidden canyon walls, and delight in the sweet aroma of desert wildflowers warming along the banks of perennial streams.
Spring is our favorite time to explore the desert for many reasons. Cabin fever aside, anxious little streams cascade from the region’s high alpine peaks and breathe new life into an otherwise arid land. Dry sandy riverbeds become refreshing bubbling brooks, and the entire region springs alive with blossoms of every color, a sight that only a beholder can truly appreciate. We also timed this year’s tour to coincide with the height of the springtime bloom.
Tour Highlights:
- Sun-drenched patios and sunset dinners.
- White water rafting between stunning sandstone towers.
- Gazing upon 5,000 year-old rock art.
- Exploring ruins and artifacts left over from ancient civilizations.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona. Transfer to Sedona and your well-appointed hotel. The town is perky and fun with a curious blend of mystical crystal and vortex seekers, European travelers and mountain and desert aficionados. The accommodations are divine and the culinary options superb.
Day 2 Delve into the popular region of Oak Creek Canyon. Soaring monoliths conspire with forests of ponderosa, juniper and pinion to produce a region that earned Sedona the title of “The Most Beautiful Place in America,” according to USA Weekend’s Annual Travel Report. We’ll dive into a world where mysterious rock formations seem to glow from within.
Day 3 Sedona truly offers limitless hiking possibilities with unlimited views. We’ll choose between lofty mountain excursions, deep canyon explorations or a mixture of both.
Day 4 A memorable journey delivers us to the virturally unkown outpost of Bluff, Utah, perched on the banks of
the San Juan River. This is the land of Anasazi cliff dwellings, rock art and lost civiliations. Overnight in a charming, atmospheric bed and breakfast located in the center of town.
Day 5 We’ll trade our hiking boots for paddles as we bounce and laugh through the most exciting whitewater sections of the San Juan River. It is no coincidence that some of the finest examples of rock art and cliff dwellings lie along the calm sections of the river. We’ll use our comfortable riverboat to discover these historic houses and renderings leftover from civilizations now gone. Researchers estimate that some of the rock art found in this region goes back 5,000 years.
Day 6 Transfer by van to the bustling desert town of Moab, surrounded by beautiful sandstone cliffs and situated on
the banks of the Colorado River. Meet with a local paleontologist to explore the many fossils and dinosaur bones that punctuate the area. Overnight in another wonderful bed and breakfast.
Day 7 Today we’ll explore a rarely traveled corner of Arches National Park, an area that preserves over two thousand
sandstone arches. We’ll explore balanced rocks, fins and pinnacles, highlighted by a striking environment of contrasting colors, landforms and textures.
Day 8 Our second day in Moab will combine everything wonderful about the desert. We’ll enjoy fantastic wildflower blooms and lost alcoves. The snow capped peaks of the La Sal mountains present a stunning backdrop against endless miles of red sandstone.
Day 9 Depart. Salt Lake City is a convenient departure for this tour.
