|
|
Trail of the Ancients
Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly,
Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument, Hovenweep
A one
week national parks adventure offered May
Hiking,
Native Ruins, Cliff Dwellings, Petroglyphs
This
trip is good for all physical levels/abilities.
Price
$965 + 6% Utah Tax
May 22-29 |
 |
 |
Day 1 Depart Salt Lake City 2:30 PM...
We start this fantastic trip by picking up
you and your fellow Adventurers in Salt Lake City.
We'll prep you
for your adventure and then enjoy a comfortable journey to our first
national park... |
Day 2
Edge of the Cedars State Park
Hovenweep National Monument
We'll begin our journey into the world of the Ancestral
Puebloans at the Edge of the Cedars Museum, which houses one of
the finest native pottery collections. Climb into your first
Kiva, and begin to understand this ancient world. In the
afternoon, we'll hike around Little Ruin Canyon, at
Hovenweep, NM a great example of mesa top architecture. |
 |
Day 3 Mesa Verde
Designated a World
Heritage Site, Mesa Verde is home to more than 4000 ruins and
some of the best preserved in the world. Ranger led tours
through Balcony House and Cliff Palace will answer many of your
questions, "How did they build it?", Why did they leave?" "What
did the eat?". Tour Spruce House and The Chapin Museum on your
own, or hike the Petroglyph Trail for beautiful views of the
canyon and distant ruins. We'll head to the Western town
of Durango for dinner out before settling into our campground. |
 |
Day 4
Aztec National Monument, Salmon Ruins
Today we explore the Chacoan styles of Aztec and Salmon
Ruins. Once a center for trade and ceremonies, Aztec Ruins is
home to a great kiva and incredible examples of Chacoan Masonry.
A similar site, Salmon Ruins also has examples of a 19th century
homestead, sweat lodge, and hogan. We'll continue through the
beautiful red rock desert past Shiprock formation and camp at
Canyon de Chelly.
|
 |
Day 5 Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley
Start the morning with a hike down the red sandstone cliff
canyon to a lush green valley for great views of White
House Ruins. Explore the ancient and recent history of the
peoples that have occupied this canyon through legend like that
of Spider Woman Rock, and historical events at Massacre
Overlook. We'll end our day at Monument Valley with a sunset
tour of the beautiful mesas and buttes.
|
 |
Day 6 Navajo National Monument,
Sand Island, Moab
The Betatakin Ruins of Navajo National Monument are among
our favorites. These ruins were rumored to be haunted, keeping
thieves and bandits away for decades. A Navajo Ranger will lead
us on a spectacular scenic hike to a beautiful alcove which
protects these incredible dwellings. Which will impress you
more, the scenery or the ruins? As our journey back to Salt Lake
begins, we'll make a stop at a huge petroglyph panel at Sand
Island, and dine at the Moab Brewery! |
 |
Day 7
We'll roll back into Salt Lake City by noon, and say our
goodbyes. |
 |
|
Trip Dates And Pricing
$965 + 6% Utah Sales Tax
May 22-29
Departs and returns to Salt Lake City. Trip price includes
all park entrance fees, camping fees, and 70% of the meals. Call AdventureBus for tips on getting the best airfare and accommodations
before and after your trip! 1-888-737-5263
We also recommend the following online sites for cheaper airfare:
Orbitz:
Flights Search Home ,
Hotwire.com ,
or Kayak.com:
Cheap Flights
Click
Here for Departure Location Information |
What to expect:
After you make a reservation, a confirmation packet will
be sent to you with more detailed information. Below you
will fins the basics,or click
here for our Q&A page. |
Weather
Warm to hot days and cool to chilly nights are typical in the
on this tour. Nights at the higher elevations of Durango
might be somewhat chilly. |
Hikes
The hikes featured on this tour very in length,
technicality, and difficulty.1-7+ miles. Each location has
various hiking options, so there is always something for
everyone! |
Food
Our meals are geared to provide you with the fuel
you need to get through your active days, and yet
still extremely tasty. We can accommodate all
dietary needs. Click
here for
sample recipes. |
What to Bring
Click
here for packing and
equipment suggestions.
|
|

Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde |
|

Your Navajo guided tour of Monument Valley offers
opportunities to photograph the amazing formations up close. |
|

Petroglyph Panel in Mesa Verde |
|

Group shot at Hovenweep |
|

Hiking to White House Ruins in
Canyon de Chelly |
|

White House Ruins |


A rare Mariposa lily and claret cup cactus |
|


Lizards!
|
|


The Hovenweep Towers |
|

Navajo Guides often play and sing for you! |
|

A group shot near Spider Woman Rock, Canyon de Chelly |
|