Arizona Desert Explorer

Sedona, Montezuma’s Castle, Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater, Saguaro and Wupatki. A seven day Arizona adventure offered in March/April. An Arizona adventure featuring hiking, camping, ghost towns, and native american ruins. This trip is good for all physical levels/abilities.

View Itinerary →

Day 1

Depart Phoenix 9AM

We’ll pick up you and your fellow adventurers in Phoenix at 9AM. Our first stop takes us to the Verde Valley, which was once thriving with 6,000+ Native Americans of the Sinagua Culture. We’ll explore two major pueblo sites: Montezuma’s Castle, a pristine example of a cliff dwelling, and Tuzigoot National Monument where we will take a self guided trail through a 110 room pueblo. We’ll settle in at nearby Dead Horse Ranch State Park which will serve as our base camp for the next few days.

Day 2

Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater and Wupatki

We’ll head north today to explore Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater and Wupatki. Explore the Island and Rim trails which will lead you past 700 year old ruins from the Sinagua people in Walnut Canyon. Next, explore Sunset Crater and learn about its impact on the area. Last, we’ll explore Wupatki and Lomaki Pueblos at Wupatki. Discover the variety of peoples that passed through here and the importance of its location as a major trading outpost. We’ll eat dinner out in Flagstaff, Arizona before returning to our campsite again at Dead Horse Ranch State Park.

Day 3

Red Rock State Park and Sedona

We’ll start our day at Red Rock State Park. Explore the exhibits at the Miller Visiter Center or hike numerous trails through the lush riparian eco system with beautiful red rock vistas. In the afternoon we’ll explore the unique town of Sedona, Arizona which is full of galleries, unique shops and western fun! We’ll drive to camp at our next destination, Lost Dutchman State Park.

Day 4

Lost Dutchman State Park and Ghost Town

Hike right from our campground on the Treasure Loop Trail or Jacob’s Crosscut Trail at the base of the beautiful Superstition Mountains. In the afternoon we’ll visit Goldfield Ghost Town complete with a saloon, museum, mine tours and of course ice scream and souvenirs!

Day 5

Kartchner Caverns State Park

Today we’ll go under ground! Discovered in 1974, Kartchner Caverns became public knowledge in 1988 when it became a state park. We’ll see stalactites and stalagmites that have been growing for tens of thousands of years on guided, underground tours. We’ll see such formations as shields, totems, helictites, and rimstone dams and the world’s largest soda straw stalactite!

Day 6

Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park

Spend the morning at the Arizona-Sonoran Desert Museum and see the treasures of the Sonoran desert up close! Cholla, saguaro, prickly pear, ocotillo, javelinas, hummingbirds, lizards and snakes! In the afternoon, we’ll explore Saguaro National Park, before we settle in for our last night among the cacti at Picacho Peak State Park.

Day 7

Return to Phoenix by noon.

Trip Details

Arrival & Departure

This tour departs and returns to Phoenix, Arizona.

Transportation

This tour features our unique Adventure Bus sleeper coach.

Accommodations

This adventure tour features tent camping and bus bunking. We’ll provide the tents and sleeping pads. You’ll need to rent or bring a sleeping bag. Contact us for helpful hints on accommodations and flights before and after your tour.

Weather

Warm to hot days and cool to chilly nights are typical on the Arizona tour. Nights at the higher elevations can be chilly.

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.

Hikes & Difficulty

This is a lighter hiking tour, consisting of several nature trails and hiking trails. 1-5 miles. Each location has various hiking options, so there is always something for everyone!