Day 1 Depart Salt Lake City
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 Hovenweep
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
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 Monument
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
Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley
Start the morning with a hike down into the red sandstone cliffs of Canyon de Chelly 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 NM
Navajo National Monument, Sand Island
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?
Day 7 Natural Bridges
Natural Bridges National Monument
Sipapu, Kachina, and Owachomo, Natural Bridges are majestic examples of the power of Mother Nature. Bridges are like arches, but have been formed by water. You’ll find petroglyphs among these stunning formations named to honor of the Native Americans that once inhabited the area. We’ll make a stop in Moab for dinner as we make our way back to Salt Lake City.
Day 8 Return to Salt Lake City
We’ll roll back into Salt Lake City by noon, and say our goodbyes.
Mesa Verde, Canyon de Chelly, Monument Valley, Navajo National Monument, Hovenweep, Natural Bridges. A one week national parks adventure offered May. Features camping, hiking, Native Ruins, Cliff Dwellings, Petroglyphs. This trip is good for all physical levels/abilities.
