Native Pathways

May 19-23, 2008 

5 Day, 4 Night Tour

A trip into the Past – Prehistoric Indians, Native Americans, Spanish Conquistadors, and early day Pioneers

Besh-Ba-gowah Archaeological Park, Coronado Trail, Hanagans Meadow, Greer, Lyman Lake, Zuni and Acoma Pueblo and Bandera Ice Caves

·         May 19, 2008 (Day One):  Depart Phoenix and travel through the Arizona mining towns of Superior, Miami and Globe.  In Globe we visit the Besh-Ba-gowah Ruins, one of the largest single site archaeological collections in the southwest, where you can walk through a 700-year-old Salado Culture Pueblo, climb ladders to second story rooms, and see typical furnishings of the era.  Numerous artifacts of this remarkably advanced culture are displayed in the Besh-Ba-Gowah Museum.  Then we continue east across the San Carlos Apache Reservation to Safford, Arizona where we overnight at the Quality Inn. Enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.

·         May 20, 2008 (Day Two):  After breakfast, we depart Safford and travel the mining communities of Clifton and Morenci where we begin our adventure today – the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway.  This drive is a favorite of motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts, with switchbacks, steep grades, and hairpin turns. The Coronado Trail is known as one of the best adventure driving roads in the nation!  You will enjoy vistas stretching for miles on end and an abundance of wildlife.  The day also includes visits to the Hannagan Meadow, Alpine and Greer.  Overnight in Springerville.

·         May 21, 2008 (Day Three):  Today we drive along the Little Colorado River to Lyman Lake State Park for a short hike on the Petroglyphs Trail.  Then we cross into New Mexico and stop at the Zuni Pueblo where we learn about the Zuni nation at their museum and mission.  Next we will visit the Bandera Volcano and Ice Caves to experience this unique land of “fire and ice.”  Overnight Acoma Sky City Hotel and Casino.

·         May 22, 2008 (Day Four):  This morning we visit “Sky City”, the Acoma Pueblo on top of a beautiful mesa. Our first stop is the new Acoma Sky City Cultural Center where you can browse the exhibits before the guided tour to the mesa. Following lunch, we travel to Albuquerque where you will have time to explore Old Town, a village that has been the focal point of community life since 1706.  The day also includes a visit to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.  Overnight at Best Western Rio Grande.

 

·         May 23, 2008 (Day Five):  Our time in Albuquerque ends with a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of Sandia Peak via the Sandia Tram.  Afternoon will find us on our way back to Phoenix arriving mid evening.  If you wish to fly from Albuquerque to Phoenix on your own – plan a flight to depart around noon or shortly thereafter.  This flight is not included in the price of this tour.

Cost of the 5-day, 4-night Native Pathways tour includes, hotels as listed, porterage and taxes, all breakfasts, two dinners, admissions at attractions, professional guide service and deluxe sightseeing transportation.  $1,150.00 per person double occupancy,  $1,350.00 Single,  Children sharing room with parents $800.00

July 21-25 2008

5 Day, 4 Night Tour

 

• July 21, 2008 (Day One): Depart Phoenix and travel through the mountains of Flagstaff to the Navajo Nation.  We stop for lunch at Tuba City before our afternoon jeep tour of Monument Valley.  Following the sightseeing, we visit the Navajo Cultural Center in Kayenta.  Overnight Kayenta.

 

• July 22, 2008 (Day Two):  This morning we depart Arizona and travel through scenic southern Utah visiting the Mormon communities of Bluff, Blanding and Monticello. A highlight will be “Newspaper Rock” as we make our way to the Needles Section of Canyonlands National Park. After a visit at the Ranger Station and Visitor Center, we take a short walk along the Potholes Nature Trail to learn about the ecology of the area.  Overnight in Moab.

 

• July 23, 2008 (Day Three):  Today is spent touring Arches National Park, starting with the Visitor Center to learn about the famous formations and how the arches were formed.  Sightseeing includes the Windows Section ~ for fabulous photo opportunities ~ and a walk in the Devil’s Garden to Landscape Arch, the highest arch in the Park.  After an included dinner, we attend the Canyonlands by Night light show on the Colorado River.  Overnight at Canyonlands Inn. (B, D)

 

• July 24, 2008 (Day Four):  This morning we visit the “Island in the Sky” section of Canyonland National Park.  Our first stop will be the Visitor Center at Dead Horse Point State Park where we learn about the history of this promontory with a 360° view above the Colorado River.  Another memorable overlook is at Grand View Point where we take in a different panoramic look at the Canyonlands.  Overnight at Canyonlands Inn. (B)

 

• July 25, 2008 (Day Five):  Our return trip to Phoenix includes a stop in historic Bluff at the Twin Rocks Trading Post where we will learn about the history of the area.  We then travel through Monument Valley, enjoying the views from a different perspective.  En route, we will also visit the Visitor Center at Navajo National Monument and walk the rim trail to Betatakin Ruin overlook.  Arrive Phoenix approximately 7:00 pm. (B)

 

• Cost of this five-day/four-night tour includes: lodging, taxes, porterage, meals as indicated, admission fees, professional guide service and deluxe sightseeing transportation and a fun-filled five days exploring canyon country of Arizona and Utah.  $1,050.00 Per person Double Occupancy, $1,285.00 Single,  $735.00 Child sharing room with parent.

September 22-25, 2008 

4-day 3-night tour Navajo Nation, Mesa Verde National Park and Durango and Silverton RR

 

• September 22, 2008 (Day One):  Depart Phoenix and travel through the mountains of Flagstaff to the Navajo Indian Reservation.  We stop for lunch at Tuba City and then explore the Navajo Museum, which includes the exhibit featured at the Salt Lake Olympics. The modern museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and unique culture of the Navajo Nation. Continue to Colorado to overnight in Cortez.

 

• September 23, 2008 (Day Two):  Today we spend seeing Mesa Verde National Park, starting with the Visitor Center and touring the famous cliff dwellings of Spruce Tree House, Balcony House or Cliff Palace.  We depart late afternoon and travel to Durango where we overnight. (B)

 

 

• September 24, 2008 (Day Three):  This morning we take a trip into the past aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.  The railroad arrived in Durango in 1881 and the Silverton line was completed in an amazing nine months.  This historic train has been in continuous operation for 126 years.  You are sure to enjoy the spectacular scenery as we travel through the San Juan Mountains.  Overnight in Durango.   (B)

 

• September 25, 2008 (Day Four):  Our return journey to Phoenix takes us through the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and Navajo Nation.  We will learn more about the history and culture of these indigenous peoples of the southwest. (B)

 

Cost of this 4-day 3-night tour includes: lodging, taxes, porterage, breakfast daily, admission fees, coach class train tickets, professional driver/guide, and deluxe sightseeing transportation, and a fun-filled 4 days in this scenic part of our country.  $850.00 per person double occupancy,  $990.00 Single, $595.00 child sharing room with parents.