Canyons of the American Southwest

Day 1

We will meet in Flagstaff, Arizona at 3pm in the lobby of our hotel. At a cool 7,000-foot elevation, located in the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest, we’ll take a walking tour of historic downtown Flagstaff. We get to know our road sisters as we discover the charm of this western city located right on the Mother Road (Route 66). The city was founded on lumber, railroad and ranching and is located near the southwestern edge of the Colorado Plateau. After we stroll this slice of history and beauty, we’ll check into our hotel (if we haven’t already) then enjoy dinner at a local brewery. Overnight Flagstaff.

Day 2

After breakfast, we’re off on a scenic hike through Walnut Canyon where we will gaze across the curved canyon walls. Among the remarkable geological cliff formations of the canyon itself, the shapes of the former homes of ancient inhabitants of Walnut Canyon are easily evident. On a hike along the Rim Trail we’ll imagine what life was like along and within Walnut Canyon while visiting actual pueblos and walking in the steps of those who came before us. We’ll head up to Page, Arizona with lunch on the way. We’ll make a stop for a 2 mile hike to Horseshoe Bend affording beautifully scenic photo opportunities. This was carved by the Colorado River snaking its way south to the Grand Canyon. Then we’ll go into town to board our jeeps to Upper Antelope Slot Canyon for a guided hike by a First Nation member. This beautiful slot canyon is one of the most photographed canyons in the USA. Over thousands of years, wind and water have formed a narrow crevice in the mesa measuring a quarter mile long and 130 feet deep. Breathtaking! We’ll head back to town for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. Overnight Page.

I took a trip with Canyon Calling to northern Arizona and it was beyond fabulous. Janet, the group leader put together an amazing tour of the Grand Canyon and Antelope Slot canyon and much more. The trip far exceeded [my] expectations, and I would highly recommend Canyon Calling for women who want to travel the world. I’m already looking at what other trips I can take with them right now as I’ll definitely be signing up again.
— Kara J., CA

Day 3

After breakfast, we’ll pack up and drive the short distance to Lake Powell, Wahweap Marina.  Here we will board our rental kayaks and enjoy this morning in the natural beauty of this area. It’s fun to paddle to Lion Rock and back, or another route for about two hours. We’ll have lunch in a local eatery or a picnic lunch at the marina, then drive by the north facing section of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. This remote and unspoiled, 294,000-acre monument is a geologic treasure, containing Paria Canyon, Marble Canyon, the Vermilion Cliffs, and many more natural delights. Paria Canyon is considered one of the best canyon-backpacking destinations in the world. Soaring walls are streaked with desert varnish, and serpentine canyons are so narrow in places that the sky is reduced to a ribbon of faded blue. Vast red-rock amphitheaters, sandstone arches, intricate erosion-carved sculptures, woodland terraces, and hanging gardens are found here. Common wildlife includes mountain lions, bighorn sheep, porcupines, beavers, rattlesnakes, red-spotted frogs, bald and golden eagles, violet-green swallows, and great blue herons. We’ll stop for a short hike and continue on our way to Kanab, Utah, as we enjoy the sights and stop at the overlooks. We’ll check into our Lodge for two nights and enjoy dinner. Overnight Kanab.

I can’t believe I stood fearless, high in the canyon, free, laughing, with eight extraordinary loving women.
— Kathy C, NY

Day 4

After breakfast, we’re off for a full day of exploration! Kanab, Utah is classic American West, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. After breakfast, we’re off on a hike that is bucket list worthy. This magnificent hike makes for one morning of adventure giving us stellar views and a new perspective of slot canyons in Southern Utah. Unlike many of the nearby canyons, Peek-a-Boo Canyon (one hiking option) is a slot and corkscrew, and requires zero technical gear or know-how. Once we’re in the canyon, all we have to do is walk through a scenic paradise of red and purple rock. We’ll also make a stop at Best Friends, the largest animal sanctuary of its kind in the U.S. Best Friends has become the heart of a collaborative no-kill movement, and a model for the future of animal welfare. We’ll head back to town for lunch and there are fun, locally owned shops to pop into and maybe bring back a souvenir. This afternoon you have the option to relax and stay in town, or come along with your Trip Leader on a mystery hike – there are so many to choose from – including Zion National Park! We’ll have another delicious dinner. Overnight Kanab.

Wonderful experience that would not be possible without hiking down into the canyons. Our guide Liz stayed with us the whole time even though we were the slower hikers. It was a great adventure.
— Joy F., IL

Day 5

We’ll enjoy breakfast, check out of our lodge, pile into the van and head for the Grandest Canyon of them all – the Grand Canyon! We’ll enjoy a stop at Jacob Lake, gateway to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim is known for its higher elevation and less crowded environment compared to the South Rim. It’s open seasonally, typically from mid-May to mid-October. If the road is open to the canyon, we’ll make a stop and enjoy the beauty of the North Rim. If it’s closed, we’ll still enjoy the local beauty and Jacob Lake Inn’s bountiful bakery.  Next, we continue on our route past the south facing section of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument – so gorgeous! Driving south, we’ll stop for lunch and the Cameron Trading Post for local artist’s goods. Our final destination this afternoon is the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. We will take it all in from many viewpoints and short hikes along the Desert View Drive. We’ll explore the Hopi House and the Grand Canyon Village too before we check into our Lodge. What a delight in the photographs and memories we make. Time for a well-deserved dinner. Overnight Grand Canyon National Park.

I learned I could do things I never would have attempted without the power of the group and our exceptional leader.
— Pat L, CT

Day 6

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a 3 mile hike on the Bright Angel Trail in the Grand Canyon National Park. The Bright Angel Trail is considered the park’s premier hiking trail. Well maintained, graded for stock, with regular drinking water and covered rest-houses, it is without question the safest trail in Grand Canyon National Park. We’ll sense its rich history from ancient pictograph panels and historic structures. For those that wish to skip the hike and walk around Grand Canyon Village, you’ll have about two hours to do so. The wildlife in the park is amazing and photo opportunities are endless. Back from the hike, we’ll have lunch and make a stop at the Visitor Center if we haven’t already.  Our 1.5 hour drive back to Flagstaff is scenic as we discuss this amazing week. We check into our hotel accommodations to get cleaned up and relax from our day.  We’ll choose another fabulous dinner spot for our Farewell Dinner. Overnight Flagstaff.

Day 7

Enjoy breakfast and the hotel’s amenities before departure; or stay and play in this delightful area of northern Arizona!

• 6 days/6 nights, fully guided tour by a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• Hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
• All meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 7
• All land transportation as outlined in this itinerary
• All scheduled activities and excursions listed in the itinerary
• All activity guide gratuities
• All park passes, entrance fees, and taxes

• Round-trip transportation to/from Flagstaff, Arizona
• Alcoholic beverages and all items of a personal nature
• Gratuity to your Trip Leader at the end of the tour