Meet in Arizona and embark on a springtime exploration of some of the Grand Canyon State’s best-known sites (as well as hidden gems) that highlight its rich ecology, geology, stunning landscapes, and architectural masterworks. Wayne Ranney, a geologic educator, author, lecturer, and trail and river guide, leads the outdoor adventure.
Day 1: Participants arrive in Phoenix. The tour opens with a welcome orientation and dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Start your Arizona explorations at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the state’s oldest and largest botanical garden, set in a beautiful natural environment along Queen Creek Canyon in the Sonoran desert. Featuring plant collections from the world's deserts, the arboretum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also considered an important birding area.
Next, uncover the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright at Taliesin West. On a guided tour, learn about the innovative designs and philosophies that define this architectural masterpiece set against a desert backdrop.
Day 3: Delve into geology and history in Sedona, where red-rock formations and vibrant landscapes inspire awe. Take a Jeep tour into the canyons; view the hilltop chapel inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright; hike along canyon-walled Oak Creek; travel scenic route 89A; and enjoy a meal in the culinary mecca of Sedona. Move on to Flagstaff, your home base for the next 3 nights.
Day 4: Travel to the Grand Canyon’s South Rim and set off on a 3-mile walk along the scenic Rim Trail with your study leader. Learn about the canyon’s formation and the unique ecosystems that thrive here and spend some free time at the visitor’s center.
Day 5: Visit iconic Antelope Canyon, known for its breathtaking light beams and swirling sandstone formations. This slot canyon is on Navajo land steeped in cultural significance. A guided tour includes insights into the nation’s traditions and the geology of the area.
Stop at Horseshoe Bend, formed over thousands of years through erosion of the Colorado River, showcasing both natural beauty and geological processes at work.
Day 6: After a visit to Flagstaff’s Museum of Northern Arizona, share your memorable tour experiences over a farewell meal at a local restaurant, followed by a transfer to the Phoenix airport for your flight home.
Know Before You Go
- Program begins Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. with a welcome dinner in Phoenix and ends on Thursday, May 1 with a late-afternoon transfer to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (tentatively 4:00 p.m.).
- Cost includes 5 nights of accommodations, bus transportation, services of a study leader and Smithsonian representative, 14 meals (5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 5 dinners), gratuities, taxes, and entrance fees.
- Single-room supplement $450 (factored into the Single Room Member and Single Room Non-Member pricing).
- Singles registering at the double-room rate are paired (on a nonsmoking basis) if possible, but must pay the single-room supplement otherwise.
- Travel information: Flights are not included; participants make independent flight arrangements to Phoenix, Arizona.
- Important note: Once the tour has reached its minimum registration, participants will be notified and encouraged to purchase airline tickets. This will occur no later than 60 days prior to the start of the program.
- Once participants are registered, additional information will be sent via email. For questions, please call the tours office at 202-633-8599. We highly suggest registrants consider personal trip insurance. Travel insurance provides additional coverage against unforeseen incidents that require last-minute cancellations.
General Information
- Smithsonian Associates is a mask-friendly environment. Please feel free to bring and wear a mask at any time during a tour, both for your safety or the safety of others.
- As we aim to move away from single use water bottles, guests are strongly encouraged to get in the habit of bringing their own reusable water bottle on tour.
- For additional tour information:
