7-Nights Southwest Family Journey: Sedona, Zion & the Grand Canyon - National Geographic Family Journeys from $4,199

G Adventures: Southwest Family Journey: Sedona, Zion & the Grand Canyon

Day 1: Phoenix
Welcome to Phoenix–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.


Day 2: Phoenix/Sedona
Your day begins with a visit to Montezuma Castle to explore a window into the region’s past. The castle was the third National Monument dedicated to preserving Native American culture and was established in December 1906. Enjoy a picnic lunch on site before continuing to Sedona. Upon arrival, take to the terrain on a guided jeep tour, where you’ll travel down unpaved trails and canyons while learning about the native landscape, wildlife and geological history of the area. You’ll also get spectacular views of Sedona’s iconic red rock formations. In the evening, arrive at the hotel, where dinner will be at your leisure.


Day 3: Sedona
Enjoy a morning on your own to explore Sedona with your family. You may choose to hit the trails on a hike, where you can explore the area’s stunning scenic surroundings, which includes everything from caves to canyons, red rocks and natural bridges. In the afternoon, depart for Verde Canyon, where you’ll climb aboard a private train car and ride the rails of the historic route from Clarkdale to Perkinsville. Continue through a protected corridor along the rippling green waters of the Verde River, bordered by towering red rock pinnacles, fortified bridges and a tunnel carved through solid rock. Return to the hotel in Sedona and enjoy an evening at your leisure.


Day 4: Sedona/Grand Canyon
Spend the day exploring one of nature’s most spectacular natural formations—the Grand Canyon. Marvel as the vastness unfolds before you and the land drops almost straight down for more than 3,280 ft (1,000 m) into the rainbow-colored canyons below. In the morning explore along the rim of the canyon, then spend the afternoon on your own. Choose to view iconic park structures at the Historic Village District, then descend below the canyon rim on your own along the Bright Angel Trail to see 2,000-year-old rock art and 250-million-year-old fossils. Other options include a visit to the Yavapai Geology Museum, a walk along the South Rim or watching a documentary at Grand Canyon IMAX Theater. In the evening, there will be an optional pizza dinner on the rim of the canyon overlooking the setting sun—an unforgettable experience for your entire family.


Day 5: Grand Canyon/Zion National Park
Get an early start to the day with a visit to the mighty Horseshoe Bend on the way to Page, Arizona. Stand on the steep vermillion cliffs overlooking the horseshoe bend in the Colorado River, which was formed 5 to 6 million years ago. Enjoy a picnic lunch in Page before an unforgettable, private kayak adventure through a section of Antelope Canyon that is only accessible by water. Paddle alongside your knowledgeable and experienced guides as you explore this stunning sandstone slot canyon while learning about its history. Along the way, jump into the refreshing water for a swim in the shadows of the massive canyon walls. This evening, arrive at your accommodations in Zion and have dinner at your leisure.


Day 6: Zion Ranch
Enjoy a full free day exploring the many amenities and activities at the ranch. Opt in for activities like, horseback riding, hiking, jeep tours, canyoneering and more! You may also choose to relax with a rejuvenating yoga flow, sit by the pool or just admire the magnificent landscape that surrounds you. You may also choose to go on a walk in search of the diverse plants and animal life in the area of the park that transitions from desert to forest. In the evening, join together with your fellow travelers for dinner. At night, be sure to head outside for some stargazing beneath the infinite sky.


Day 7: Zion National Park/Las Vegas
Travel further into Zion National Park for a guided hike along the Emerald Pool Trail. This 3-mile loop features a striking desert oasis in the middle of the park. The trail follows along a small, verdant stream, which collects in a series of pools. There are 3—upper, middle and lower—making this hike one of the most peaceful destinations in Zion Canyon. Lunch will be on your own in Springdale before you continue on to Las Vegas. In the evening, attend a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.


Day 8: Las Vegas
Depart at any time.