Description
Climate change is significantly impacting Reservoir Powell, allowing Glen Canyon to rise again from the depths of impounded waters—a story of human history rises with it. Join us on an extraordinary journey in a landscape steeped in cultural traditions as we boat and hike through delicate formations seemingly frozen in time with perspective changing rapidly under modern influences. With storytellers and knowledge keepers as your guides, gain new insights on history and humanity—a unique opportunity to better understand Indigenous, archaeological, and conservation perspectives of a place that has its own story to tell.
Highlights
- Explore Glen Canyon by motorboat, and camp on the shores of Lake Powell under the magnificent star-scape of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.
- Float through red rock canyons to discover hidden springs, seasonal watercourses, rock art, and ancestral dwellings.
- Learn from scholars who share their personal insights of a sacred landscape that has supported culture and traditional lifeways for thousands of years.
What to Expect
Limited to 12 registered participants. Meals, lodging, and transportation provided. Itinerary subject to change.
Sunday, May 12: Arrival in Flagstaff
Gather in the late afternoon at our hotel to meet the group and learn details of the week to come. Overnight: Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ (D)
Monday, May 13: Raft trip below the Glen Canyon Dam
After a drive to Page, AZ, we will meet a raft at the base of the dam for a tour through a wild-and-scenic stretch of Glen Canyon with our float day finishing at the mouth of the Grand Canyon at Lees Ferry. Overnight: Hotel in Page, AZ (B, L, D)
Tuesday, May 14: Lake Powell — Water Day #1
Step aboard a motorboat and take in views of Glen Canyon from above the dam on Lake Powell. We will ride, talk, learn, and camp on the waves and shores of this massive human-made body of water. Overnight: Camping, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area (B, L, D)
Wednesday, May 15: Lake Powell — Water Day #2
We will take our time boating through flooded canyons to find treasures for your eyes and your camera’s shutter to behold. The canyons will reveal and inspire stories from our scholars as we alternate between short hikes ashore and letting the motorboats do most of the work. Overnight: Lees Ferry Lodge, Marble Canyon, AZ (B, L, D)
Thursday, May 16: Marble Canyon
There is much to see in the Marble Canyon area and we will spend a memorable day walking, listening, and gazing in awe as we discuss human history from multiple perspectives while visiting interesting places. Overnight: Lees Ferry Lodge, Marble Canyon, AZ (B, L, D)
Friday, May 17: Wupatki National Monument and the Museum of Northern Arizona
We will take our time getting back to Flagstaff by stopping at Wupatki National Monument for a brief visit, then on to the Museum of Northern Arizona for a view of their collections and exhibits. Overnight: Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ (B, L, D)
Saturday, May 18: Departures
Warm goodbyes, then air-conditioned transportation modes will carry us towards our homes after breakfast. (B)
*(B, L, D) indicates meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This program requires special permission from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California CST 2059347-50.
Is this program right for me?
WHAT TO EXPECTThe itinerary is designed for energetic people in good health who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure. Team spirit and a good sense of humor are vital! This is a boating and hiking intensive program consisting of three days of sitting and looking up with hiking adventures interspersed. Be prepared for hikes across rugged and remote canyonlands for several miles on uneven, rocky trails. These trails are not well maintained and will have hazardous footing. Some routes will be steep with loose rock and no shade. While staff members are available for assistance, you should be comfortable using your hands to steady yourself and be able to take steps higher than a standard staircase step to navigate boulders and bedrock. We expect the weather this time of year to be hot, windy, and unpredictable. This program involves van travel and hiking to access both front country and backcountry sites. Some days will include van rides of up to four hours while other van rides may last less than 30 minutes with multiple stops. Itinerary is subject to change.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The program involves many different hotels in Arizona and one night of camping. The view from your room or tent will change almost every evening so please be prepared to stay on the move and pack every morning. Lodging at Lees Ferry is limited and some participants may be required to share a hotel room with a fellow traveler.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How strenuous is the program? This program involves long days with extended periods of sitting for boat rides; the likelihood of much sun exposure; and several short, steep and technical hikes ashore. We will travel great distances in vehicles each day and take in a lot of information and new ideas so we will be tired every evening from all we have seen and done.
How long are the hikes on the trip? Generally our hikes will be one to four miles, however, we like to keep our options open for serendipitous opportunities that may take us further. These hikes will be steep and technical, on rugged, steep, rocky terrain with little or no shade. Our hikes will sometimes begin and end by stepping off and back on a rocking boat so having good balance and strength in your stride will be important. If you choose to opt out of a hike, your options will likely be spending time on the boat, in the shade of a van, or on shore nearby.
How much elevation gain do the hikes have? Elevation gain will depend on the level of the lake. We anticipate most hikes to only gain several hundred feet or less but will likely do so in a few steps, making for a steep incline.
Will we be backpacking? No. We will have a base camp where we depart and return each day. Be prepared to carry a daypack with your personal belongings and items of comfort.
Will there be opportunities for swimming? Yes, but the water can be very cold this time of year. We will have time for swimming but a dip in cold water will not be mandatory.
What camping gear is provided? You may bring your own gear (tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag) if you wish, or you may rent sleeping bags through our outfitter if you do not have your own. Crow Canyon will provide tents, air mattresses, camp chairs, all dining ware, and a camp toilet.
What time does the program start on the first day? We will gather at 4:00 p.m. at the designated hotel in Flagstaff, AZ on the first day.
What time does the program end on the last day? We’ll depart from our hotel in Flagstaff, AZ right after breakfast, or at checkout time depending on your desire.
What airports will transportation be provided from? Crow Canyon will provide transport to/from the Flagstaff airport and the bus terminal where the Phoenix shuttle bus arrives and departs several times a day.
Can I drive myself during the program? Can I bring an RV to stay in instead? No, we prefer to travel as a group in Crow Canyon vehicles each day and we will have a place to park your vehicle for the week while we are adventuring. We will not have a place to park RVs, nor will the logistics be conducive for RV travel.
What if I have a dietary restriction? Please fill out your medical form and check with your Program Manager. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions to your satisfaction.
WHAT NEXT?
Register online or contact Tayler Hasbrouck at travel@crowcanyon.org. Prior to the program start date, we will provide trip details, a packing list, and forms for you to complete. Please direct specific questions and concerns to the Program Manager, Adam Kackstetter at akackstetter@crowcanyon.org
