Compare Hiking in Mesa Verde, Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes National Parks by Road Scholar vs Wonders of the American West by Insight Vacations

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Trip	Hiking in Mesa Verde, Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes National Parks by Road Scholar 4.5 \| Great 284 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize	Wonders of the American West by Insight Vacations 5 \| Excellent 10402 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve

Duration	8 days	11 days
Price From	$ 1,599	$ 4,395
Price Per Day	$ 200	$ 400
Highlights	Hike the spectacular rim of one of Colorado's picturesque national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gain two perspectives on ancient Native American history with hikes at Mesa Verde National Park and the Ute Tribal Park to explore magnificent ruins Hike through Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and learn from experts how this dramatic, changing landscape resulted from 15,000 years of sand deposits	Choose between two carefully selected activities Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions. Grand Canyon: Join your Travel Director for a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) roundtrip, this scenic hike will provide spectacular views of the canyon's unique geology. : Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Our customized luxury coaches are sanitized before the start of your tour and are maintained to very high standards. Physical distancing measures have been implemented on our customized luxury coaches. : Experience enhanced hygiene protocols to align with the latest guidance following COVID-19. All Travel Directors, Well-Being Directors and Drivers have completed training in enhanced well-being and hygiene protocols. : Our Well-Being Directors take a proactive approach to your welfare ensuring all well-being regulations are met (available on tours with 21 or more guests). : Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day. : We only work with establishments we are confident will consistently adhere to our high well-being standards, which include hotels, restaurants and sight-seeing venues. Monument Valley: Take a journey through Monument Valley Navajo Tribal park, meeting Navajo Local Experts on a guided journey across tribal land. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage, plus the careful balance maintained here between the tribes and the land. : "It’s magical to see how a group of guests come together over the course of our trip. I can always tell when that’s happening because they start planning their own ‘post-arrival’ activities before the travel day has finished." Las Vegas: At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at the Bacchanal Buffet, with an award-winning spread that spans over 25,000 square feet where you can indulge on flavors from around the globe. Moab: Enjoy a Dine-Around evening as you choose from a hand-picked selection of mouthwatering restaurants. Bryce Canyon National Park: Get together with your new friends for a memorable Celebration Dinner within the park's beautiful surroundings. Dining Summary: 5 Dinner with Wine (DW), 9 Breakfast (B), and 1 Lunch (L) Grand Canyon National Park: Join your Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for an informative talk about the wonders of the Grand Canyon. With over seven years of experience in geology, you'll learn about the origins of the five-million-year-old canyon, its rock formation and its current impact. You'll also discover the local flora and fauna, and find out where you might be able to spot elk, mule deer, coyotes, grey foxes, bobcats and mountain lions. Glen Canyon Dam: Later today, you’ll stop by the Glen Canyon Dam where you’ll learn about its history and impact on the Colorado River. Mesa Verde National Park: Make your way to Mesa Verde National Park, See the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, known as the Cliff Palace. As the day draws to a close, your lodge awaits you inside the park. Be in awe of the sweeping vistas that surround and reach into three states. Monument Valley: Meet your Navajo Local Experts and board all-terrain vehicles (waiver required) with open sides for a private, off-the-beaten path exploration of this magical valley. Learn about Navajo history, culture and heritage from your expert as you travel deeper in the natural wonders of this unique landscape. Mesa Verde National Park: See the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings, known as the Cliff Palace. Arches National Park: Enjoy views of the natural formations, including the iconic Delicate Arch. Canyonlands National Park: Venture to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky - a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Capitol Reef National Park: Join your Travel Director to see the natural sights along Capitol Reef's Waterpocket Fold, known as “a geological wrinkle on earth”. The geologic monocline extends almost 100 miles and is filled with cliffs, canyons, domes and bridges. Admire petroglyphs and the domed shaped sandstone walls along the canyon. Bryce Canyon National Park: Head to the sandstone cliffs of Bryce Canyon National Park in Southern Utah. Here you will be met by pine trees and red rock pillars. Take a leisurely walk along Sunset Point while you view the great amphitheatres of the odd-shaped monoliths, known as hoodoos. Bryce Canyon National Park: The Park is home to the most spectacular collection of hoodoos - tall skinny shafts of rock that protrude from the bottom of arid basins. While hoodoos are scattered throughout these areas, they are most abundant in the northern section of Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion National Park: See the grandeur and natural features of the canyon in total comfort while traveling via private open-air tram with live on-board commentary. Grand Canyon: Join your Travel Director for a relaxed hike along the rim of the Grand Canyon from Mather Point to Yavapai Point. 1.4 miles (2.25 kilometres) roundtrip, this scenic hike will provide spectacular views of the canyon's unique geology. Monument Valley: Experience true authentic dining as you explore Monument Valley with a traditional Navajo cookout. Prepared by Navajo women in their tribal lands, this experience demonstrates their culture and supports the community. Dine on delicious steak and tasty Navajo Tacos, or try the or veggie option, all served with fried bread, corn on the cob and beans.
Trip Style	Small group tour	Group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	3- Moderate	0- Wheelchair accessible
Travel Themes	Nature & Wildlife Hiking & Walking National Parks	Cultural 50 plus
Countries Visited	United States	United States
Cities and Attractions	Mesa Verde	Bryce Canyon National Park Grand Canyon Lake Powell Las Vegas Mesa Verde Monument Valley
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Airfare included
Activities	Culture Educational/ learning Hiking Historic sightseeing History	Culture
Meals Included	7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 4 Dinners The following choices may be available when requested in advance:	N/A
Description	Learn about Southwest Colorado’s history and geology as local experts lead hikes through nature-made dunes and man-made ancient ruins in some of the state’s greatest national parks.	See the best of the American West on this 10-Day guided tour. Join a Local Expert at Grand Canyon National Park for a one-of-a-kind experience: Allow the expert to guide you through the park while teaching you about how this national treasure was formed. On the way to picturesque Lake Powell, stop at the Glen Canyon Dam, then lounge at the pool of your hotel. In Page, enjoy a Navajo inspired taco buffet dinner and performance. Meet a Navajo guide in Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will board ATVs, explore the valley and learn about the tribe’s history. Later, eat a traditional Navajo lunch amid the valley’s beautiful buttes and mesas. In Moab, see the ancient pueblo dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, where the Ancestral Pueblo people once lived. Travel to Bryce Canyon National Park to explore its rock pillars and natural amphitheaters — then feast with your fellow travelers overlooking the park’s iconic orange rock formations.

Itinerary: Hiking in Mesa Verde, Black Canyon and Great Sand Dunes National Parks

Day 1

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Program Registration. After you have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Orientation. 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will have plenty of choices to order plated meals from the menu, with soft drinks, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Hike Mesa Verde National Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 40 miles one way; about 1 hour each way. Walking up to 4 miles throughout the day; about 3 hours total; hard surface trails, some rocky and sandy trails; several short ladders for access into ruins.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a hotel buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Riding by van, we will make our way to Mesa Verde National Park and World Heritage Site. With our instructor and park rangers, we will bring history to life and explore these ancient North American cliff dwellings. As we hike with park rangers through the cliff dwellings, we’ll learn about the people who once lived here before setting out on self-led walks of surface ruins. In doing so, we will discover some of the rich and amazing history of the ancient Puebloans with a focus on architecture and culture.

Lunch: During our hike, we’ll have boxed lunches including a pre-selected sandwich, chips, fruit, cookie, and bottled water.

Afternoon: Our exploration of Mesa Verde will continue with time for self-led visits to the museum and Visitor Center. At the end of the afternoon, we will reconvene and return to Durango.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Durango. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. You may wish to explore historic downtown Durango. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Red Arrow Inn and Suites

Ute Tribal Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 50 miles to Tribal Park, about 1 hour; then approximately 135 miles to Montrose, about 2.5 hours, with stops. Hiking up to 5 miles; about 3 hours on primitive unpaved, rocky trails, climb 5 ladders for entry and exit of prehistoric sites.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we will travel to the Ute Tribal Park Headquarters to meet members of local Ute tribes, who will be our expert leaders for the day. They will then accompany us to Ute Tribal Park, which is adjacent to Mesa Verde, contains numerous ancient ruins, and is only accessible by special arrangement and accompaniment by a local escort. Our experts’ interpretations will add an understanding of the ancient inhabitants as well as today's Ute life and culture. During our time here, we will visit surface ruins and rock art sites, then hike into Lion Canyon where we will climb ladders to access the magnificent ruins.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have our boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll then complete the morning's visit and hikes in Ute Tribal Park’s Lion Canyon before continuing our transfer to Montrose.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will have plenty of choices to order plated meals from the menu, with soft drinks, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: Upon arrival at the hotel, we’ll check in and get settled. The remainder of the evening will be at leisure.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Red Arrow Inn and Suites

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Activity note: Driving approximately 13 miles one way; about 1 hour roundtrip. Walking/hiking approximately 6 miles total throughout the day; about 4 hours; uneven, rocky trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items to choose from, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Aboard our vans, we’ll travel to one of the nation’s newer national parks, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, established in 1999. Once we arrive, we will take several hikes along the South Rim of the canyon from a 1-mile loop to a 3-mile walk point to point. Embracing 20,766 acres, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains 12 miles of the deepest portion of the Gunnison Gorge. The Gunnison River has cut some of earth’s oldest base rocks to a depth of 2,700 feet. The top of the canyon narrows to about 1,100 feet, but down by the river the canyon narrows in places to about 40 feet. As we enjoy our visit, we’ll marvel at this natural wonder, a truly amazing sight.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll complete our hikes and return by vans to Montrose in the mid-afternoon. On the way, we’ll make a stop at the Visitor Center for a rest stop and self-led visit to the exhibits and film. For those who wish, we will take a van to the Ute History Museum led by our expert staff and museum docents.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in downtown Montrose. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa

Black Canyon, Curecanti Creek Trail Hike

Activity note: Driving approximately 160 miles; about 4 hours total; 1 hour in the morning and 3 in the afternoon, with stops. Hiking approximately 4 miles roundtrip; about 3 hours; unpaved, rocky trails elevation change of 900 feet.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: After checking out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer from Montrose to Alamosa, making a stop on the way for a hike on the Curecanti Creek Trail at Pioneer Point, which is within the Black Canyon and the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Descending from the high rim of the Upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison where scrub oak and sage dot the landscape, the trail then parallels Curecanti Creek as it makes its way toward Morrow Point Reservoir. Morrow Point Reservoir is at the end of the 2-mile descent into the canyon. In addition, the Curecanti Needle, a 700-foot spire, towers above at the trail's end. The Creek Trail is punctuated by a change in ecosystems as one descends into the canyon. Oak and sage on the rim gives way to conifers and water-loving plants such as Bog Birch and Rocky Mountain Maple. Ancient rock ranging in age from 1 billion to 1.8 billion years old makes up the trail and walls of the canyon. These are the oldest rocks or “basement” rocks found in Colorado, making up a formation called the Black Canyon Formation.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: Upon completing our hike, we’ll continue our drive to Alamosa by way of the Scenic Highway over Cochetopa Pass and into the San Luis Valley. Along the way, we’ll see the amazingly rugged peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Range, beacons for early Spanish explorers.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will have plenty of choices to order plated meals from the menu, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Alamosa

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Activity note: Driving approximately 34 miles; about 1.5 hours roundtrip. Hiking approximately 6 miles total; about 4 hours; loose and packed sandy terrain on the dunes.

Breakfast: At the hotel, we’ll have a buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold items to choose from, plus milk, juice, coffee, tea, water.

Morning: Setting out from the hotel via vans, we’ll spend the day hiking at the 38,000-acre Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Starting at the Visitor Center, we’ll gain an understanding of the park through exhibits and film. Then, we will hike out onto the dunes and explore this unique geographic phenomenon led by our expert staff geologist. Too heavy to rise with the winds that carry it north-eastward across the flat, semiarid floor of the San Luis Valley, sand settles at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Range. The deposits that have accumulated over 15,000 years have resulted in a 39-square-mile dune, making it the largest in North America.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: We’ll continue our hike until returning the vans for transfer back to Alamosa in the mid-afternoon.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in downtown Alamosa. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Best Western Durango Inn and Suites

Vallecito Creek Trail, Farewell Dinner

Activity note: Driving approximately 150 miles; about 3 hours total throughout the day, with stop for hike; riding approx. 2 hours in the morning and 1/2 hour in the afternoon. Hiking between 4 and 5 miles depending on group interest and time available; between 2 to 3 hours; rocky gravel trail; elevation change of roughly 400 feet.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet.

Morning: Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll begin our transfer by vans back to Durango with a stop en route in the nearby scenic area of Vallecito Creek where we will take a scenic hike in the Weminuche Wilderness. The hike begins in the bottom of a picturesque and steep canyon with ponderosa pine forest, aspen and conifers before climbing gradually north following Vallecito Creek. Views of waterfalls, cascades, and pools punctuate the hike and, depending on our turn-around point that will be decided by group interest and available time, we may cross up to three creeks while passing through meadows and aspen groves.

Lunch: Along the trail, we’ll have boxed lunches.

Afternoon: After completing our hike, we’ll finish our transfer to Durango for a mid-afternoon arrival at the hotel for check-in.

Dinner: At a local restaurant, we will order plated meals from the many choices on the menu, plus soft drinks, coffee, tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Evening: At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast

Program Concludes

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast: Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Itinerary: Wonders of the American West

Day 1: Arrive in Las Vegas

Welcome to glittering Las Vegas. On arrival at Las Vegas International Airport, your transfer will take you to your hotel. At 18:00, join your Travel Director and companions for a Welcome Dinner with wine at the award-winning Bacchanal Buffet.

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

Dinner with Wine

Day 2: The Wonders of the Grand Canyon

Journey on to Grand Canyon National Park. Choose to hike along the scenic Rim Trail with your Travel Director. Alternatively join a Local Expert, Canyon Tim, for a fascinating discussion on the wonders of this natural phenomenon, and learn about the local flora and fauna, and find out how you might be able to spot the local wildlife.

Grand Canyon National Park Lodge

Breakfast

Day 3: Grand Canyon and Lake Powell

Wake up to the backdrop of the Grand Canyon and enjoy some peace and tranquility before the day trippers arrive. You may take an optional flight-seeing helicopter ride for stunning views over the Grand Canyon before departing for the majesty of Lake Powell. Stop at Glen Canyon Dam to learn about its impact on the Colorado River before arriving at your lakefront resort. Check in to your room and enjoy the evening at leisure. Watch the sunset as you dine or relax by the pool.

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.

Breakfast

Day 4: A Leisurely day at Lake Powell Relaxed Start

Spend the day doing entirely as you please. Perhaps join an optional float trip (signed liability waiver required) down one of the most scenic stretches of the Colorado River or take to the skies and see the sights of Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, and Horseshoe Bend with a 20 Minute landing on Tower Butte. The incredible 360-degree panoramic view this high is unlike any other. In the evening, enjoy an authentic dinner and performance at Red Heritage, a Navajo owned and operated performing arts theatre.

Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 5: Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation

Journey on through the barren beauty of the desert to Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, where you will MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®. Board a Jeep 4x4 to explore the valley with your Navajo guide. These sturdy all-terrain vehicles offer open sides for spectacular views and a roof to protect you from the sun. Learn about Navajo history from your guide and more about life on their beautiful land. The area is also the backdrop for many Western Hollywood hits, including "Stagecoach" and "Fort Apache." Inspired by these iconic movies, you’ll find “John Wayne’s cabin” at nearby Goulding’s Lodge. This small structure was used for exterior shots in "She Wore a Yellow Ribbon," starring Wayne himself. The venue also holds a cinema dedicated to Wayne and his impressive movie portfolio. Enjoy a Navajo cookout Highlight Lunch amid the giant buttes and mesas of this unique landscape before making your way to Mesa Verde National Park, where the day draws to a close. Your lodge inside the park offers sweeping vistas reaching into three states.

Far View Lodge, Mesa Verde.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine

Day 6: Mesa Verde and Moab

Enjoy a comprehensive visit to the fascinating Mesa Verde National Park. View the ancient pueblo dwellings known as Cliff Palace. Settle in for a relaxing stay at your modern hotel superbly located on the charming Main Street. Later, enjoy a Dine-Around evening and choose from a hand-picked selection of excellent restaurants.

Homewood Suites, Moab.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 7: Delve into Canyonlands and Arches National Parks

In the morning, visit Arches National Park, housing the greatest concentration of natural arches in the world. Stop and take a short hike to the Delicate Arch Viewpoint to view the iconic arch. Then it's on to Canyonlands National Park for a drive onto the Island in the Sky, a mesa resting 1,000 feet (305 metres) above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular views over the dramatic sandstone formations. Back at the hotel, your evening is at leisure. Perhaps enjoy the outdoors or relax in this beautiful natural setting.

Homewood Suites, Moab.

Breakfast

Day 8: Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks

Magnificent scenery awaits at Capitol Reef National Park, best known for its Waterpocket Fold, a 100- mile-long (160 kilometre) warp in the earth's crust. Journey along scenic Byway 12 - one of the most beautiful roads in the world, winding through the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. End the night at The Lodge inside Bryce Canyon National Park. Officially designated as a Dark Sky Park, brightly hued sunsets and starry nights are likely to be found here.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.

Breakfast

Day 9: Whimsical Bryce Canyon National Park Relaxed Start

Start the day traveling through Bryce Canyon National Park, the great natural Amphitheatre. These whimsical eroded rock formations that characterize this Utah National Park are some of most unusual shapes imaginable, having an abstract artistic feel to them. Learn how wind, erosion and iron oxidation created the spellbinding hoodoos with your Travel Director. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a memorable Celebration Dinner set overlooking the park's vivacious orange and red rock formations.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon.

Breakfast, Dinner with Wine

Day 10: Zion National Park, back to Las Vegas

Enjoy a last look at Bryce Canyon, glowing in the early morning light. Head on to Zion National Park - one of the most scenic canyons in the United States. Here, join a guided tour by a private Zion Canyon Shuttle, with live commentary, and views of the park's best sites. Your journey ends with a departure transfer to Las Vegas International Airport, arriving at 16:00.

Breakfast