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Sedona and the Grand Canyon
Destination: Flagstaff, Arizona
| Activities: Hiking
Arizona's canyon country is justly famous. From the cliff side dwellings of an ancient pueblo people, and the colorful chasm known as the Grand Canyon, to the red rocks of Sedona, it is a never-ending feast for the eyes. The best way to see it is on foot, and we'll combine lots of hiking with time to relax and absorb the beauty of the area as we explore these three very different areas. If you have been wanting a more intimate view of the area than most people ever get, please join us for seven days of hiking, eating, relaxing and laughing. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Explore the unique geological colors and formations of the Grand Canyon, revealing rock that is over a billion years old
- Hike on a variety of spectacular trails
- Take in magnificent views from the Desert View Watchtower designed by Mary Colter, architect of the Southwest
- Visit the cliff side dwellings of an ancient pueblo society
- Explore Sedona's red rock canyon country
- Hike, eat, relax, repeat
Departures and Prices
| April 09 to April 16, 2023 |
| $3495.00 - FULL |
| Join Waitlist |
| March 10 to March 17, 2024 |
| $3595.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
| April 07 to April 14, 2024 |
| $3895.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
| November 03 to November 10, 2024 |
| $3595.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
Inclusions
- 1 - 3 experienced AGC guides based on group size
- Seven nights double occupancy lodging
- All meals from dinner Sunday to breakfast the following Sunday, except one lunch
- Transportation during the trip
- All entry fees and permits
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip consists of canyon hiking and participants should anticipate significant gains and losses in elevation, in rocky terrain with steep drop offs. The trip is rated 3. While the overall mileage is not high, don't underestimate the heat, elevation changes, and the challenge of back-to-back trips into the Grand Canyon. Prior to beginning the trip, participants should be engaging in aerobic conditioning, such as walking vigorously up hills, jogging, cross country skiing or stair stepping for 30 - 45 minutes at least 3 - 4 times a week.Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5.
On this trip we'll hike in three distinctly different landscapes of Arizona. Hiking in the Ponderosa Pine forests of Flagstaff will acclimate us to the elevation as Flagstaff and the south rim of the Grand Canyon are at approximately 7,000 ft. The trails we'll be hiking in the Grand Canyon have significant elevation gain and loss, and in some areas are unmaintained. Sedona will provide well maintained trails, with lots of stair stepping in some areas, where you can enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular red rock formations for which the Sedona area and Oak Creek Canyon are famous.
We'll spend the first two nights in recently renovated rooms at the Little America in Flagstaff. We'll then spend two nights in the Grand Canyon National Park at the south rim's Maswik Lodge. As with many lodges in National Parks, these rooms are a little bit dated but the location can't be beat. We'll be within walking distance of the canyon rim. We spend our final three nights at the Sky Rock Sedona with an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, a free in town shuttle, and views of the Sedona landscape. All lodging will have double occupancy rooms and bathrooms ensuite.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
We begin our day at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, where we'll all meet by 4:00 pm. We begin our two-night stay in Flagstaff Arizona, taking in glimpses of saguaro cactus, prickly pear, and Humphreys Peak throughout the day. We'll settle into our lodging, surrounded by ponderosa pine, and enjoy our first dinner together. (D)
DAY 2
We spend our day hiking along the western side of the largest contiguous Ponderosa Pine forest in the continental United States, exploring Fisher Point via Sandy's Canyon Trail. This is a 6 mile out and back, with an initial descent of 200 feet, a flat valley, and then a 400 foot up to reach the summit of Fisher Point before returning). Fisher Point offers good 360 views and unique rock formations. Back to our hotel for some R&R before dinner. (B,L,D)
DAY 3
Getting an early start, we head to the Grand Canyon this morning, about 1 hour and 40 minutes north of Flagstaff. Today we'll delve into the mining history of the Grand Canyon as we explore the Grandview Trail. This trail was originally constructed by Pete Berry who, with a small group of prospectors, found a large copper vein out on Horseshoe Mesa and founded the "Last Chance Mine". Pete and his wife, Martha, also opened the trail to early adventurers as they discovered tourism paid as well or better than mining. As we hike out to Coconino Saddle, we'll consider just how isolated their life must have been. While this is only a 2.2 mile round trip, don't let the mileage deceive you. Within 1.1 miles we'll have an elevation change of 1200 feet. This trail is steep and rocky, with several switchbacks, large rocks to negotiate, and some sections of cobblestoned rocks. the Trail will have quite a bit of exposure in some areas, though we'll soon get our "mountain goat" footing. In the afternoon we'll head to Mary Colter's Desert View Watchtower, an ideal location for a picnic dinner. Tonight we check into Maswik Lodge, home for the next two nights. (B,L,D)
DAY 4
Another early start, which will be our pattern as we take advantage of cooler morning temperatures. Today we'll head to the other end of the South Rim. Today's excursion will take us from Hermits Trail Head to Santa Maria Spring. The small hut at Santa Maria springs offers us a seat in the shade before we head back. Similar to the Grandview Trail, this is one of the best hikes on the south rim if you like to avoid the crowds - but ironically, that's not why the Hermit Trail was built. It was built to move people, pork chops, and bottles of Porto to Hermit Camp, a luxury campsite for tourists that predated Phantom Ranch by 10 years before shutting down in 1930. Either before or after the today's hike, we'll have an opportunity to see yet another of Mary Colter's architectural designs. Our hike today is 5 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of 1760 feet. Not up for another climb into the canyon? Not a problem. An alternative to today's hike is a rim walk to Yavapai Point, approximately 2 miles one way or 4 miles round trip. (B,L,D)
DAY 5
After the last 3 days of hiking, we'll be glad to have some free time this morning to explore some of the other options the Canyon offers. Depending on your interests, you might choose to hike along the rim, attend one of the daily Ranger programs, visit the Visitor's Center and/or Yavapai Geology Museum, or perhaps just gaze at the canyon. After reconvening we'll load up the vans and head for Sedona, about a 2 hour drive. Here we'll have time to settle into our lodging and enjoy our first night in Sedona. (B,L,D)
DAY 6
Sedona, surrounded by red-rock buttes, steep canyon walls, and pine forests is noted for its mild climate and vibrant arts community. Today we'll explore Red Rock country from the Brins Mesa trail. The trail begins right at the edge of Sedona and is as picturesque as it is convenient. This trail leads us right out into the open where we can enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular red rock formations for which the Sedona area and Oak Creek Canyon are famous. The route we'll be following, including Soldier's Pass, is five miles with an elevation change of 600 feet and will include some areas of slickrock. (B,L,D)
DAY 7
Today is a free day to explore Sedona. For those interested, we'll start the day at the Airport Mesa Vortex, one of Sedona's famed energy vortexes. After re-charging our internal energy packs, we'll have an option to hike around Airport Mesa Loop. This hike is a 3.5 mile loop (with an optional one mile out-and back spur), offering more views of Sedona's iconic red rock formations. After, or instead of hiking, we can take full advantage of everything Sedona has to offer, from spa treatments, to art galleries, to shopping. Sedona is known for the variety of spa treatments on offer, and that plus some shopping might be just the way to relax after all the hiking you've done. Whatever you choose, we will meet for a delicious final dinner together. Overnight Sedona. (B,D)
DAY 8
After breakfast we sadly bid good-bye to canyon country as we drive back to Flagstaff. The drive back to Flagstaff is about 45 minutes away, and we will have you to the airport by 10:30 am for flights out any time after 12:00 noon. (B)
4.7
(39 reviews)
5
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*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Peggy A.
10 months ago
The trip was very well organized and sharing wonderful outdoor experiences with a great group of women.....priceless!
Nancy R.
11 months ago
The organization and coordinating of all the hikes, accommodations, food, and knowledge from the guides throughout trip.
Sue B.
11 months ago
The flexibility to extend one of the hikes and add a sunrise viewing.
Laurie L.
11 months ago
Awesome venue, great traveling partners
Donna G.
11 months ago
Places I've never been, great hikes, fabulous group of women, excellent accommodations. Guides were exceptional!
Peggy R.
11 months ago
Beverly H.
11 months ago
I cannot describe what hiking in the Grand Canyon meant to me. It far exceeded my expectations.
Sue M.
11 months ago
Great guides. Great weather.
Judith B.
1 year ago
Maria P.
1 year ago
Everything was amazing. Lodgings, health safety issues, meals, whether provided by guides or restaurant’s, all was impeccable
Leah F.
1 year ago
Marian K.
1 year ago
I had no idea what to expect. This was my first trip with this company.
Jessica B.
1 year ago
I was disappointed that we spent our lunch break on the Sedona hike planning the next day's options. When we are on the trail, I want to experience nature and the serenity it provides. I was surprised at how rushed our schedule felt during the first 3 days. It was too rushed. I had trouble getting 8 hours of sleep! This was due to COVID restrictions on restaurants, however, not the fault of the guides. It took much longer for us to get breakfast, find restaurant reservations, etc.
Karen S.
1 year ago
How to manage a participant who cannot keep up but wants to do it all?
Linda U.
1 year ago
Cathy G.
3 years ago
I was not expecting the difficulty level on the Greenbrier Trail and Hermits Rest trail in the Grand Canyon. I signed up for this trip with my friend because it was listed as a level 3 adventure. I think that rating may need to be revisited by AGC.
Sara M.
3 years ago
Grand Canyon (obviously) and seeing the amazing history at Walnut Canyon. Oh, and our lovely afternoon in Oak Creek (literally in the creek!) on the last day in Sedona!
Deborah H.
3 years ago
There was absolutely nothing about the trip that wasn't a "5" for me that had anything to do with AGC or the guides. I think what I was reminded of is that the kind of hiking that is required in the grand canyon is not my favorite kind of hiking.
Margaret B.
3 years ago
All of the locations had breath taking views. The Grand View trial, in the Grand Canyon was entirely to hard for a level 3 hike. Would have preferred a wider trail, even if it meant more traffic.
Lisa D.
3 years ago
Hard to beat the Grand Canyon. So glad I finally got there and with such a great group of women. The dynamics of the group were great - friendly people who came prepared. I credit the professionalism of the guides, Anne and Karen, who set the tone.
Charlotte G.
3 years ago
I enjoyed the group. But I’m an away from everyone type of person so this was more togetherness than I’m accustom to having.
Rita R.
3 years ago
highlight of the trip was the Grand Canyon, could have possibly stayed another 1/2 to full day.
Diana W.
3 years ago
While the Grand Canyon hikes were hard, the opportunity to get into the canyon was worth it! I also very much enjoyed the first hike in Sedona.
Anonymous
3 years ago
Beautiful scenery, great guides, and a fantastic group of women. Best trip ever.
Denise B.
3 years ago
Great guides, great food and great views
Susan E.
3 years ago
The trip was well-organized. The cities and hikes were well-chosen to view fantastic sites. So much to see as we hiked!
Judy N.
3 years ago
The trip was well organized and the places we went were excellent. The guides did a great job on timing. I would work on lunch menu with some addition salt, like real potato chips and cold meat sandwiches and a veggie choice of course. Keep the cookies!!!
Karen K.
4 years ago
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Jane A.
4 years ago
Loved being with like-minded and spirited women, savoring the outdoors, challenging the body, sharing laughs and conversation.
Mary S.
4 years ago
The destinations, Grand Canyon
Sandra E.
4 years ago
Loved everything about the trip. Loved the challenges. I also loved meeting new people and it’s great to so an adventure trip with all women. Loved visiting the vortex. That was truly different. Both guides were great as well.
Patricia W.
4 years ago
To see and hike the Grand Canyon has been on my list for a long time. Everyrhing was so well organized and I enjoyed the group.
Bonnie V.
4 years ago
Hiking trails and location were wonderful.
Dawn J.
4 years ago
Terri P.
4 years ago
The flexibility of the guides to meet individual’s and group’s needs and interests.
Kathy E.
4 years ago
Hiking was outstanding in beautiful places. Food was great, accommodations were lovely and leaders did a great job. My 9th trip and one of the best yet!
Kathleen V.
4 years ago
Excellent guides. Locations, accommodations and trip rating.
Brenda M.
4 years ago
Sedona hike was amazingly beautiful.
Judy F.
4 years ago
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Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be at the lodges where you are staying. Before you start the day, the guides will put out lunch 'fixings' and you'll take a packed lunch or occasionally lunch will be picnic style. A couple of lunches will be on your own to explore the local eateries. Dinners will be in restaurants where you can order off the menu, or, if weather permits, a picnic. -
What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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