Itinerary
DAY 1 | Welcome to Arizona!
Your tour manager will greet your group and assist with hotel check in at the Grand Canyon South Rim. Then, enjoy time to explore Grand Canyon Village before dinner. Reconvene for a special welcome dinner this evening.
DAY 2 | Grand Canyon National Park | Concert*
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and check out. Then, join a local guide on a scenic hike in Grand Canyon National Park! Learn about the history and geography of this majestic landmark. There will be time to purchase lunch in the village.
This afternoon, perform an outdoor concert* for visitors at the scenic South Rim of the Canyon, before traveling on.
Transfer to Monument Valley, and check in to your hotel upon arrival. Take in the views as late afternoon sun turns the desert vibrant shades of orange and red. Dinner is on your own this evening.
DAY 3 | Monument Valley | Four Corners
Embark on a scenic morning drive through Monument Valley on your way to Colorado. Stop at the iconic Four Corners Monument and stand where the borders of Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico meet. Perhaps there will be an opportunity for impromptu open-air singing* for fellow visitors at this National Monument!
Continue on to Mesa Verde National Park or to Ute Mountain Tribal Park. Spend the afternoon exploring the region with the expertise of a local guide. As you hike together, discover the archeological heritage of the cliff dwellings and the Ancestral Puebloan cultures that inhabited the impressive settlements.
Check in to your Colorado accommodation and get oriented for the next few days. Dinner is available onsite and can be included upon request.
DAY 4 | Crow Canyon | Canyons of the Ancients
Today, dive into the native history of the region. Investigate archeological evidence and artifacts to understand the periods of Pueblan life. Step into 8th-century life in a Pithouse replica and test your skills at fire-starting with a bow drill,making fiber cordage, and “hunting” with spears and atlatls. Lunch & dinner can be provided.
An evening activity is arranged such as a chance to make your own version of rockart after learning the history behind the craft.
DAY 5 | Archeological Discovery Day
Spend the day on an archeological discovery mission. Learn about excavation techniques and get a better glimpse into Pueblan lifestyles. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to try out the unique acoustics in the cliff dwellings!*
After dinner, an evening activity can be arranged for your group, such as meeting a member of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe for a unique opportunity to learn about Ute culture, past and present, including an introduction to their traditional music & dance.
DAY 6 | Steam Train | Durango | Concert*
Wake to an early breakfast and check out. Then, transfer to Rockwood Station in Durango and hop aboard the historic, narrow-gauge steam train into Cascade Canyon. On a two-hour ride, experience the breathtaking beauty as you wind through steep mountain canyons and the high mountain curves of the pristine San Juan National Forest.
After returning to the station, head to Durango’s historic downtown where your ensemble will perform an open-air, lunchtime concert. A local chorus may join you!
Enjoy free time to explore downtown before continuing your drive east toward the Great Sand Dunes National Park. There will be a stop to purchase dinner along the route. Time permitting, stop at Chimney Rock National Monument too!
Check in to your ‘glamping’ accommodations near the dunes and enjoy a relaxing evening around the campfire, complete with smores, songs, and a vast night sky uninhibited by city lights.
DAY 7 | Great Sand Dunes National Park
Pick up your sandboards and sleds and enter Great Sand Dunes National Park. Spend the morning learning the history of the unique dunes, hiking the challenging sand mountains, and surfing down the dunes on your boards!
Empty the sand from your shoes and board your motorcoach to transfer to a ‘dude ranch’ in the Rockies! There will be a stop to purchase lunch along the route.
Arrive at the ranch in the late afternoon, check-in, and get an introduction to the property. Enjoy time to take a swim, hike, and settle in on your own.
This evening, a special cookout dinner is prepared for your group followed by a wagon ride and campfire! Kick-off your three-night stay on the ranch with a sing-a-long under the stars.
DAY 8 | Dude Ranch & Trail Ride | Concert*
No trip to a dude ranch is complete without getting to know a horse! This morning, your ensemble will have a horse orientation and then embark on a scenic trail ride. Alternatively, a fishing clinic can be arranged at the pond on the ranch.
Enjoy lunch prepared for your group, either a cookout or indoor lunch depending on the weather. This afternoon, head out on a guided hike into the mountains. The rugged Rockies are unlike anything back home on the east coast!
Before dinner is served at the Ranch House, perform a concert* for your hosts and fellow guests at the ranch.
DAY 9 | Dude Ranch Adventure
Your group may choose to spend the morning on horseback exploring the local trails or head out on a rock-climbing excursion. After refueling with a group lunch, try an archery lesson or saddle up and return to the trail.
Tonight, a festive farewell dinner has been arranged for the group in the Ranch House. Perform a few farewell songs for your hosts at the ranch before turning in for the night.
DAY 10 | Depart from Denver
Breakfast in the Ranch House and an early checkout. Your motorcoach will take you to the Denver International Airport to catch your return flight home today.