All aboard! Discover the spectacular geology and rich history of the desert southwest from the historic Grand Canyon Railway to ancient Native American cliff dwellings on this custom, all-inclusive Grand Canyon Family Vacation Package. Join our expert guides as they introduce you to the awe-inspiring vastness of Grand Canyon, the glowing red rocks of the charming town of Sedona and even the funky wildlife park of Bearizona. Kayak, hike, bike and cruise by train through the iconic scenes of the wild, wild west as you keep on the lookout for condors, pronghorn and elk before kicking back and ooh-and-ahh-ing over the changing colors on the walls of Grand Canyon at sunset. All the while, enjoy western hospitality and regional cuisine from luxury hotels of a bygone era and iconic park properties complemented by Austin’s signature touch of inspired, thoughtful service. An unforgettable journey awaits!
The breadth and beauty of the mile-deep chasm of Grand Canyon is one of many marvelous scenes to take in on this six-day, action-packed family adventure as you and yours uncover the best of Arizona’s magnificent high-desert country. From the refreshing waters of the Salt River to the rim of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, find inspiration, rejuvenation and loads of fun on this trip of a lifetime through America’s colorful desert southwest with our Grand Canyon Family Vacation Package.
Float down the Salt River by inflatable kayak, on the lookout for wild horses on the lush green banks
Hop on a bike and follow an old railroad through Prescott’s Granite Dells, a winding “rail to trail” conversion through large granite boulders and exposed bedrock
Discover Montezuma Castle where you find some of the world’s best preserved cliff dwellings that took the Sinagua people over 500-years to build
Cross the Colorado Plateau on the Grand Canyon Railway, keeping an eye out for elk, pronghorn and bald eagles
Explore the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and look up to espy the 9.5-foot wingspan of the soaring California Condor
Delight in a gourmet, guide-prepared picnic, enjoying jaw-dropping views of the Grand Canyon from the South Rim
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Geologic wonders: ancient sea beds, packed sand dunes and volcanic remnants are just a sampling of the various rock layers you'll discover in the country's most awe-inspiring geologic display.
02
Pictographs and iron horses: discover the legends, adventure, culture and mystery of the wild, wild west as you explore castles, cliff dwellings, railways and museums in Arizona's historically complex canyon country.
03
Elk, Condors, Bears, Oh My! During these action-packed days, keep your eyes open for the prolific wildlife roaming the grasslands, mesas and skies above Grand Canyon.
Meet in Phoenix and shuttle to the nearby Salt River for a float trip by inflatable kayaks. This relaxing morning paddle is the perfect way to cool off on a warm day in Arizona’s desert. You’ll glide along lush green riverbanks and towering red cliffs, keeping alert for sightings of wild horses and bald eagles. Following lunch, we transfer to Prescott, nestled at an elevation of 5’200 feet above sea level amongst the largest stand of ponderosa pine forests in the U.S. Our centrally located hotel is in the perfect location for wandering the streets of this historic destination, where you can follow in the tracks of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. Enjoy your first night’s dinner in the Peacock Room with your fellow travel companions.
About Hassayampa Inn
Since 1927, when writers and artists were drawn to the stunning landscapes of the American Southwest, the Hassayampa Inn has been the “Grand Jewel of Prescott,” a fashionable resort for the well-heeled.
Guests of today continue to feel right at home at the historic Hassayampa Inn near Courthouse Square. Modern amenities combined with a long tradition of friendly service make the Inn your ideal base from which to explore all that Prescott has to offer -”its Wild West legacy, and vibrant culture of music, art, hiking and – all in the comfortably mild climate of “Everybody’s Hometown.”
Begin the day with a bike ride on the Peavine / Iron King Trail through Prescott’s beautiful Granite Dells north of town. This crushed stone and dirt converted rail-trail travels through an oasis in the sunbaked desert. After a one hour transfer to the town of Williams, sit down to lunch at a local restaurant. While in Williams, you have to check out Bearizona. It may sound cheesy, but you’ll experience this drive-thru and walk-around wildlife park with your knowledgeable guide who will give you a behind-the-scenes tour of the exhibits and animals who call this place home. You’ll see bears, bighorn sheep, bison, wolves, and many more animals who once roamed wild across the American west After checking into our hotel, the night is free for you to explore and eat dinner in the funky town of Williams, located on the historic Route 66!
About Grand Canyon Railway Hotel
Experience the luxury of a bygone era at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel. Designed to resemble the century- old train depot that housed the original Fray Marcos Hotel, this hotel is a relaxing retreat in a picturesque Western setting. The 297-room hotel is just a block away from downtown Williams and historic Route 66.
Combined with a variety of amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, an indoor pool and hot tub, delicious dining options, and ideal location in “the Gateway to the Grand Canyon”, the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel is the perfect place to stay before embarking on your grandest of journeys.
Grand Canyon Railway / South Rim of the Grand Canyon
All aboard! This morning, we board the Grand Canyon Railway en route to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. As you cross the Colorado Plateau, be on the lookout for elk, pronghorn and bald eagles as your knowledgeable train conductor shares with you the history of this fascinating region. Upon arrival, enjoy a delectable picnic lunch prepared by your guides. This afternoon, we check out the fascinating architecture of Hermit’s Rest before embarking on a “wow-inducing” hike skirting the rim of the Grand Canyon. Tonight, enjoy dinner in the Arizona Room at Bright Angel Lodge.
About Kachina
Built in the late 1960s Kachina Lodge sits directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon. For guests seeking a more contemporary lodging option, Kachina lodge is a great choice. The guest rooms have a comfortable modern ambiance and are all similar in size and amenities. Many guests choose Kachina due to its prominent location in the center of the historic district.
It’s a great choice for active guests as it is located directly on the Rim Trail. This trail spans from Hermits Rest to the Kaibab Trailhead, approximately 12.8 miles. From your room you can hike in either direction.
This morning, we hike down South Kaibab trail to Cedar Ridge. The South Kaibab Trail winds us down into the depths of the Grand Canyon, giving us a much different perspective looking up at the Rim from below. We make our way down to Cedar Ridge, where the views of the Canyon and its colorful walls will leave you in awe. After a trailside lunch and break, we begin our hike up and out, stopping frequently to catch our breath and take in the magnificent surroundings. The afternoon is yours to relax or explore the South Rim Village. We’ll meet back up for an early dinner in the restaurant of the famous El Tovar Hotel.
Tusayan / Walnut Canyon National Monument / Sedona
Today we say goodbye to the Grand Canyon as we head south out of the Park. We’ll bike the scenic Greenway Trail through ponderosa pine forests ending our ride in the small town of Tusayan near the park’s south entrance. Lunch at a local spot in Flagstaff. This afternoon, we check out Walnut Canyon National Monument. A loop trail takes us down into the canyon passing 25 cliff dwelling rooms constructed by the Sinagua, a pre-Columbian cultural group that lived in Walnut Canyon from about 1100 to 1250 CE. Continue your transfer to Sedona, check into the hotel and eat a final dinner at a lovely local spot in town.
About the Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble & Creekside Villas
An award-winning Sedona Hotel with 600 feet of private Oak Creek frontage, awesome red rock views, plus uptown Sedona at your doorstep! The Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villages is family owned and operated. With three pools, a steam room and sauna, pool tables and a game room on site, the kids (and their parents) are sure to stay busy for the duration of their stay.
All of the rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi, 46″ LED televisions with cable, luxurious oversized bath towels, pillow top mattresses and 300 thread-count sheets. You’ll love the sitting among the ancient sycamore trees down along the banks of Oak Creek!
Meals Included
B, L, D
Overnight
Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble & Creekside Villas
Day 6
Day 6:
Sedona / Montezuma Castle National Monument / Phoenix
Today we gaze through the windows of the past into one of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America with a visit to Montezuma Castle. After our short hike, we will transfer to Phoenix and say our goodbyes.
**Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Meals Included
B
Overnight
No overnight
Departure Dates
Start Date
End Date
Status
June 28, 2020
July 3, 2020
Limited Space Available
July 5, 2020
July 10, 2020
Space Available
July 12, 2020
July 17, 2020
Space Available
July 19, 2020
July 24, 2020
Space Available
July 26, 2020
July 31, 2020
Space Available
Depart on Your Own Schedule / Custom Trip
Contact us for custom itineraries and departure dates
Please plan on arriving at least one day prior to your trip departure. Day one of your itinerary starts at 8:30 am at the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Old Town Scottsdale. Your trip ends with a drop-off at either the Phoenix Airport (1:00 pm) or the Holiday Inn Express (1:30 pm). Please make flights for 3:00 pm or later.
Activities
Hiking: 2 to 5 miles per hike, mostly easy to moderate terrain. We would consider the uphill to climb out of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab Trail to be strenuous as you will be hiking up 1,000 feet over 1.5 miles. Don’t worry, we’ll take lots of breaks!
Biking: 7 to 14 miles per ride on easy to moderate terrain. The Peavine / Iron King Trail near Prescott is crushed gravel and dirt, mostly flat. Other paths and/or roadways we cycle are paved with little traffic.
Kayaking: 2 to 3 hour inflatable kayaking float trip down a Class I section of the Salt River. No experience necessary, guides will provide detailed instruction.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, Austin Adventures guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Widely considered as one of the world’s most spectacular canyons, the Grand Canyon is one of the “Natural Wonders of the World.” Called Kaibab by the Paiute Indian tribe, meaning “mountain lying down” or “mountain turned upside down,” the creamy white Kaibab Limestone forms the surface on which you’ll stand on while viewing the Canyon. Were you aware that the Grand Canyon is neither the deepest, longest, or widest canyon in the world; however, many consider it to be the most inspiring. Check out the blonde, cinnamon, chocolate and black North American black bears of Bearizona as they tumble around together and clumsily climb the trees in their habitat. Did you know that up until 1951 visitors climbed a series of three ladders to enter Montezuma Castle; that same year; Interstate 17 was complete and visitation skyrocketed. Concerns for both safety and structure (which is 90% original) led to the removal of the ladders. Come play in Arizona with the experts in adventure travel!
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on your own – are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions – except one dinner on own your own.
Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
One dinner during your trip.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
National Parks Expert
Kasey Austin
As Vice President of Operations at Austin Adventures, Kasey Austin can tell you the logistical ins and outs of every single trip. More than that, though, Kasey has lived and breathed most of the company’s featured destinations and will eagerly share her contagious passion for the transformational power of active travel. Kasey grew up in the adventure travel business; she knows the positive, lifelong impact of family travel, a quality that earned her the distinction of being named top family travel guide by Outside Magazine in 2014.
