Southwest National Parks

Monument Valley.

Featuring Susan Rose ’77, P’13  Charles A. Dana  Professor of Sociology

Dear Alumni, Parents and Friends, Join fellow Dickinsonians on a journey to the exceptional national parks and monuments of the Southwest. We’ll enjoy the guidance of both an expert Orbridge Expedition Leader and our faculty host, Professor Susan Rose ’77, P’13.

In Phoenix, we’ve added a special visit to the Heard Museum to view “Away from Home: American Indian Boarding School Stories,” the exhibition that Professor Rose and College Archivist Jim Gerencser ’93 contributed to with material about the Carlisle Indian School.

We’ll travel to Grand Canyon National Park for awe-inspiring views from the park’s rim. We’ll admire the beauty of light striking Antelope Canyon’s narrow sandstone walls. We’ll share a peaceful evening with Navajo storytellers and ponder cultures past and present at a petroglyph site during a river raft ride down Glen Canyon.

In Utah we’ll spend time at Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks—viewing rock formations and otherworldly landscapes that must be seen to be believed.

Space is limited on our private motor coach. With significant savings of more than $800 per couple, we anticipate this tour will fill quickly, so reserve your spot today and feel free to share this brochure with family and friends who may be interested in traveling with you.

Please reserve online at dickinson.orbridge.com, or by calling (866) 639-0079.

Sincerely, 

Liz Glynn Toth ‘06
Director of Alumni Relations

RATE PER PERSON

DOUBLE: $4,995
SINGLE: $6,695

Free Expedition Library

AN EARLY RESERVATION BONUS Reserve your space by December 6, 2019 to receive the FREE Orbridge Expedition Library we’ve assembled for this program.

This exclusive gift is to thank you for joining us early. Guests who reserve  after the specified date may purchase libraries. Call for details.

Antelope Canyon.

Program Highlights

• Explore the Southwest’s natural wonders with a knowledgeable Orbridge Expedition Leader.
• Stay at lodges inside Grand Canyon National Park and other properties carefully selected for their rich histories, beautiful locations, and superb service and accommodations.
• Spend additional time in Grand Canyon National Park or choose to join an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion over the Grand Canyon.
• Discover the sunbaked natural structures and sacred lands of Monument Valley.
• Enjoy special inclusions such as a Glen Canyon rafting trip and a visit to beautiful Antelope Slot Canyon.
• Visit a traditional Navajo hogan, and set out on a 4-wheel drive tour through Monument Valley.
• Behold the monolithic hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park and follow the paths of Ancestral Puebloans and pioneers at Zion National Park.

What’s Included

• 8 nights accommodations
• A welcome and farewell reception,  8 breakfasts, 3 lunches (2 are picnic-style),  and 4 dinners
• Admission and park fees throughout
• Transport via private deluxe motor coach
• Luggage porterage
• Gratuities to Orbridge Expedition Leader,  local guides, drivers, and porters
• Airport transfers for guests arriving and departing during the suggested times

Your 9-Day Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, AZ / Scottsdale
Day 2: Scottsdale / Sedona / Grand Canyon National Park
Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park / Monument Valley, UT
Day 4: Monument Valley / Lake Powell, AZ
Day 5: Lake Powell
Day 6: Lake Powell / Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park / Zion National Park
Day 8: Zion National Park / Las Vegas, NV
Day 9: Depart Las Vegas

Day 1: Arrive in Phoenix, AZ / Scottsdale 
Settle into your accommodations before meeting fellow travel companions and Orbridge Expedition Leader for a welcome reception.
Overnight: Scottsdale Marriott at McDowell Mountains (R)

Day 2: Scottsdale / Sedona / Grand Canyon National Park
After breakfast, travel north through the cactus-studded Sonoran Desert, arriving in captivating Sedona for a brief stop. This breathtakingly picturesque town is a haven for artists and photographers who are dazzled by the landscape filled with remarkable red sandstone cliffs.

Continue on to Grand Canyon National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—to marvel at the impressive views that make the park one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Wander along the canyon rim and admire the West's famous Colorado River below. 

This afternoon, join a ranger-led program or relax and enjoy the park's offerings at your leisure.
Overnight: Maswik Lodge (B,D)

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park / Monument Valley, UT
Following breakfast, spend free time exploring the park or take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fly over the heart of the Grand Canyon during an optional helicopter flightseeing excursion. (You may purchase this optional excursion in advance from our Guest Services team. We recommend you reserve early for best availability as space is limited.)

Later, enjoy a coach ride through the Navajo Nation to your accommodations in Monument Valley—a lodge that's famous for its role in dozens of Old West movies, trade, and Navajo territory culture. Settle in and explore the collection of movie memorabilia and Native American artifacts in the Goulding’s Museum and Trading Post. 

Tonight, retreat to an authentic Navajo cookout and storytelling presentation focused on Navajo legend, songs, and history.
Overnight: Goulding’s Lodge (B,D)

Day 4: Monument Valley / Lake Powell, AZ
Today enjoy an excursion aboard a 4x4 open-air vehicle through magnificent Monument Valley alongside a Navajo guide, viewing and listening to stories about the unique sandstone formations. 

After lunch at Goulding's Lodge, continue through the northwest portion of the Navajo Nation territory in northern Arizona, stopping at Navajo National Monument for the opportunity to take a short hike to an overlook to view Ancient Puebloan ruins.

Later today, arrive at Lake Powell for two lovely evenings at the lakeside resort.
Overnight: Lake Powell Resort (B,L,D)

Day 5: Lake Powell
This morning, embark upon a raft trip down the Colorado River through nearby Glen Canyon, gazing at the 700- to 1,400-foot red rock cliffs overhead and watching for the California Condor. Stop to view 6,000-year-old petroglyphs, believed to have been carved by Ancestral Puebloans. 

Enjoy a picnic-style lunch followed by leisure time. Perhaps choose to join an optional relaxed cruise around Lake Powell (to register, please see the front desk), or relax and enjoy the amenities at the property.
Overnight: Lake Powell Resort (B,L)

Day 6: Lake Powell / Bryce Canyon National Park, UT
Today, set out on a guided tour of spectacular Antelope Canyon. Have your camera ready to capture the otherworldly passageways of red-orange rock, created by water erosion, which appear to be "flowing" and reflect light in the most stunning ways.

Later, view the slow erosion of ages in Bryce Canyon National Park. Resembling castle towers and cathedral spires, the unique hoodoos rock formations are something you will not forget. Watch the natural amphitheaters and canyons glow as you wander the rim.
Overnight: The Lodge at Bryce Canyon (B,L)

Day 7: Bryce Canyon National Park / Zion National Park
Continue your journey to Zion National Park where your options for the day are plentiful. Perhaps hike to the Emerald Pools, stroll along the Riverside Walk, take a ranger-led program, or listen to one of many ranger talks at the Zion Human History Museum.
Overnight: Zion Park Lodge (B,D)

Day 8: Zion National Park / Las Vegas, NV
After a morning hike in Zion, travel to Las Vegas for free time to stroll the strip or relax at the hotel.

Tonight, share your experiences of this grand adventure with your travel companions during a special farewell reception.
Overnight: The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa (B,R)

Day 9: Depart Las Vegas
After breakfast, guests departing during the suggested times take a complimentary transfer to McCarran International Airport for flights home. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch , D = Dinner, R = Reception

(Itinerary subject to change.)

Activity Level:

Moderate

The majority of the program’s activities will take place outdoors and a fair amount of walking on varying terrain is to be expected. Many of the parks have dirt trails—but they are usually fairly smooth for walking—and some do have paved pathways and boardwalks. It is our expectation that guests on this program are able to walk up and down a flight of stairs, and get in and out of a motor coach without assistance. If you are able to walk a mile at a moderate pace, you will be able to enjoy all of the excursions. Also keep in mind that you will experience varying altitudes, rising up to 9,600 feet, to which you may not be accustomed.

Accommodations (subject to change)

SCOTTSDALE MARRIOTT AT MCDOWELL MOUNTAINS
Delight in the well-appointed comforts of this modern hotel, featuring breath-taking mountain views. Cool off in the outdoor pool, take advantage of the fitness center, or relax outside on the picturesque patio.

THE MASWIK LODGE
Nestled within Ponderosa pine forest, The Maswik Lodge is just a short walk to the canyon’s edge. Enjoy contemporary rooms  and access to the main lodge.

GOULDING’S LODGE
Relax and savor the spectacular views of Monument Valley at Goulding’s Lodge, a famous locale for Old West movies. Stop by the Trading Post Museum to view the artifacts, artwork, and film memorabilia.

LAKE POWELL RESORT
Located in Page, Arizona, the Lake Powell Resort offers comfortable lodging and first-rate dining. The property’s lake view rooms with Native American flair are an ideal retreat after a day full of adventurous fun. Sit back and take in views of Wahweap Bay, Lone Rock, Castle Rock, and breathtaking sunsets.

THE LODGE AT BRYCE CANYON
These two-story, hotel-style rooms sit just steps from the rim. Newly renovated, they provide contemporary comforts in combination with an authentic western park experience. Wi-Fi is complimentary in the main lodge.

ZION PARK LODGE
The only in-park lodging at Zion National Park, the Zion Park Lodge is serenely nestled among towering red rock cliffs. Each guest room provides a warm, comfortable atmosphere, ensuring a memorable stay.

THE WESTIN LAS VEGAS HOTEL & SPA
Welcome to the City of Lights! This stylish hotel—just off the Las Vegas Strip—features a 100% non-smoking environment, modern guest rooms, outdoor heated pool, fitness studio, lobby lounge, and 24-hour bistro.

Optional Pre-Tour Moab & Mesa Verde

Pre-Tour Itinerary (subject to change)

Day +1:  Arrive in Grand Junction, CO/Moab, UT (D) Settle in, welcome event and dinner Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge

Day +2:  Moab/Arches National Park (B) Guided park tour, afternoon and evening at leisure Overnight: Red Cliffs Lodge

Day +3:  Moab/Canyonlands National Park / Mesa Verde National Park, CO (B,L) Guided park tour, scenic drive, evening at leisure Overnight: Far View Lodge

Day +4:  Mesa Verde National Park, CO (B) Guided morning and afternoon park tours Overnight: Far View Lodge

Day +5:  Mesa Verde National Park / Durango / Flight to Phoenix, AZ / Scottsdale /  Main Program Begins (B)

What’s Included 

• 4 nights accommodations
• 4 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 1 dinner
• Guiding services of an Orbridge Expedition Leader
• Admission to and guided tours of Arches, Canyonlands, and Mesa Verde National Parks
• Private transportation for included activities
• All gratuities and porterage
• Internal airfare from Durango to Phoenix
• Airport transfer for guests arriving during the suggested times

Special Faculty Host

Susan Rose Susan Rose ’77, P’13, is Charles A. Dana Professor of Sociology and Director of Community Studies and Mosaic Programs. Her recent work focuses on the Carlisle Indian School and Indigenous Studies. As co-director of the Carlisle Indian School Digital Resource Center, she has had the opportunity to visit with many Native communities across the country. Her fourth book, Carlisle Indian Industrial School: Indigenous Histories, Memories, and Reclamations, was named one of the best books of 2016 by the Philadelphia Inquirer. Her fieldwork in numerous countries on various topics has resulted in many articles, books and documentary films. Rose is a recipient of the Michael Harrington Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Poverty Forum and the National Oral History Distinguished Teaching Award, as well as Dickinson’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and has been interviewed for the “Best of Our Knowledge” on NPR.