Tours

Join us on an incredible hiking journey through the National Parks and Monuments of Utah and Southwestern Colorado. Highlights include: walking along the Virgin River in Zion, enjoying the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef, driving the famous Burr Trail in Grand Staircase-Escalante, hiking among the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, and exploring one of our newest national monuments, Bears Ears. This trip will blend the natural beauty of Utah with the rich cultural history of first western settlers in Capitol Reef as well as the ancient Puebloan culture.

Itinerary

Day 1 — Mesa Verde, Hovenweep, and Bears Ears‍ We start this morning with a brief orientation and then it is off to Mesa Verde National Park a perfect blend of natural and cultural beauty where we will get out for a short hike to see some of the dwellings built right into the cliff sides. Then we will make our way west to stop at two cultural units, Hovenweep and Canyons of the Ancients, celebrating the Northern Ancestral Puebloan culture also known as the Anasazi. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner Day 2 — Bears Ears & Natural Bridges This morning we begin our exploration of the Bears Ears region with a visit to Newspaper Rock State Park. Afterwards, we get a closer look at the Bears Ears rock formation before enjoying a picnic lunch amongst three natural bridges carved by the power of water over time at Natural Bridges National Monument. As we continue west we will drive through Glen Canyon NRA crossing the Colorado River and driving along scenic highway 95 on our way to Capitol Reef National Park. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3 — Capitol Reef National Park Our exploration of Capitol Reef begins with a morning hike to the Grand Wash followed by a stroll to Hickman's Bridge. After lunch we check out some of the human history of the park in the Capitol Gorge where we can view petroglyphs and a pioneer register etched into the stone on a 3-mile hike in a slot canyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4 — Capitol Reef & Grand Staircase This morning we take a short hike in Cohab Canyon and an opportunity to get a closer look at the historic Gifford House. On our way south on highway 12 we will drive part of the famed Burr Trail through a narrow canyon where you will be surrounded by contours of sandstone while riding through a narrow canyon with walls rising hundreds of feet above you. This evening relax at the charming Boulder Mountain Lodge. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5 — Grand Staircase-Escalante & Anasazi State Park In the morning we will visit Anasazi State Park, the anthropology museum, and the excavated site of a thousand- year-old village. The Fremont prehistoric people occupied most of Utah during the same period as the Ancestral Puebloans. Artifacts recovered from this site, as well as its architecture, reflect a prehistoric "melting pot.". We will enjoy lunch on the trail on a fantastic hike in Grand Staircase with several trail options to choose from in this vast protected area. The we will continue along scenic highway 12 to Bryce National Park. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 6 — Bryce Canyon National Park Visit the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center and hike the Rim Trail. Experience the canyon's intricate geological display from the rim at Bryce Point and Paria View, and below the rim on the Navajo and Queens Garden Trails on a 3-mile loop. This afternoon savor the ambiance the Lodge, designed in 1924 by master architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. The lodge and its cabins were recognized in 1987 as a National Historic Landmark. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 7 — Zion and Cedar Breaks A morning drive will bring us to Cedar Breaks National Monument located at over 10,000 feet up this unique amphitheater is a treat to see. After a short hike at Cedar Breaks we will make our way to Zion National Park where we will explore some of the park's trails including the Riverside Walk to the beginning of the Narrows as well as the Emerald Pools for breathtaking views of Zion's canyon. This evening we will celebrate a great week of exploration. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 8 – Departures from Las Vegas After one last post-breakfast hike in Zion we make our way down to Las Vegas to bid farewell after a great week in Utah. Meals included: Breakfast Lodging

Lodging

Inn at the Canyons or lodging nearby - 1 night Sitting below the San Juan Mountain range in the small town of Monticello, UT this family owned hotel is the perfect gateway to explore the Bears Ears region including Natural Bridges. Red Sands Hotel or lodging nearby - 2 nights At the doorstep of Capitol Reef national park this recently remodeled hotel is a great place to relax after a full day of adventure in the area. Take a dip in the onsite pool and hot tub or catch up on e-mails and posting photos from your Utah adventure on the complimentary wi-fi. Boulder Mountain Lodge or lodging nearby - 1 night Located in the middle of Utah's scenic red rock canyon country and surrounded by mountain forests this lodge is an oasis in the middle of Grand Staircase-Escalante. Each room features a deck or patio with fantastic views of the gorgeous surroundings. Make sure to get out and explore some of the 11-acre bird sanctuary that surrounds the lodge. Lodge at Bryce Canyon or lodging nearby - 2 nights This iconic national park lodge was built in 1925 by famed architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood. Your room is just a few steps away from the rim of Bryce Canyon providing ample opportunities to easily explore the park. Desert Pearl Inn or lodging nearby - 1 night A top-rated Zion National Park choice is nestled within the majestic cliffs of Zion besides the Virgin River in Springdale, Utah. The Inn features sophisticated rooms feature Southwestern-influenced decor, floors made from reclaimed railroad trestles, and handcrafted furnishings, plus terraces or balconies.

Pricing & Inclusions

Price Includes:‍‍

• Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
• Meals as noted in itinerary above
• Snacks and beverages
• Park admission and museum admissions for all included activities
• Services of professional trip leader(s)
• Ground transportation for all included events during the trip & porterage service
• Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks & luggage tags

Trip Price Excludes:

• Pre & post tour travel
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for your BSA guides

Blending the best in cultural and natural wonders into one trip, dive deep into the Puebloan history that stretches back 1,000 over years, including visits to some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the world. Our first stop in our New Mexico National Park Tour will be at one of the largest cliff dwellings in the region at Mesa Verde. We will then spend time in Chaco Culture National Historical Park to immerse ourselves in the history of the area, and also enjoy one of the best places in the U.S. to stargaze with over 99% of the park being designated as a "natural darkness" zone. A full day in Canyon de Chelly will take you 15 miles into the park on a 4-wheel drive tour with a Navajo guide sharing insight into life from past to present. Wrap up your exploration with time at Hubbell Trading post, which has been active since 1878, and Acomoa Pueblo also known as the "Sky City".

Itinerary

Day 1 — Durango After arriving mid-afternoon gather for an orientation and dinner to discuss the upcoming week. Meals included: Dinner Day 2 — Mesa Verde National Park A short drive from Durango, Mesa Verde National Park combines natural beauty with cultural wonder. The park provides an in depth look into the lives of the Ancient Puebloan people who resided on this land from AD 600 to AD 1300 in dwellings built into the cliff sides which are still preserved today. Our park ranger led tour of the Cliff Palace will provide a glimpse into the largest dwelling which once was home to over 100 people at one time. ‍‍We then drive 1.5 hours south to the town of Farmington for a relaxing evening. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3 — Chaco Culture National Historical Park After a morning drive we will arrive in Chaco Culture National Historical Park for a morning hike before enjoying our picnic lunch in the heart of the park. Your guide will introduce you the numerous ruins which served as the center for ceremony, trade, and administration. Also, discussing how the concept of archaeoastronomy or the juncture of architecture, archaeology, and astronomy guided the life of those living here over 1,000 years ago. After a full day of exploration, we will return to Farmington for dinner and a chance to do some star gazing. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4 — Canyon de Chelly National Monument This national monument celebrates and protects one of the longest continuously inhabited landscapes of North America in partnership with the Navajo Tribe preserving architecture, artifacts, and rock art. Your guide will share insight on how the past and present blend together in this park both above and below the rim which is still inhabited by Navajo people today. Before arriving to your lodging, we will take a three-mile round-trip hike into the canyon to White House Ruin providing our first glimpse into life in this canyon. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5 — Four-Wheel Drive Excursion in Canyon de Chelly There is no better way to experience the park then by taking a four-wheel drive tour with a Navajo guide who will share insight into life from the past to today along a 30-mile round-trip drive. We will cover the full length the Canyon del Muerto including Mummy Cave, featuring a restored Anasazi complex and Antelope House Ruin where colored drawings are side by side with ancient Anasazi drawings. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 6 — Hubbell Trading Post & El Morro National Monument This morning we travel back in time to the late 1800s by visiting the Hubbell Trading Post, where trade has been occurring since 1878. As you wander the site the wooden floors will creak under your feet and you can browse wares made by local Navajos including beautiful woven rugs. Our next stop is a tour of the Navajo Nation Museum housing over 40,000 artifacts. Rounding out our day is a visit to El Morro National Monument featuring over 2,000 petroglyphs and inscriptions from ancient Puebloans to Spanish settlers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 7 — Acoma Pueblo & Albuquerque Sitting atop a 367-foot sandstone mesa, the Acoma Pueblo is also called the "Sky City". We will be joined by a member of the community who will lead us on a tour while sharing the settlement's history. We get into Albuquerque in time to relax and explore the streets of Old Town including the Pueblo Indian Cultural Center before toasting to a great week of exploration at our farewell dinner. ‍ ‍‍Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 8 — Departures Home or Extend Your Stay in Santa Fe, NM Schedule your flights home at your leisure this morning or continue exploring by visiting the state capital and art Mecca Santa Fe just an hour away. Meals included: Breakfast

Lodging

DoubleTree Durango or lodging nearby - 1 nights Enjoy a warm cookie and a warmer welcome when you arrive to the hotel which is located on the beautiful Animas River, within walking distance of downtown Durango and the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Home2Suites Farmington or lodging nearby - 2 nights Stretch out after a full day of adventure in your studio suite at this conveniently located hotel between Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon. Take a dip in the onsite pool or get your workout in at the Spin2Cycle fitness room. Thunderbird Lodge or lodging nearby- 2 nights Operated by the Navajo Nation this is the only lodge within Canyon de Chelly National Monument. The comfortable rooms feature design elements from the Navajo people and the surrounding Arizona desert. Holiday Inn Express Grants or lodging nearby- 1 night Providing easy access to Acoma Pueblo this hotel is a great base for our New Mexico exploration. With an on-site whirlpool and heated pool take the opportunity to relax a bit after a full day of exploration. Hotel Chaco or lodging nearby- 1 night In the heart of Albuquerque in the Historic Old Town each of the rooms features contemporary artwork from Native American New Mexican artists. Enjoy fantastic views of the city and the surrounding Sandia mountain range from the rooftop lounge.

Pricing & Inclusions

Price Includes:‍‍

• Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
• Meals as noted in itinerary above
• Snacks and beverages
• Park admission and museum admissions for all included activities
• Services of professional trip leader(s)
• Ground transportation for all included events during the trip & porterage service
• Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks, & luggage tags

Trip Price Excludes:

• Pre & post tour travel
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for your BSA guides

Often overshadowed by other parks in the West, southwest Texas's Big Bend is a hidden gem of the park system. With landscapes ranging from sea level to mountainous peaks, you will experience a diversity of ecosystems on our Big Bend National Park hiking tour. Our guides will lead you on walks along the Rio Grande, bird watching outings, and high elevation hikes in the Chisos Mountains. We will also step back into the 1880s with a stop at Fort Davis National Historical Site to experience what an Indian War frontier military post would be like and spend time star gazing in some of the darkest skies in the United States. Day 1 — El Paso to Guadalupe Mountains National Park This morning we make our way to Guadalupe Mountains National Park where based on weather conditions we will hike a few of the trails around the visitor's center. Enjoy expansive views of West Texas as we drive to the historic town of Fort Davis established in 1854 and also the highest town in Texas at 5,050 feet. This evening we will find a great spot for the group to enjoy the starry skies above. Meals included: Lunch & Dinner Day 2 — Fort Davis National Historic Site & Big Bend Fort Davis is also home to a historic Calvary post where the African-American soldiers known as "Buffalo Soldiers" were stationed in the second half of the 1800s to protect emigrants during the western expansion of the United States. Walk the grounds to see get a glimpse of life in the frontier of West Texas. We then head south through the Persimmon Gap to Big Bend National Park and stop at the Panther Junction Visitor Center to get oriented to the park that stretches from the shores of the Rio Grande to the top of Chisos Mountains. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3 — Big Bend National Park: the Rio Grande Our exploration of the park continues at the Rio Grande Village where will take the opportunity to walk along the canyon walls above the Rio Grande River. We will find a nice spot for a picnic lunch below the cottonwood trees along the river. After lunch we take a short hike into Boquillas Canyon where you should make sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife including javelinas and a plethora of bird species. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4 — Big Bend National Park: the Chisos Mountains Today is all about exploring the Chisos Mountains. Your guide will give you a few options for hikes to explore this unique island mountain range where you may see a variety of wildlife including black bear, Big Bend geckos, and Texas horned lizards. After a full day of hiking and a wonderful dinner save some energy to do some star gazing below some of the darkest skies in the country. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5 — Big Bend National Park: Santa Elena Canyon We descend from the mountains back to the Rio Grande to hike along the massive walls of Santa Elena Canyon. The limestone canyon has been and continues to be carved by the Rio Grande and forms the border between the U.S. and Mexico. In the afternoon, we will do one more Big Bend hike possibly visiting Mule Ears Peaks or Cattail Falls. Enjoy dinner just outside the park at the Starlight Theater featuring live music and delicious Texan food. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 6 — Big Bend to Van Horn After another gorgeous sunrise in the Chisos Mountains we begin our drive north passing by the famed fake Prada before stopping in the quirky art community of Marfa where you can take some time to wander the art galleries. We then continue north to the small town of Van Horn and the historic El Captain Hotel for a fantastic farewell dinner. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 7 — Departures from El Paso This morning we make our way back to El Paso for flights home. Meals included: Breakfast

Lodging

Hotel Limpia or lodging nearby - 1 night Located in the heart of Fort Davis this historic hotel has been in operation since 1912 with period furnishings in each room. Relax in the hotel's gorgeous courtyard garden or in one of the many rocking chairs watching the world pass by on the quiet streets below. Chisos Mountain Lodge or lodging nearby - 4 nights With one of the best views in Texas this hotel is a perfect spot to base our explorations of the surrounding Big Bend National Park. There are no phones or televisions in the rooms as there is so much to explore right outside your door. Hotel El Capitan or lodging nearby - 1 night An icon of western Texas this historic hotel was built in 1930 and has the feeling of a Spanish-colonial building. You will be welcomed by a reception area covered in colorful tiles and their on-site restaurant has a delicious menu featuring local ingredients.

Pricing & Inclusions

Price Includes:‍‍

• Lodging as outlined in lodging section above based on double occupancy
• Meals as noted in itinerary above
• Snacks and beverages
• Park admission and museum admissions for all included activities
• Services of professional trip leader(s)
• Ground transportation for all included events during the trip & porterage service
• Black Sheep Adventures reusable water bottle, wool (baaaah) socks, & luggage tags

Trip Price Excludes:

• Pre & post tour travel
• Alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for your BSA guides