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Sacred Journey To The Enchanted Southwest:
Sedona, Grand Canyon, Hopi, Monument Valley, & Canyon de Chelly

Cedar MesaThe desert Southwest is regarded by many as the spiritual center of North America.  This is due in part to the surreal beauty of the landscape, in part to the mystical traditions of the native people who call this region home, and in part to the vast emptiness which both humbles and inspires all who come here.

In the desert you see things from far away, far enough that your presence has little influence, and open enough that you can sit and watch the whole scene play itself out.  It really becomes the small simple things that you appreciate.  Sometimes it seems there is magic and mystery around every corner... beneath every rock.  Clouds drift lazily through an azure sky, their shadows constantly forming and reforming the land, as sunbeams highlight first one rock formation, then another. 

To experience a sunrise or sunset here is to sweep away everything that's non-essential, leaving you with total peace and razor-sharp clarity. In such a land as this, you will either imagine yourself a God, or feel yourself drawn closer to God.  For all these reasons and more the desert Southwest is the perfect place to reflect, refocus and reconnect with nature.  Don't wait another minute to book your reservation, because these trips sell out fast.

 
 

Trip Itinerary:

Grand CanyonDay 1 - Arrive in Phoenix, AZ and check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Days 2-3,  Sedona, AZ
After a welcome breakfast and orientation meeting we will depart for Sedona, accliaimed as the most beautiful place in the United States, and renowned  for it's spiritual energy.  We will tour the famous vortex sites and work with local Native American healers to reconnect with Mother Earth through prayer and ceremony. We will also visit other sacred sites in the Sedona area, such as Montezuma's Well.

Days 4-5, Grand Canyon
After departing Sedona we head for the Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a sacred place to numerous Native American tribes.  To get there we'll follow one of the most scenic routes in the United States, skirting the base of San Francisco Mountain, the highest point in Arizona and considered sacred by 14 Native American tribes.

Days 5-6, Monument Valley
Renowned as one of the most recognizable landscapes in the world, this tribal park is rich with both cultural history and spiritual signifcance for the Navajo people. We'll visit the sacred sites contained within Monument Valley, plus spend time with a local Navajo family.

Day 7, Cedar Mesa
Brithplace of the Pueblo Culture, Cedar Mesa is literally covered with archaeological sites and rock art. It is also rugged and remote, providing those lucky enough to visit with the opportunity to experience true solitude in a setting with views that extend over the eintire Four Corners region.

Monument ValleyDays 8-9, Canyon de Chelly
Canyon de Chelly is unique among National Monuments due to the fact that Navajo families still live within its boundaries. The canyon is filled with numerous ruins and sacred sites such as Spider Rock. We'll explore the canyon with a Navajo guide and spend time with a local family.

Days 10-11, The Hopi Mesas
The final stop on our journey, where we will visit both Walpi and Oraibi, two of the oldest and most traditional communities in the United States.  With no electricity or running water, Walpi provides a glimpse into what life was like in this remote region over 1,000 years ago. Oraibi is the tradtitional seat of Hopi ceremonialism.  You will have the opportunity to interact with the people and purchase Hopi arts and crafts directly from the artists.

Day 12, Return to Phoenix
Our return to Phoenix is by way of the heavily forested White Mountains, traditonal home of the White Mountain Apache. A festive farewell dinner is included.

Day 13 - Depart Phoenix to return home... or stay a little longer and explore on your own!  We'll be happy to give you some great suggestions for what to do if you have a few extra days to spend.
 

Trip Leader

ed-prestonA native of North Carolina, Ed Preston has lived in the Southwest for over 30 years.  After earning a degree Cultural Anthropology, he chose to pursue a career as a naturalist, photographer and wilderness guide. Long before founding SpiritQuest Retreats, Ed's reputation as one of the top guides in the Southwest was well established.  Over a career spanning more than 20 years, he has led literally thousands of trips, to destinations including Grand Canyon, Hopi, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde, and Chaco Canyon.

Using his encyclopedic knowledge of both the land and Native American spirituality, as well as his extensive contacts among the Hopi and Navajo, Ed is able to help his clients find their own inner peace and wisdom. He will be joined by local Native American guides along the way.  Because Ed has an extensive following and only offers 2 trips each year, this journey to the sacred sites of the Southwest will fill up early, so book your reservations today in order to insure your place!  Space is limited to a maximum of 10 participants.

 

Travel Details & Costs

Prices listed below are per person. If you choose to make two payments the final payment is due 30 days prior to the starting date of the trip.

Canyon de Chelly2012 Trip Dates:
April 15-27 (registration closed)
September 16-28

Sacred Sites of the Southwest, Double Occupancy :
  Payment by check - single payment $3195,
  or two payments of $1645 each.

  Payment by credit card - single payment $3295,
  or two payments of $1695 each.

  For a private room add $950

Meals & Accommodations:  Lodging for 12 nights at lovely 3-star hotels is included. Double occupancy is standard with private rooms available for an extra charge as noted above. All rooms have a private bathroom. The welcome breakfast, the farewell dinner, four box lunches, and all ground transportation during the tour is also included.

Cancellations:  Due to the prepayments required for accommodations, guides, meals and transportation on behalf of each participant, there are no refunds or credits offered in the event of cancellation. This is a firm policy!

Trip Requirements:  Participants should be in reasonably good physical condition and able to walk at least 3 miles.

 

 

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