Overview of the Study Missions

In the realms of astronomy, archaeology, geology, and native culture, it doesn't get any better than a visit to Flagstaff and its surrounding world class attractions. Mission study trips are designed to share these wonders with you in a setting of your peers and at a bargain rate. Be it a day trip or an overnight adventure, you will be able to discover the regions beauty without the hassle of having to make your own arrangements. Leave the planning to us and treat yourself to the wonders of Northern Arizona.

All trips include all costs for meals, entrance fees, transportation, and guides.

Mission 1: Native American Culture
Navajo and Hopi of Arizona
Wednesday & Thursday, June 15-16

Northern Arizona is home to two of North America's most fascinating and traditional indigenous nations, the Navajo and the Hopi. The Navajo Reservation is situated in the Four Corners region and encompasses an area the size of West Virginia. The Hopi Reservation contains North America's oldest continually inhabited village and is completely surrounded by the Navajo Nation. This is a rare opportunity for immersion in these ancient cultures and contemporary reservation life as we examine their unique historical struggles and triumphs.

 While the Navajo and Hopi are geographic neighbors, their cultures and histories tell stories of two very different peoples. The Navajo, with their traditionally nomadic culture, have a history that includes the Indian wars, Kit Carson and the Long Walk. The Hopi, descendents of ancestral puebloans (Anasazi), have continually occupied the Hopi Mesas for over 1000 years and remain primarily agrarian. Discover how both of these matrilineal cultures respond to modern challenges while working to ensure the continuance of their traditions. From silver-smithing to Katsina dolls, discover the significant role of Native American art and it's relationship to culture. Enjoy lively discussions and field trips to a 1,000 year-old Hopi village, a traditional Navajo hogan, and examine ancient petroglyphs.

June 15

8:00 AM:  Depart Flagstaff for Hopi Reservation
10:00 AM:  Arrive at the Hopi Cultural Center
10:00 – 12:00 AM: Presentation on Hopi Culture,
visit the Cultural Center Museum and cooperative craft guild.
12:15 PM:  Lunch at the Hopi Cultural Center
1:00– 2:00 PM:  Traditional Hopi Pottery Demonstration
2:00 – 3:00 PM: Visit the 1000 year old Village of Walpi
3:30 PM – Check into lodging at the Hopi Cultural Center
5:30 – 7:30 – Traditional Hopi Dinner at the home of a Third Mesa family
7:30 PM – Presentation – Katcina Doll carving, cultural significance and style

June  16th

7:00 – 8:00 AM - Breakfast at Hopi Cultural Center
8:30 AM – Depart for Navajo Nation
10:00 AM – Home tour of a working Navajo sheep ranch and hogan
11:30 AM – Lunch at the Cameron Trading Post
1:00 – 2:30 – Lecture – Navajo Culture
3:30 PM – Drop off at hotel in Flagstaff

Fee: Double - $195;
        Single - $235 (Only applies to singles who do not want a roommate)

Includes: 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches and 1 dinner; all transportation, accommodations at Hopi Cultural Center, entrance fees to Cultural Center Museum and guided tour of Village of Walpi, visit to sheep ranch, all lectures, and a Native American guide throughout trip.

Missions 2 & 3: Flagstaff  Sites including
Lowell Observatory, Crater, & the Museums
Thursday June 16 and Monday, June 20

Flagstaff contains world class scientific institutions, points of interest and natural attractions.  On this fast paced excursion you will discover the areas natural and cultural history as well as its significant role in astronomical research and phenomena.  Begin you day with a visit to Meteor Crater, the world's best preserved meteorite impact site and used as a training ground for the Apollo astronauts. After a sit down lunch in Flagstaff, visit The Lowell Observatory, discovery site of Pluto and a leading institution for ongoing research.  Conclude your day with a visit to the premier natural and cultural history museum of the Colorado Plateau, the Museum of Northern Arizona.  This trip is truly “out of this world”! See more

8:30 AM – Depart Hotel
9:15 – 11:30 – Meteor Crater
12:00 PM – Sit down Lunch in Flagstaff
12:30 – 2:30 PM  - Lowell Observatory Tour
2:45 – 4:15 PM – Visit to Museum of Northern Arizona
4:30 PM – Drop off at hotel

Fee: $95/person
Includes all entrance fees, transportation, lunch, and guiding services.

Mission 4: Day Trip to Grand Canyon by Rail
Tuesday, June 21

At the end of the 19th century, the Arizona Territory was making national news. Rumors of a bottomless canyon were being substantiated with front page photographs and the newly completed Santa Fe Railway was escorting passengers to gaze at this natural wonder.  Now it's your turn to discover the Grand Canyon in the same manner as those first tourists aboard the Grand Canyon Railways historic steam train. Enjoy a western shoot-out and strolling musicians on board the train as you learn the story of the mountain man and cowboy. At the Grand Canyon, enjoy a guided walk along the rim or take a hike into the canyon. Learn from local experts about the natural and human history of this world treasure.

8:30 AM:  Depart Flagstaff for Williams
9:25 AM:  Western shoot out reenactment
10:00 AM: Train Departs for GC
12:15 PM:  Arrive Grand Canyon
Lunch provided enroute to the Canyon)
12:15 – 3:30 PM:  Guided tour of South Rim, Geology, river management, Condors in the Canyon, etc.  Walking options both along the rim and into the canyon
3:30 PM – Train returns to Williams
6:15 PM – Dinner in Flagstaff
7:30 Drop off at Hotel in Flagstaff

Fee: $130/person
Includes: Lunch and dinner; transportation to/from Flagstaff to Williams, Ticket for the Grand Canyon Railway, National Park entrance fee, and a local expert guide throughout trip.

Mission 5: Grand Canyon Overnight
Monday and Tuesday June 20 - 21

Similar to trip above, but with the added bonus of staying over night on the rim of the Grand Canyon at a National Park Lodge.  Enjoy the opportunity for a one-of-a-kind sunset or sunrise, a geology presentation by a National Park Service Ranger, and time to enjoy the Grand Canyon’s many changing moods.

June 20

8:30 AM:  Depart Flagstaff for Williams
9:25 AM:  Western shoot-out reenactment
10:00 AM: Train Departs for GC
12:15 PM:  Arrive Grand Canyon
                   (Lunch enroute to the Canyon)
12:15 – 3:30 PM:  Guided tour of South Rim, geology, river management, condors in the Canyon, etc.  Guided walk along the rim.
3:30 PM – Check into National Park Lodge
5:30 PM – Dinner on the Rim
7:30 PM – NPS Ranger program

 June 21st

7:00 – 8:00 AM - Breakfast
8:30 – 10:30 AM – Lecture: Geology Of the Grand Canyon
10:30 AM – 3:30 PM – (lunch included)
Guided hike into the Canyon or free time to enjoy Canyon on own
3:30 PM – Train returns to Williams
6:15 PM – Dinner in Flagstaff
7:30 PM – Drop off at hotel in Flagstaff

Fee: Double - $245; 
         Single - $295 (Only applies to singles who do not want a roommate) 
Includes: 1 Breakfast,  2 Lunches and 2 dinners; transportation to/from Flagstaff to Williams, ticket for the Grand Canyon Railway, National Park entrance fee, and a local expert/guide throughout trip.

photo courtesy of Forrest Smith of Duke University

Mission 6: Day Visit to Sedona
Wednesday, June 22

8:30 AM – Depart from hotel
9:00 – 12:00 PM – Hiking excursion in Oak Creek Canyon with picnic lunch
12:30 – 1:00 PM – Geology overview at Airport Mesa
1:00 – 2:00 PM – Visit to Church In The Rocks
2:30 – 4:00 PM – Montezuma Castle National Monument
5:00 PM – Drop off at hotel  

Fee: $90/person.
Includes lunch, all admissions, guides, transport, etc