Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

Day 1 : Sunday
Guests will be picked up at 04:00 pm at Cortez Airport and driven to our camp in Cottonwood Wash where the trail adventure starts.

Day 2 : Monday
Everyone gets acquainted with his horse for the trail on a short ride to ancient dwelling sites in a hidden canyon below an impressive stone arch as well as other hidden settlements, tombs and lookout towers.
(15 miles, 5 h)

Day 3 : Tuesday
Today we will venture out for a days ride up north on Brushy Basin and up to a beautiful Mesa overlooking the entire area from the Blue Mountains to the north to Monument Valley to the south. We will visit several Kiwas (old Anasazi settlements) along the way.
(20 miles, 6 h)

Day 4 : Wednesday
We ride our camp up Cottonwood wash and will descend the impressive Comb Ridge via an narrow trail called the old Mormon trail. We follow the original mormon trail down the ridge to Arch Canyon for another visit at a huge cave and remnants of an extensive Anasazi village. Breathtaking scenery of rock cliffs and canyons are the highlights of this scenic ride . Our camp is set among huge cottonwoods along Comb Wash.
(28 miles, 8 h)

Day 5 : Thursday
A long ride south along the towering sand colored cliffs of Comb Ridge to a camp site at an old "round up " Corral will be the days adventure. Long stretches of trotting and cantering on this sandy stretch will add a feeling of being one of the first explorers of the area. We will finish the day camping under a beautiful star-lit sky.
(20 miles, 6-8 h)

Day 6 : Friday
Another long day ride into the spectacular and beautiful " Valley of the Gods" (famed as the miniature Monument Valley – professed by some to be blessed with more breathtaking colors, rock formations, and natural sculptures in sandstone). The endless sand dunes between these spectacular red rock towers invite for a fast and interesting ride. Camp will be back at Comb Ridge corrals.
(30 miles, 8 h)

Day 7 : Saturday
This day will mark the end of the first week. For the one week guests return to the hotel in Cortez in the afternoon and pickup of second week guests at 06:30 pm at Cortez Airport.
Those of riders staying will have the opportunity to take a short but very scenic ride to the San Juan river for a little dip and swim or just relaxing in camp while transfers are taking place. The evening will see the arrival of the new guests in time for dinner under a wondrous sky.

One-weekers stay the night in a hotel in Cortez and fly back the next day (Sunday).

Day 8 : Sunday
We head south along the San Juan River towards Mexican Hat. Along the way you will see how this old town got its name. The upside down sombrero made of red sand stone can be seen from a distance in contrast to the natural, colorful painted hill sides of the San Juan. We will camp for the night in the area.
(28 miles, 8 h)

Day 9 : Monday
We transfer to Oljato and meet our Navajo guide in front of the old Trading Post. The ride will lead us through sand dunes along red rock walls and canyons east towards the prominent volcanic intrusion called El Capitain where we spend the next two nights.
(18 miles, 6 h)

Day 10 : Tuesday
Today we ride into the famous Mystery Valley. Ancient Anasazi ruins and hidden canyons and unforgettable views will make this day a very special ride. We return to camp at the base of El Capitain for another relaxing night under a majestic sky.
(20 miles, 6 h)

Day 11 : Wednesday
This day is one of our highlights. We ride up to Hunts Mesa following hidden trails through spectacular canyons for a 3 dimensional panoramic view over Monument Valley . An old sheep herders trail leads us down from Hunts Mesa into Kane Valley were we spend the night.
(30 miles, 8 h)

Day 12 : Thursday
From Kane Valley we ride into Monument Valley and will see all the grandeur of the valley made famous by Western Movie Star John Wayne. Our trail drops down into the Valley behind the famous Totem Pole. We are in for a treat of authentic Navajo meal and entertainment.
(18 miles, 6 h)

Day 13 : Friday
Our guide will take us through Monument Valley today for a visit of the most famous formations like " Stagecoach", "the hand", "the three sisters"," rain god Mesa" and other famous sites from movies and TV will accompany us along the way. In the late afternoon we transfer back to El Capitain for one last night in Monument Valley.
(20 miles, 6-8 h)

Day 14 : Saturday
After two weeks of a fantastic and memorable trail, we leave by car to Cortez where we spend the last night in a hotel.

Day 15 : Sunday
Transfer to Cortez airport for your return flight.


Important : riding times and itinerary are approximated and may be adjusted due to the ability of our riders or other circumstances beyond our control. These are trail riding adventures and we will spend all day on the trail. Furthermore, the itinerary for the second week may be adjusted to a certain extent due to the fact that we are working with local native american families and guides who welcome us on their lands and will provide us with a unique experience.

 

TO THE GRAND CANYON TRAIL

This riding trail begins in the center of Arizona, between Phoenix and Flagstaff. Mountains, forest and lakess made up the particular landscape of this region and are really different of what we thinking about west America.
We propose you a 2 weeks horseback trail that ends at the Grand Canyon, where the last night is provided in a hotel on the rim and a dinner with a unique sight.
For the two week trails, you have to arrive at Phoenix and departure is from Flagstaff. In case of one week trail only, the arrival and departure on Saturday, in the middle of the ride, is to/from Flagstaff.

Day 1 - Saturday
Pick-up at Phoenix airport at 07:00 pm and transfer to Houston Mesa Horse Camp (~ 1 ½ hour drive).
Dinner and night in camp.

Day 2 - Sunday
After a hearty cowboy breakfast we’ll select our horses and ride the Houston Mesa loop for a nice and leisurely getting acquainted ride. Lunch on the ride.
Dinner and night in the same camp as the night before.
(~15 miles)

Day 3 - Monday
This morning we willl leave Houston Mesa horse camp to the Est Verde river. On the way we will visit the ancient Anasazi village Shoofly and continue on to the Highline trail which will take us to our camp by Geronimo trailhead. Camp is on a seasonal creek in a beautiful pine covered canyon.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~ 28 miles)

Day 4 - Tuesday
Today we continue along the scenic Highline trail from Geronimo trailhead up to the Mogollon Rim. We'll head west on the Arizona trail thru the town of Pine into Oak Tree Canyon and over to our next camp near Strawberry. Incredible views of southern Arizona, the Mazatzal wilderness area and the four peaks make this a three dimensional ride.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~ 26 miles)

Day 5 - Wednesday
We'll undertake a loop ride into the east verde river canyon down to Fossil Creek. In the Spring we can take a dip in the Blue Lagoon of Fossil Creek. Camp back near Strawberry.
Dinner and night in camp.

Day 6 - Thursday
Today we will transfer the camp to the overland trail south of Williams. We will pass by several stores for some last minute and souvenir shopping. A short ride around the camp in the afternoon is possible if time permits.
Dinner and night in camp.

Day 7 - Friday
We will ride north on the Overland trail used by native Americans as well as later on by farmers and soldiers to cross the rim from the lower desert regions to the high alpine regions. Aspen, Pine and Fir trees as well as elk and antelopes will be our constant companions along the way. We'll camp in a large meadow along the trail.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~30 miles)

Day 8 - Saturday
This day will mark the end of the first week. For the one week guests return to the airport in Flagstaff in the afternoon and pickup of second week guests at 07:00 pm at Flagstaff's airport.
The two week guests will undertake a loop ride overlooking oak tree canyon which ends in Sedona's red rock area. A short Endurance run up KA hill will reward us with incredible views of the neighboring peaks and valleys.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~20 miles)

Day 9 - Sunday
Today we will continue the ride to and across the interstate and further into elk country. Camp will be in a hunters camp along the great western trail. Lots of trots and canters along the way with plenty of opportunities to see large herds of Elk and Antelopes.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~ 28 miles)

Day 10 - Monday
A loop ride along the Beale Wagon route is on the program of today. This road have been created in the 1850's to reach California state faster and safer. But it has been notorious by the first emigrant who attempted to reach this wild part of United States and have been murdered by Mojave indians near the Colorado river. Now, this road become the famous Route 66.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~18 miles)

Day 11 - Tuesday
On we ride following the Great Western trail north out of the heavily wooded areas into the cedar covered hills and endless plains leading to the Grand Canyon.
Dinner and night in camp.
(~ 30 miles)

Day 12 - Wednesday
A long ride to Moqui station. The terrain offers ample chance for long trots and canters again. We’ll cross the historic Babbitt ranch. Established in 1886 by the Babbit brothers, and from nothing, by the mid 1890s, the Babbitts were recognized as successful opportunist in all of their western undertakings.
Dinner and night in camp.
(29 miles)

Day 13 - Thursday
From Moqui station we continue along the Arizona trail to Grand View tower. Along the way we will have some stunning views of the north rim of the Grand Canyon.
Dinner and night in camp.
(16 miles)

Day 14 - Friday
We will undertake a ride through the wooded areas along the rim with plenty of chance to view the abundant wildlife and in the late afternoon you will get a chance to visit the Grand Canyon village for some souvenir shopping and a sunset at the Canyon. Last night will be spent in a lodge at the Grand Canyon.

Day 15 - Saturday
Transfer from the hotel back to the airport.

Horses
The horses are mainly Arab purebreds crossed with the traditional horses of the American West: Appaloosas and Quarter horse. Also the horses are from Appaloosas, to Arabians, Quarter Horses, Mustangs and Missouri foxtrotters.
All of them are used to the steep relief.
Certain horses are specialists in Reining and other particularities of the western horsemanship. If you want to, Dominique will initiate you into those particularities with great pleasure.
Also, some of this horses are used to do endurance ride and so you will be sure to always have fitted and well trained horses.

Tack
The tack is western with comfortable cordura saddles. Briddle are hackamors.
Saddlebag are provided on this ride.

Required riding level
The trail rides' rhythm is quite intensive, from 5 to 7h each day in the saddle, but they can adapt themselves to the level of each one. However, it is necessary to be able to easily manage a horse at the 3 paces, to have certain endurance in the saddle, and to know how to look after your horse (grooming, saddling, and unsaddling).

Accompanied kids from 12 years old are welcomed if they have the necessary riding level and are fit enough to follow the ride. We accept non accompagnied teenagers from 16 years old.

Our guides, Dominique and Ron speak German, English and some of French. Dominique comes from Germany and Ron comes from Arizona.
They organise horseback trip in Arizona for years now and welcome international riders and know very well the South West of America.

Dominique is the one who mostly lead the ride and also which take care of the horses (blacksmith among others) and Ron is the cooker all along the ride.

Accomodation
Nights are spent in comfortable roomy 3-4 person tents , with rubber mattresses, pillows and a trailer with the toilet equipment (hot shower but with limited water).
The last night of the ride (apart from Lakes and Mountains of Arizona) is spend in hotel near the airport.

Meals
Full american breakfast is provided to well begin the day : pancakes, maple syrup, fruits, bacon, eggs, jam, bread...
In the morning, you have to prepare your lunch which will be carried in the saddle bag and allows you to chose your meal as you desire.
Dinner will be prepared by Ron and served at the camp.

You have to know that alcohol-free beverages (water, soda, fruit juice...) are provided on the trail.
If you want alcohol beverage, you have to buy it before going on the trail.

Single supplement (hotel room/tent) for the Trail of the Ancients and Monument Valley
Only for riders who ask for a single room. Those who are willing to share, will not pay the supplement even if they are finally in a single tent/room.
- 160 euros for the one week ride,
- 320 euros for the two weeks ride.

Single supplement (hotel room/tent) for Grand Canyon trail
Only for riders who ask for a single room. Those who are willing to share, will not pay the supplement even if they are finally in a single tent/room.
- 160 euros for the one week ride,
- 320 euros for the two weeks ride.


Flights to Phoenix, Flagstaff (Arizona) or Cortez (Colorado)

Please contact us to check the best available rate from your country.

Arizona (USA)

Phoenix (AZ), Flagstaff (AZ) or Cortez (CO) according to the ride you choose and if you stay 1 or 2 weeks.

Summertime maximum temperatures at Monument Valley can be very warm, averaging in the 30°C, with nights considerably cooler (from 0 to 5°C). Because of the mile-high elevation, winters can be cold and snowy.

The Grand Canyon's South Rim, where our ride take place, has an elevation 7,000 feet above sea level. Such an elevation means snow in the winter and cool nights, even in summer. In summer, the average temparture is from 30°C to 10°C.

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance.

We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus.