A community doused in mystery and spirituality; wander the lands of the Navajo with a tribal guide leading the way. Swerve the Lower Antelope Canyon and feel the grooves of the sandstone rock that has been shaped over millions of years to create its spiral-looking arches, known locally as Hasdeztwazi. Venture further into sandstone towers at Monuments Valley’s Navajo Nation Tribal Park and learn about the history of the community and what life is like in this life-on-mars-landscape before sitting down for a traditional lunch.
Hikes and bike rides are of course a sustainable way to explore these wide open spaces, revealing hidden nooks that otherwise would have been missed from the car. But just visiting the national parks is a way to do some good. Tours are always educational and help keep funds within the parks to ensure both the areas and residents (both human, animal and plant alike) who live within them are protected.
The Navajo name for Lower Antelope Canyon is Hasdeztwazi or “spiral rock arches.” This incredible canyon has been created over millions of years by the relentless forces of water and wind, slowly carving and sculpting the sandstone.
Going off-road proves to be a turning point in bravery for your brood. Bouncing over the coral pink sand dunes on an ATV one day, exploring the crevices the tour boats can’t access around Lake Powell’s naturally formed ‘rainbow bridge’ the next, and confronting any acrophobia on a helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon on another. Teaching that the easy way isn’t always the best way.
Dawn and dusk in these otherworldly scenes are the perfect times to take things slow. An early morning induced mope is soon forgotten about as the sun rises over the Grand Canyon’s contours, inviting you to set intentions for the day ahead. Later on, a wander over the rim away from the crowds allows time to reflect on the adventures of the day. Stars become your table-light in Lake Powell, as you enjoy a private dinner with a local chef on a remarkable overlook, or time your trip well and you can marvel at the full-moon rising over Sedona.
One-upping the beautiful yet humble photograph, guides are on hand to capture the special moments on film, ready to be pieced together into a personal documentary. Keen to record each family members’ highlight, it’s a way to not only look back on an amazing trip but to remember how daring, how elated and how connected everyone was.
From the only lodgings within or bordering the national parks to others with spectacular panoramic views, nights are spent staying at:
Make the most of those fleeting summer months just before teens strike out into the world by themselves. These trips have been thoughtfully designed to enrich your time together in the weeks leading up to that big but exciting change...
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