Two Weeks Horse Riding in Arizona

Join us on a two week journey between and through some of the most impressive valleys and canyons of the Southwest. We start our ride in Utah with the Valley of Gods and overlook parts of the Grand Canyon and then ride into Arizona and the wonders of Monument Valley.

This is a forward going camping ride with some lay-over camps and loop rides full of great scenery and history view. Ride and Explore the canyons that were once the home ancient Anasazi and more recently, the land of the Ute and Navajo then into the Valley of the Gods. Many great spots for pictures and long stretches of cantering in between those rock formations will make this an unforgettable adventure.

The 2nd week we travel towards Mexican Hat and across the river into the Navajo Nation where we will meet our native guides. You have probably seen Monument Valley hundreds of times, but as you ride through it, you will see the real thing perhaps for the first time; And somehow Monument Valley doesn't look like the Monument Valley you've seen before. It is rather overwhelming. One night while in the Nation, the Navajos may perform some traditional songs and dancing for us around a camp fire. It is an awesome experience in our canyon camp with the cliff walls echoing the voices of the singers and spirits.

You can join us for week one, week two, or for the complete two-week ride.

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Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1 Sun. Guests will be picked up at the Cortez Airport and driven to camp at Cottonwood wash near Blanding Utah where the Trail Adventure starts.

Day 2 Mon. Introductions and trail briefing before everyone selects or is assigned their horse for the trail then 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 4 Wed. We ride our camp up Cottonwood wash and will descend the impressive Comb Ridge via a 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 Thurs. 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 Fri. 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 Sat. This day will mark the end of the first week. The one week guests return to the Cortez. (Saturday night hotel is included.)
Those of you 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 (pick up for new guests is Cortez Airport @ 6 pm).

Day 8 Sun. We head south 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 (just outside of Valley of the Gods on Lime Creek (28 miles, 8 h).

Day 9 Mon. We will load up and drive to Oljato Trading Post in The Navajo Nation and meet our Navajo guide in front of the old Trading Post for a ride to our next camp. The ride will lead us through sand dunes along red rock walls and canyons east towards the prominent volcanic vent called El Capitan ( Navajo - Agathla )where we spend the next two nights. (18 miles, 6 h)

Day 10 Tues. 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)

Day 11 Wed. This ride 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 Thurs. 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 Fri. 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 prepare for our trip to Cortez and our farewell dinner in Monument Valley.

Day 14 Sat. After two weeks of a fantastic and memorable trail. We depart to Cortez with a fond Farewell to all. Overnight in local hotel.

Day 15: Hotel airport shuttle to the airport and departure.
subject to change

Other Details

Accommodation Details

“Three season” tents with cots (we also provide pillows and have spare Sleeping bags for anyone needing the extra warmth on the cold desert nights); Hot shower facility in one of the support vehicles.(Hot water is always available for freshening up of a morning from a large pot and wash basins.) (Although there will always be water available, please remember that it is a precious commodity out here so conservation is the key word.)

Wholesome tasty meals prepared in a modern day chuck wagon are served in a variety of menus throughout the trail. Beef, pork, or chicken, fresh vegetables, potatoes or rice, bread or rolls and some Southwest meals for dinner are served family style around a table. Breakfast menus consist of eggs, pancakes, French toast, bisquits, potatoes, and gravy, bacon or sausage, juice; and a lot of coffee, tea and cocoa.

Drinking water and water bottles are provided; flavored drink mix with electrolytes are also provided and you are encouraged to use them here in this southwest heat.

Portable chemical toilets are provided in camp but while on the trail the bushes and trees will serve your needs.
Beverages other than coffee, tea, and water are not included on this trip but can be brought from town “at cost”. When the cook goes in for supplies.*

*Alcohol is not allowed in the Navajo Nation.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.