Redrock Canyon Tours: Non-Riding Activities
The Redrock Canyons tour has numerous activities for non-riding spouses & friends.
Day 1: Colorado National Monument: A depression era project of the Civilian Conservation Core, the Colorado National Monument is under consideration to become a National Park. The Monument contains a 23-mile scenic road with switchbacks & overlooks was built by hand through the 1,000-foot high Redrock walls. The Monument has a visitor center and numerous scenic pull-offs for pictures and hiking.
At day 1 lodging John Hendricks, former owner of the Discovery Channel, has built Gateway Canyons Resort. The resort contains a car museum among the most impressive in North America. Even if one is not a fan of cars this museum showcases Americana like few other displays (closes at 5pm). At the resort also enjoy an outdoor pool, Discovery HD theatre, adventure center (with Lance Armstrong yellow jersey) and large shaded campus.
Day 2: Day 2 of the Redrock Tour features the spectacular confines of the Dolores River Canyons and the interpretive sites of the Hanging Flume (See day 2 on the website for pictures & write-up). In the afternoon take time to tour the Anasazi Heritage Museum.
Day 3: On Day 3 non-riders are encouraged to spend more time at Hovenweep National Monument, one of North America’s most impressive Indian heritage sites (read day 3 on the website for pictures & detail).
Days 4: On the layover day in Bluff, Utah spend time at the Mormon Church’s historic Bluff townsite. Learn about the impractical “Hole in the Rock” expedition that founded Bluff.
Day 5: Explore the sights and sounds of Monument Valley on the Navajo Reservation. The museum visitor’s center is time well spent.
Day 6: If one is a photographer, Day 6 travels through one of largest redrock wilderness areas in the desert southwest. Short hiking opportunities abound. Of particular interest along day 6’s route is Natural Bridges National Monument with the world’s 2nd largest natural bridges. This was the first Monument Teddy Roosevelt designated to protect during his presidency.