Autumn Equinox · September 17 – 25, 2026
Journey through the Sacred Southwest
Discover America's deepest roots in the high deserts of New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah
An intimate pilgrimage through sacred landscapes, ancient civilizations, and living Indigenous traditions.
Guided by Kristina Wood
(Founder of Mystical Nature Journeys & Pilgrimage Guide)
Plus special guest guides:
John Milton from the Way of Nature
+ Indigenous Diné Guides Rickey Hayes & Kialo Winters
Saved $200 by registering before July 21, 2026
✦ THE INVITATION✦
Before Rome built the Colosseum, an advanced civilization flourished in the American Southwest.
Its people built monumental stone cities aligned to the movements of the sun and moon, created vast trade networks, and gathered in sacred landscapes that still inspire awe today.
This journey is an invitation to walk among those places—to experience ancient cultures, living Indigenous traditions, breathtaking natural beauty, and some of the Southwest's most extraordinary spiritual treasures.
A Personal Invitation from Kristina Wood
For more than two decades, I have guided seekers to sacred sites around the world— such as Egypt, Peru, Cambodia, and, recently, Guatemala. What draws me back again and again is not simply the history of these places, but the living presence they carry and the transformation that can occur when we encounter them with reverence.
My own path has been deeply shaped by years of ceremony, prayer, and relationship with Indigenous elders and wisdom keepers, including many years in Lakota ceremonial tradition.
The American Southwest holds a special place in my heart as Colorado was my home for many years — and this feels like exactly the right moment to turn our gaze toward the sacred lands of our own country
I spent months cultivating the relationships that make this journey possible — seeking out not tour operators, but true wisdom keepers and cultural stewards who rarely open these doors to outside travelers. This journey is the culmination of that search.
Together, we will travel slowly, listen deeply, and experience these extraordinary places not merely as tourists, but as respectful guests on sacred ground.
I would be honored to share this journey with you.
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
This is more than a sightseeing tour of the American Southwest. It is an exclusive, carefully curated pilgrimage through sacred landscapes, ancient cultural sites, and hidden spiritual treasures—many rarely experienced by the general public.
Along the way, you'll enjoy rare opportunities including:
A private day at the Sacred Land Sanctuary in Crestone, CO with renowned shaman and Way of Nature founder John Milton
Autumn Equinox at Chaco Canyon with indigenous guide Kialo Winters
Rare access to Ute Mountain Tribal Park and its ancestral cliff dwellings with indigenous guide Rickey Hayes
A private tour of the extraordinary Tara Mandala Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center
Soaking in pure healing waters at Joyful Journey Hot Springs, the most beautiful hot springs in North America
The historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad through the beautiful Rocky Mountains during the golden Autumn time
Sacred landscapes, ancient cultures, and some of the Southwest's most stunning natural beauty
Meaningful connection, ceremony, and cultural immersion that few travelers have the opportunity to enjoy
Sacred Southwest Journey Overview
Chaco Canyon -
step into the center of the world
Deep in New Mexico lies the political and spiritual heart of the Ancestral Puebloan world — a place where ancient architects aligned massive stone great houses to the precise movements of the sun, moon, and stars. We arrive on the Autumn Equinox, when the celestial alignments the Chacoans built their entire civilization around become something you can witness firsthand.
Kialo Winters, our Diné guide, will walk us through the astronomy and cosmology woven into every wall and road — including ancient rock paintings depicting mysterious humanoid figures that some researchers believe may represent extraterrestrial visitors. We'll explore monumental Great Houses, ceremonial kivas, and ancient rock art. Learn more about the mythology of the Star People here.
CRESTONE, COLORADO
The Sacred Land Sanctuary -
a shamanic day with John Milton
Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Crestone is regarded as a powerful spiritual vortex, a pre-colonial Native neutral zone dedicated to peace, healing, and ceremony. Attracting over two dozen religious traditions, including Tibetan Buddhist centers, Hindu ashrams, and Zen centers, Crestone is considered one of North America’s most spiritually significant places. We spend a full day with renowned teacher and Way of Nature founder John Milton at his Sacred Land Sanctuary.
UTE MOUNTAIN & DINÉ NATION
Honor the Keepers of the land
History here isn't trapped in the past. It is alive, carried forward by the people who still guard these landscapes.
Accessible only through tribal-guided tours, Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers a rare opportunity to explore ancestral cliff dwellings and sacred sites while learning from members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. As we walk among remarkably preserved ruins, we'll hear stories and histories passed down through generations from our Ute elder and guide, Riche Hayes.
Across the Diné (Navajo) Nation, the connection between land, language, and ancestors remains unbroken—a living expression of Hózhó, the profound tradition of living in harmony with the Earth.
PLUS:
Soak in Pure, Healing Hot Springs of Joyful Journey Hotsprings
Visit Chimney Rock in Colorado,
Travel on an historic train ride through the San Juan Mountains
Visit the magnificent Tara Mandala Temple
Plus much more!
Beyond the sacred sites, a thread of healing and wonder runs through every day.
Alongside the ceremonies and ancient places, there will be time for healing waters, meaningful conversation, stunning scenery, and the simple joy of sharing the road together.
Itinerary for the Journey through the Sacred Southwest
Click each day for more info.
This pilgrimage is limited to just 10 travelers, moving together through the sacred Southwest in our private van.
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Arrive at Denver International Airport by the afternoon and take the hotel shuttle to the Spark by Hilton Denver International Airport. Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Welcome to the journey!
Overnight: Spark by Hilton Denver International AirportIncluded: Hotel airport transfer
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Today's Highlights
Scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains
Views of Kenosha Pass and the Collegiate Peaks
Explore the charming town of Salida
Group dinner together
About Today's Journey
After breakfast, we depart Denver and travel into the Rocky Mountains toward the riverside town of Salida, Colorado. Along the way, we'll enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, including Kenosha Pass and views of Colorado's famous 14,000-foot peaks.
Nestled along the Arkansas River, Salida is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic downtown, and welcoming mountain-town spirit. Upon arrival, we'll settle into our charming downtown accommodations before gathering for an included dinner and our first evening together in the Heart of the Rockies.
Overnight: Downtown Salida Airbnbs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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Today's Highlights
Brunch in Salida
Afternoon at Joyful Journey Hot Springs
Soak in healing artesian mineral waters
Stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Optional spa treatments available
Dinner included
Today we journey to Joyful Journey Hot Springs, a peaceful wellness sanctuary nestled in Colorado's San Luis Valley. Surrounded by vast desert landscapes and panoramic mountain views, this beloved retreat offers a chance to slow down, restore, and reconnect.
Spend the afternoon soaking in the natural artesian mineral waters, known for their calming and rejuvenating qualities. Guests are also welcome to schedule optional spa treatments in advance through the Joyful Journey website.
After a nourishing dinner at Joyful Journey, we return to Salida for the evening.
Overnight: Downtown Salida Airbnbs
Meals Included: Brunch, Dinner
OPTIONAL ADVENTURE:
Arkansas River Rafting
Prefer a day on the river? An optional rafting excursion may be booked independently prior to the trip. Contact us for booking information. Guests choosing this option will be responsible for the cost of the rafting excursion and dinner in Salida that evening.
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Today's Highlights
A full day with renowned nature guide and shaman John Milton
Sacred Land Sanctuary in Crestone, Colorado
Guided practices for deepening your connection with nature
Solo time in ancient stone meditation seats
Lunch and dinner included
Today we journey to sacred Crestone, Colorado, where we will spend the day with John Milton, an 85-year-old shaman, visionary, and founder of Way of Nature. For decades, John has guided thousands of people through transformative wilderness and nature-based practices designed to deepen presence, awaken the senses, and foster a profound connection with the natural world.
Nestled at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Crestone has long been regarded as a place of peace, healing, and spiritual significance. Once known as the "Bloodless Valley" by Indigenous peoples, it is now home to an extraordinary gathering of spiritual traditions, including Tibetan Buddhist centers, Hindu ashrams, Zen monasteries, and contemplative communities from around the world.
Set on 210 acres of protected land near Crestone, the Sacred Land Sanctuary is home to ancient stone meditation seats and sacred sites long used for contemplation and ceremony. Through guided practices, solo time in nature, and group reflection, you will have the opportunity to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself, the Earth, and Source.
Following our day at the sanctuary, we will enjoy an included dinner at Joyful Journey Restaurant before continuing to Pagosa Springs for the evening.
Overnight: Alpine Inn of Pagosa Springs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Today's Highlights
Private tour of Tara Mandala Retreat Center
Explore the extraordinary Trikaya Tara Temple
Lunch at Tara Mandala
Visit Chimney Rock National Monument
Arrive in historic Durango, Colorado
Evening at leisure in downtown Durango
Today we travel from Pagosa Springs to Durango, with two remarkable stops along the way.
Our first destination is Tara Mandala, a 700-acre Tibetan Buddhist retreat center nestled in the San Juan Mountains. Founded by Lama Tsultrim Allione, Tara Mandala is home to the stunning Trikaya Tara Temple, one of the most extraordinary examples of sacred Tibetan and Bhutanese art in North America.
We have been invited on a private tour of the grounds and temple, followed by a simple lunch prepared by the Tara Mandala community.
In the afternoon, we visit Chimney Rock National Monument, where towering rock spires rise above an ancient ancestral Puebloan ceremonial center. More than 1,000 years ago, this site was used to track the rare Major Lunar Standstill, demonstrating the remarkable astronomical knowledge of its original inhabitants.
From there, we continue to Durango, a historic mountain town nestled along the Animas River. Known for its vibrant downtown, rich railroad history, and spectacular setting in the San Juan Mountains, Durango will be our home for the next four nights.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Durango Downtown in Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Dinner: On your own in downtown Durango -
Today's Highlights
Autumn Equinox at Chaco Canyon
Guided exploration with Indigenous guide Kialo Winters
Ancient Great Houses, kivas, and sacred sites
Learn about Chacoan astronomy and celestial alignments
Box lunch included
Evening at leisure in Durango
Today we journey to Chaco Culture National Historical Park, one of the most extraordinary archaeological and spiritual sites in North America. Once the ceremonial and cultural center of the Ancestral Puebloan world, Chaco Canyon flourished between 850 and 1250 CE and remains a place of profound mystery, ingenuity, and wonder.
Visiting during the Autumn Equinox offers a unique opportunity to experience a landscape intentionally designed in relationship with the heavens. The Chacoans were master astronomers whose buildings aligned with the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, reflecting a sophisticated understanding of the cosmos that continues to inspire researchers today.
We will explore the canyon with Kialo Winters, a Navajo/Ute Indigenous guide, who will share the history, cultural significance, and living traditions connected to this sacred place. Along the way, we will encounter monumental Great Houses, ceremonial kivas, ancient rock art, and remarkable examples of engineering that have endured for more than a thousand years.
Following our time in Chaco Canyon, we return to Durango, where you are free to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the historic downtown district.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Durango
Meals Included: Breakfast, Box Lunch
Dinner: On your own in Durango -
Today's Highlights
Ride the historic Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Spectacular views of the San Juan Mountains and Animas River
Travel through remote canyons and alpine wilderness
Explore the historic mining town of Silverton
Free evening in Durango
Today we step back in time aboard the legendary Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the most scenic and celebrated train journeys in North America. Pulled by a historic steam locomotive, this unforgettable ride winds through the dramatic San Juan Mountains, following the Animas River deep into Colorado's rugged wilderness.
As autumn begins to paint the landscape in shades of gold, we'll travel through spectacular mountain scenery, towering cliffs, and remote river canyons on our way to the historic mining town of Silverton. There, you'll have time to explore, shop, and enjoy lunch on your own before returning to Durango by private van.
The evening is yours to relax or enjoy dinner in one of Durango's many excellent restaurants.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Durango Downtown in Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lunch & Dinner: On your own -
Today's Highlights
Full-day guided experience in Ute Mountain Tribal Park with Ute elder, Rickey Hayes
Explore ancient cliff dwellings and archaeological sites
Learn from Native guides and living oral traditions
Visit rock art panels, kivas, and ancestral structures
Special ceremony with the Ute Mountain people
Farewell dinner included
Today we are honored to visit Ute Mountain Tribal Park, a place few travelers ever have the opportunity to experience. Accessible only with tribal guides, the park offers rare access to ancestral cliff dwellings and sacred landscapes that have remained largely untouched for centuries.
Throughout the day, members of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe will share the stories, traditions, and cultural heritage of their people as we explore remarkable archaeological sites, ancient rock art, and cliff dwellings hidden within the canyon walls.
Unlike many archaeological sites, Ute Mountain Tribal Park offers the rare opportunity to experience these sacred places through the eyes of the descendants who have preserved their history and connection to the land for generations. Along the way, we will visit several remarkable cliff dwellings, including Tree House, Lion's House, Morris Five, and Eagles Nest.
Our visit will also include a special ceremony, offering a meaningful opportunity to honor the enduring relationship between the people, the land, and their ancestors.
This evening, we gather for our included farewell dinner and celebrate the extraordinary experiences we have shared throughout our journey.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express, Durango Downtown in Colorado
Meals Included: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Farewell Dinner
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After breakfast, we will transfer to Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) for departing flights home. We recommend booking a morning departure to minimize your wait at the airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Extend into the
red rock country.
September 25–29, 2026 | Optional Southwest Extension
A five-day continuation for travelers who want to keep going — from Durango through Hovenweep and Newspaper Rock, into Moab and Arches, and out along the Colorado River to Grand Junction.
The estimated price for this add-on is $1999, but it will depend on how many people register, so let us know early if you'd like to join.
Click each day for more info.
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Today's Highlights
Journey from Durango to Moab, Utah
Visit Hovenweep National Monument
Explore the ancient petroglyphs of Newspaper Rock
Arrive in vibrant Moab
Today begins our optional Southwest Extension as we travel from Durango to Moab, Utah. Along the way, we will visit two remarkable cultural and archaeological sites.
Our first stop is Hovenweep National Monument, home to a collection of remarkably preserved ancestral Puebloan villages, towers, and ceremonial structures dating back more than 800 years. Set amid the dramatic canyon landscapes of the Four Corners region, Hovenweep offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity and lifeways of its original inhabitants.
We will also visit Newspaper Rock, one of the Southwest's most impressive petroglyph sites, featuring hundreds of carvings created over centuries by Indigenous peoples who traveled through this landscape.
By evening, we arrive in the lively desert town of Moab, gateway to some of the most spectacular scenery in the American West.
Overnight: Moab Hotel (TBD)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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Today's Highlights
Guided tour of Arches National Park
Explore Utah's iconic red rock landscapes
See some of the park's most famous natural arches
Free time in Moab
Group dinner included
Today we explore the breathtaking beauty of Arches National Park, home to more than 2,000 natural sandstone arches and some of the most iconic landscapes in the American Southwest. Accompanied by expert guides from Moab Adventure Tours, we will discover towering rock formations, dramatic desert vistas, and the remarkable geological forces that shaped this extraordinary landscape over millions of years.
Following our guided tour, we return to Moab where you'll have free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch on your own. This evening, we gather for an included dinner and another night in the heart of Utah's red rock country.
Overnight: Moab Hotel (TBD)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Lunch: On your own in Moab -
Today's Highlights
Optional full-day Lavender Canyon adventure
Explore remote areas of Canyonlands National Park
Travel by 4x4 through spectacular desert landscapes
Visit ancient archaeological sites and cliff dwellings
Flexible day to choose your own Moab adventure
Today is a flexible day designed for exploration and adventure. Participants may choose to join an optional excursion into Lavender Canyon, one of the hidden gems of Canyonlands National Park.
This full-day experience combines a 4x4 journey through remote backcountry terrain with a moderate hike through dramatic red rock landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, natural arches, and ancestral Puebloan dwellings. Often called one of the most beautiful and least-visited areas of Canyonlands, Lavender Canyon offers a rare opportunity to experience the wild beauty and rich cultural history of the region.
For those who prefer a different pace, Moab Adventure Center offers a variety of alternative excursions and activities that can be booked independently.
Optional Lavender Canyon Excursion: $350 per person
Includes guided 4x4 tour, moderate hike, and lunch.Overnight: Moab Hotel (TBD)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lunch & Dinner: On your own -
Today's Highlights
Scenic drive along the Colorado River
Travel Utah's spectacular Highway 128 Byway
Visit Fruita, Colorado's famous fruit-growing region
Orchard visit and seasonal fruit picking
Farewell dinner
Overnight in Grand Junction
Today we leave Moab and travel one of the most beautiful drives in the American Southwest, following the Colorado River through towering red rock canyons along scenic Highway 128. This unforgettable route offers stunning views as we make our way into Western Colorado.
Upon arrival in Fruita, located in Colorado's renowned fruit-growing region, we'll stop for lunch and visit a local orchard where you'll have the opportunity to pick seasonal fruit, such as peaches, pears, or apples, depending on the harvest.
This evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner as we celebrate the memories, friendships, and extraordinary experiences of our journey together. We will spend the night in Grand Junction before departing the following day.
Overnight: Grand Junction Hotel (TBD)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Lunch: On your own -
Today's Highlights
After breakfast at the hotel, we will take our private van to Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) for departing flights home.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure through the American Southwest.
Meals Included: Breakfast
✦ MEET YOUR GUIDES ✦
Kristina Wood
For more than four decades, Kristina Wood has explored sacred landscapes, participated in ceremony, and learned from elders and wisdom keepers around the world. She is the author of The Magic of the Real World and has guided seekers to sacred sites across North and South America, Asia, and beyond. Her journeys are rooted in reverence for the land, meaningful connection, and the transformative power of pilgrimage.
John P. Milton
One of the founding fathers of the environmental movement, John P. Milton has studied extensively many of the world's great spiritual traditions with enlightened masters and in deep communion with Nature. John's love of Nature led him to do his first vision quest at the age of seven. Through Way of Nature, John introduces students to the power of immersing oneself alone in Nature and Spirit, and allowing the innate wisdom of our Three Natures (Outer, Inner and True Nature) to emerge. John is a frequent lecturer, workshop/retreat leader, meditation teacher, T'ai Chi, Qigong and Tantra Master and author of many books.
Kialo Winters
Kialo Winters is a Diné (Navajo) cultural guide, entrepreneur, artist, and educator based in Northwest New Mexico. As the founder of Navajo Tours USA, he shares the history, traditions, and sacred landscapes of the American Southwest through the lens of Indigenous culture and lived experience.
A traditional fancy dancer, beadwork artist, and photographer, Kialo is passionate about helping visitors develop a deeper connection to the land, its stories, and the wisdom it holds.
At Chaco Canyon, Kialo will share his deep knowledge of Indigenous astronomy and the profound significance of the Autumn Equinox within the Ancestral Puebloan worldview — a perspective rarely accessible to outside visitors.
Rickey Hayes
Rickey Hayes is the highly respected head interpretive guide at Ute Mountain Tribal Park in southwestern Colorado, near Towaoc. A member of the Ute Mountain Tribe, he is celebrated for his patience, infectious personality, and deep knowledge of Ancestral Puebloan and Ute history.
Rickey has a rare gift for coaxing history from the stones themselves — sharing spiritual oral traditions, creation stories, and family histories that bring these ancient landscapes to vivid life. On this journey, he will guide us into remote cliff dwellings, rock art sites, and ancient kivas rarely seen by the general public, and will teach us his own practice of listening to and communicating with the stones — a profound transmission that few outside visitors have ever been offered.
Praise For Pilgrimages with Kristina Wood, Author, Spiritual Guide, And Pilgrimage Leader
Is This Journey for You?
This pilgrimage is limited to just 10 travelers, moving together through the sacred Southwest in our private van.
This journey may be for you if:
You've felt the pull of Chaco Canyon, Ute Mountain Park, or Crestone, CO — and want to experience them not as a tourist, but as a guest on living sacred ground
You want access to guides who are tribal members, wisdom keepers, and cultural stewards, not hired interpreters
You enjoy small groups and genuine connection — with the land, with Indigenous wisdom keepers, and with fellow travelers who share your reverence for these places
8-Day Journey through the Sacred Southwest
Program Cost & Registration
This journey is intentionally kept small — just ten travelers — so that every experience can be personal, unhurried, and deeply felt. Here's everything you need to know to join us
Price: $3,900.00
Early Bird Price - $3700*
(Save $200 by midnight on July 21, 2026)
Deposit: $500.00 non-refundanble deposit secures your spot.
Balance Due: August 15, 2026
What is Included:
Ground transportation from Denver International Airport to the Hilton hotel in hotel shuttle van
All ground transportation in our private, air-conditioned 15-passenger van
8 nights in charming hotels and Airbnb lodging from Sept 17 - Sept 25, 2026
Meals as described in the Itinerary — 7 breakfasts, 1 brunch, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
Joyful Journey Hot Springs soak
All-day shamanic program with John Milton in Crestone, CO
Rare access & guided experience through Ute Mountain Tribal Park with elder Rickey Hayes
Chaco Canyon tour with our Native, Navajo guide Kialo Winters
Visit to Tara Mandala Tibetan Temple
Chimney Rock National Monument
Historic Durango & Silverton narrow-gauge train ride
Tips for helpers: All group tipping to hotel and restaurant staff, bus drivers, and guides* is included. The price does not include tipping for personal items. *Note: Although we give a group tip to the Navajo guides, it is also customary to tip your guide at the Parks individually, but at your discretion, it’s not mandatory. Recommended tips to Navajo guides are between $5.00-$25.00 per day tour.
Time for reflection and integration
Travel with like-minded companions
*Note Regarding Hotels:
The standard tour price of $3,900 is based on double occupancy accommodations with a private bathroom. Participants traveling alone who select double occupancy will be paired with another participant whenever possible. While we will make every reasonable effort to arrange shared accommodations, if a roommate withdraws or a suitable roommate cannot be found, the participant will be responsible for paying the single occupancy supplement.
Single occupancy is available for an additional $800, for a total tour price of $4,700.
What is Not Included:
Flights or ground transportation to the Denver International Airport on Sept 17 and from Durango Airport on Sept 25.
Visa costs
Alcoholic beverages
Any item of a personal nature (Laundry, drinks, telephone calls)
Any item not specifically detailed on our website
Trip Cancellation/ Travel Insurance, which is REQUIRED
Cancellation Policy:
Before July 15, 2026, all payments made, excluding the $500 non-refundable deposit, will be refunded.
From July 15 through August 15, 2026, you may receive a refund of 50% of amounts paid, less the $500 non-refundable deposit.
After August 15, 2026, there are no refunds.
✦ ONLY 10 SEATS
We are intentionally keeping this circle small.
Reserve your seat as soon as you know it's calling you.
✦ OPTIONAL SOUTHWEST EXTENSION
If you’re interested in registering for the add-on trip from Sept 25-29, 2026, please let us know after you register for the main trip. The estimated price for this add-on is $1999, but it will depend on how many people register, so let us know early if you'd like to join.
FAQ
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Sept 18–19 — Charming Airbnbs in Salida, Colorado
Sept 20 — Alpine Inn of Pagosa Springs
Sept 21–25 — Holiday Inn Express Durango Downtown-Animas River
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If you are traveling with someone and wish to room together, you can inform us in your registration process so we can assign you together.
In the case you are traveling alone, we will pair you with another journeyer to share a room if you signed up for double occupancy.
Closer to the start of the trip, we will assist in organizing room shares.
*Note, all roommates want to be happy: if you have either Severe Snoring or Smoking, you will need to book as a Single due to potential disruption to a roommate. We cannot change from Double to Single while on the tour. Thank you for letting us know in advance.
**Important note re: Hotel Pricing & Room Occupancy: The standard tour price of $3,900 is based on double occupancy accommodations with a private bathroom. Participants traveling alone who select double occupancy will be paired with another participant whenever possible.
While we will make every reasonable effort to arrange shared accommodations, if a roommate withdraws or a suitable roommate cannot be found, the participant will be responsible for paying the single occupancy supplement.
Single occupancy is available for an additional $800, for a total tour price of $4,700.
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Mystical Nature Journeys requires purchasing Travel Insurance (Cancellation and Medical Insurance) to protect against cancellation fees and additional travel expenses or financial default that may incur before, after or during the trip.
There are 3 types of insurance you should consider under a comprehensive plan: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance and medical evacuation insurance. These will cover different situations and may give you financial peace of mind, as well as allowing for safe and healthy travel.
Please contact your medical provider, airline or travel agent to obtain a policy for this trip. This is important.
Important: Please make sure you have your medical insurance policy provider’s contact information with you, before leaving for the USA.
Recommended Travel Insurance companies:
We suggest you call and speak with an agent about all options available.
World Nomadswww.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance
HTH WorldwideTel: 1-888-243-2358www.hthtravelinsurance.com/index.cfm
USI AFFINITY Travel Insurance ServicesTel: 1-800-937-1387www.travelinsure.com/what/wmedhigh.asp?32963
Insure My TripTel: 1-800-487-4722www.insuremytrip.net
TIC (Travel Insurance Coordinators)Tel: 1-800-379-9628www.travelinsurance.ca
For Canadians
TIC (Travel Insurance Coordinators)
Tel: 1-800-379-9628
www.travelinsurance.ca -
Refund Policy:
If you choose to cancel your participation for any reason, refunds will be issued according to the cancellation schedule outlined below:
Before July 15, 2026, all payments made, excluding the $500 non-refundable deposit, will be refunded.
From July 15 through August 15, 2026, you may receive a refund of 50% of amounts paid, less the $500 non-refundable deposit.
After August 15, 2026, there are no refunds.
Travel Insurance:
Participants are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, and other travel-related losses. Mystical Nature Journeys LLC cannot be held responsible for injury, accident, illness, theft, loss of personal property, travel delays, cancellations, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Please see the FAQ for more information on Travel Insurance/Cancellation Insurance.
Full payment and proof of travel insurance must be submitted to Mystical Nature Journeys LLC by August 15, 2026.
Room Occupancy:
The standard tour price of $3,900 is based on double occupancy accommodations with a private bathroom. Participants traveling alone who select double occupancy will be paired with another participant whenever possible.
While we will make every reasonable effort to arrange shared accommodations, if a roommate withdraws or a suitable roommate cannot be found, the participant will be responsible for paying the single occupancy supplement.
Single occupancy is available for an additional $800, for a total tour price of $4,700.
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All group tipping to waiters, hotel and restaurant staff, baggage handlers, guides*, bus drivers is included. The price does not include tipping for personal items: Your room housekeeper, laundry service, drinks, health clubs tips for personal meals and other personal items.
*Note: Although the organizer is giving a group tip to the Navajo guides, it is also customary to tip your guide at the Parks individually, but it’s at your discretion, and it’s not mandatory. Recommended tips to Navajo guides are between $5.00-$25.00 per day tour.
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Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate on obtaining a ‘Tourist Visa’ for USA as soon as you register.
Tourism & Visit
Foreign travelers to the United States for short visits, for example tourism, vacation, visiting family and friends, or medical treatment, need visitor visas unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program. Please read more here:travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit.html
Valid Passport
Be sure that your passport will not expire during your stay in USA.
All visitors to USA must hold a passport that have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your country or travel destination.
People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.
Visitors are entitled to remain in USA up to three months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them.
Passport Safety
Keep your passport in your purse or a secure pocket where it cannot be seen; never pack your passport in your suitcase.
Leave a copy of the front inside information page at home, another copy in your suitcase, three more copies for hotel check-in and your original passport with you. If you use your hotel safe, remember to check your hotel safe before checking out of your room. Total 4 copies to bring with you and your original passport.
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Most international airlines operate flights to USA.
Your flight arrival to USA and departure should be to Denver International Airport (DIA) and from Durango Airport (DRO)
AIRPORT TRANSFER to the Star Hilton, DIA
After your arrival at Denver International Airport and collecting your luggage at the Baggage Claim, please look for the airport hotel shuttle bus location. Further instructions will be given to you for the time and location for your shuttle pick-up.
Upon arrival you may also want to stop and exchange some money which is available at the airport.
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Your home currency may be exchanged at the airport, your hotel, one of the local money changers, or at one of the many ATMs throughout USA. It is advisable to stop and get some USD before you leave the airport to cover your Tip for your shuttle or Taxi.
In USA the USD is used as currency. Exchange rates vary depending on what you use in the exchange: cash, check, travellers check or credit card. Be sure to check with your hotel for the exchange rate as it can fluctuate daily. At all larger stores and restaurants you may use either your credit card or debit card.
Please check Visa or MasterCard on the web before departure for the current rate of exchange.
Major credit cards as Visa or MasterCard or your ATM card are excellent to have in case of an emergency and for buying more expensive items. They provide a good exchange rate and receipt. Always ask for the carbon, if used, along with your customer copy. Important: before you depart overseas, please notify your bank or credit card provider of your schedule, and that you will be making purchases out of the country.
We do not recommend the use of traveller’s checks, as you may experience difficulty using and/or cashing them. In addition, banks usually charge a handling fee when cashing traveller’s checks. Major credit cards are recommended for purchases.
TAX
Read here:
www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g191-c1484/United-States:Sales.Tax.html
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Closed-toe shoes: The scenery is beautiful, but the terrain can be rough in spots. We recommend you wear shoes with good traction that will protect your feet from thorns and sharp rocks. High heels are NOT recommended for women. Bring sandals and water shoes for the hot springs.
Hat/Sunscreen: The Southwest is at a higher altitude than you may be used to, so the sun will find you while you are on your tour. Skin protection is highly encouraged.
Layered clothing: Weather in Sept: will average high 70F, average low 40°F. In general weather can be very unpredictable. Windstorms, which have formed the valley into the spectacular sight you see today, can and do occur without warning throughout the year. These storms can bring lightning, rain or snow with them, depending on the season.
Be sure to include: travel packages of tissues, sleeping mask, earplugs, sunglasses, lip balm, moistened towelettes, washcloth, pocket size tissues (for restrooms), notebook, pen, highlighter, compact folding umbrella in case of rain.
If you have balance issues, you can bring walking sticks.
Extra film and batteries for camera with protective case for x-ray machines.
See VOLTAGE section. We recommend a universal adapter and converter kit.
Prescription medicines in original container.
Calling cards or cell phone or smartphone.
Money (more than you think you will need, in small bills).
Do not pack: valuables, including items of sentimental value. Leave them at home.
We recommend checking the weather forecast for Durango before you pack. Definitely bring layers of clothes including a very warm, light weight coat.
PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES
Be sure to pack enough of your prescription medications to last through the trip. Pack your medicine in the original bottle and bring some in your carry-on bag.
Bring an extra week’s supply, your doctor’s phone number, and a copy of the generic names for each.
Have your doctor write a USA equivalent prescription for life-dependent medications. Not all prescriptions are interchangeable. Your doctor will be able to advise you.
If you are allergic to any medicines, please keep a list of these with your passport.
In USA you may need a prescription for medicine that is sold over the counter in other countries.
You should pack some aspirin, antacids, and similar items you use at home that you feel you might need on the trip.
If you suffer from motion sickness, bring along any medication you use to prevent this on the plane and trip.
LUGGAGE
You are responsible for your luggage and additional pieces at all times.
Always pack fewer clothes than you think you need.
Include a closable canvas bag inside your suitcase, in case you need extra luggage for items you have purchased.
VOLTAGE
www.friendlyplanet.com/facts/electricity.html
LOST ITEMS
Double check your belongings before leaving the plane, hotels and buses. We cannot assume responsibility for lost items.
Put your name and a contact number on your belongings. You can include our company information too.
Please check your hotel safe for any valuables before your leave the room.
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John Milton’s books and Publications: https://www.wayofnature.com/publications
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Please visit our contact page to submit any questions and we will happily respond within 24-48 hours during weekdays.
Don't just travel this year -connect.
✦ WALK WITH US ✦
Come to the Southwest. Listen to the stories whispered by the canyon winds. Discover the epic history that belongs to all of us.