White Mountain Apache Wilderness Journeys (trip)

White Mountain Apache Wilderness Journeys

  • Show-Low, Arizona
  • Culture & Nature
Arizona, United States

from $1,500* per person6 DaysJune
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Naturalist Journeys 12 people max
The White Mountain Apache Reservation is situated on some of Arizona’s finest wilderness lands. Featuring lush forests at elevations of 7000 ft., the landscape blends elements of the Rocky Mountains and Mexico’s Sierra Madres. White Mountain Apache lands offer a green oasis in an otherwise arid Southwest and June is a peak time for wildflowers, nesting birds, and elk calves – the latter a real key to locating local Black Bear and wolf activity. We plan to be out early to see as much wildlife as we can. Afternoons we return to scenic Maverick Camp to share Apache culture. One of the highlights of this journey is that of sharing time with tribal people, whether they are elders, working biologists, outfitters and guides, chefs or talented artisans.  Maverick Camp offers us a place to be immersed in wild nature.  There is no other opportunity like this one, and space is limited – we are open for 2011 registration now. 

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Locations visited/nearby

Arizona, United States

0 testimonials about this trip.

3 testimonials about the provider, Naturalist Journeys:

  • Reviewer: Ed and Beth Morsman, Deephaven, located in MN
    "What keeps us returning? For us Naturalist Journeys provides a holistic focus on flora and fauna, geology, history and culture without being obsessive about any one aspect. We travel in small groups of interesting, like-minded people with easy access to highly trained, caring naturalists. Superb destinations, knowledge, camaraderie, convenience, and caring professionals. For us Naturalist Journeys does it all!"
  • Reviewer: Rolla Wagner, Grove, located in OK
    “Peg Abbott is a pro – full of knowledge and diplomacy, generous with her time and attentive to our questions. Local guides add a new dimension to our learning with immediate local knowledge to share. I can hardly wait to go again!”
  • Reviewer: Frances Kemper, Lynchberg located in VA
    “Highlights were Costa Rica itself, the guides, birds and variety of activities. I had a chance to see this beautiful country with people in the know and to interact with people and environments that are not offered to ‘common’ tourists.”

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Itinerary

Day 1. Sunday, June 5/June 19 Arrive in Show-Low, Arizona
Guests will arrive at the tribally owned and operated Hon Dah Hotel and Conference Center throughout the day. Those arriving early may settle in and relax, or enjoy exploring the nearby communities.  See Transportation Information for details on daily flights into Show Low. Parking is available for the journey at Hon Dah Hotel.

1:30 - 6:30 pm  Room Check-In, Relaxation time (pool, casino, early dinner on your own, etc.).
6:30 - 8:00 pm  Apache Wilderness Journeys Introduction, Tour Overview and Entertainment at the Hon Dah Hotel Conference Center/Whiteriver Room.
Accommodations at Hon Dah

Day 2. Monday, June 6/June 20 Fort Apache / Bonito Creek / Maverick Camp
6:30 - 8:00 am (Breakfast on your own at the hotel)
8:00 am Meet in front of the Hon Dah Hotel with your luggage, prepared for departure
8:15 - 9:00 am Travel to Whiteriver/Ft. Apache
9:00 - 11:30 pm Tour of Ft. Apache - Introduction to the White Mountain Apache tribe's culture. Exploration of Museum and Cultural Center
11:30 - 12:15 pm Travel to Bonito Creek
12:15 - 1:30 pm Lunch at Bonito Creek
1:30 - 3:30 pm  Travel to Maverick Camp
3:30 - 5:30 pm  Settle into Cabins, meet the camp hosts
5:30 - 7:00 pm  Traditional Dinner
7:00 - 8:30 pm  Music: Joyner George and the Beazley Boys
Evening Campfire
Accommodations at Maverick Camp (L,D)

Day 3. Tuesday, June 7/June 21
4:30 - 5:00 am   Breakfast at Maverick Camp
5:00 am - 12:00 pm Wildlife viewing, wolf monitoring (tracking, telemetry, calling, etc.)  Please note: as Arizona does not go on daylight savings time, it is light as early as 4:30 am – thus the early start!
12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch and a break at Maverick Camp
1:30 -5:30 pm Apache Survival Skills (Demonstrations of Flint Knapping, Fire-Making, Traditional Camp Cooking – participation welcomed)
5:30 -7:00 pm Dinner at Maverick Camp
7:00 -8:30 pm Apache Crown Dancers
      Evening Campfire
Accommodations at Maverick Camp (B,L,D)

Day 4. Wednesday, June 8 / June 22
4:30 -5:00 am Breakfast
5:00 - 6:00 am Travel to Pacheta Falls, wildlife watching en route
6:00 am – 4:00 pm All day afield in wolf country. Enjoy a 3-5 mile hike, picnic lunch, wildlife monitoring (check trail cameras, track counts, radio-telemetry/monitoring of wolves in the area, birding, etc.). This is a field day with some flexibility. We will aim for scenic Pacheta Falls, and mix in other walks/opportunities of the area according to the group’s interests and pace.
4:00 - 5:30 pm Return to Maverick Camp
5:30 - 7:00 pm Dinner at Maverick Camp
Campfire with tribal wolf biologists and staff
Accommodations at Maverick Camp (B,L,D)

Day 5. Thursday, June 9 / June 23 Sunrise Ski Area / Horseback riding / Wolf-country overview / Sweat Lodge (Men) or Crafts (Women and Men) Return to Hon Dah
7:00 - 8:00 am Breakfast at Maverick Camp
8:00 - 9:00 am Travel to Sunrise, wildlife watching en route
8:00 -12:00 pm  Horse backing riding at Sunrise, Wolf country overview, visit fladry sheep-pasture - those not wishing to ride may walk, or relax and enjoy the scenery.
12:00 - 1:30 pm Lunch at Sunrisewith Wolf Coexistence Partnership rancher.
1:30 - 3:30 pm Split the group, men part take in the Sweat Bath with Ramon Riley, or Men’s and Ladies traditional crafts at Hon-dah (demo of basket-making and beading).
5:30 - 7:30 pm Final Buffet Dinner for the group at Indian Pine Restaurant at Hon Dah
Tour Wrap Up follows dinner, share highlights of your experience and help us plan for Apache Wilderness Journeys 2012!
Accommodations at Hon Dah (B,L,D)

Day 6 Friday, June 10 / June 24 Optional Walk and Birding / Departures
Optional morning birding and walk, Woodland Park near Pinetop with Peg
6 - 7:00 am Breakfast (on your own). Shuttle available for transportation throughout the day to Show Low Airport from Hon-Dah. Those driving may depart at your convenience.


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