Take a scenic one-hour shuttle ride from Navajo guide Darrell Atene’s house, who lives near Navajo Mountain, to the North Trailhead, which will kickstart our adventure. Darrell and his family are a thorough source of knowledge about the Navajo culture of this place.

Beginning near the ruins of Rainbow Lodge, we will hike seven miles, circling the western and northern sides of Navajo Mountain as we follow the route of early 20th-century pack trips to Rainbow Bridge. We will see a wonderland of winding canyons, natural bridges, and Slickrock domes while passing through the most scenic terrain in the southwest.

Hike seven more miles to a spectacular campsite at the foot of a great desert varnish-stained red rock amphitheater, one of the most beautiful campsites anywhere. Along the hike, we will pass by more intriguing shadowy side canyons with their amazing beauty.

Enjoy a layover day where we will hike to the aptly named Echo Camp, the legendary Rainbow
Bridge, and the less well-known Owl Bridge. Together, we will look for evidence of earlier travelers, ranging from ancient Pueblo dwellers to early 20th-century explorers such as John Wetherill and Charles Bernheimer.

Enjoy a fantastically scenic hike back via the North Trail. Hiking in the opposite direction, the scenery and the lighting will appear in an entirely different light, creating the feeling that this is a completely new scene despite having been on the same trail only a few days earlier.

Continue the hike toward the trailhead, where the trip will end at Darrel Atten’s home. We will stay for one more night and enjoy a meal of traditional Navajo tacos and fried bread.