ECHOES OF THE ANCIENTS & DINOSAURS

A LAVA FIELDS, ANCIENT RUINS, AND DINOSAUR TRACKS ADVENTURE!

Step into the pages of ancient history on this full-day adventure through Northern Arizona’s stunning landscapes and incredible geological formations. This exciting tour will take you from the aftermath of a powerful volcanic eruption to the ruins of ancient civilizations and the fossilized tracks of dinosaurs. As we explore these sites, we’ll uncover how the biblical record provides an explanation for the world we see today, from the Flood’s impact on the landscape, to the Ice Age, to the dispersion of people after Babel.

Starting at 9:00 AM in Flagstaff, we’ll set off on a journey that connects the wonders of creation with biblical history. Along the way, we’ll discuss how these sites provide compelling evidence of God’s power, judgment, and redemption.

🌋 Sunset Crater Volcano – A World Shaped by Catastrophe

Our first stop is Sunset Crater Volcano, where we’ll see the results of an eruption that reshaped the landscape nearly a millennium ago and left behind the largest cinder cone in Arizona. This event serves as a small-scale example of how rapid geological changes can occur—reminding us of the far greater upheavals that took place during Noah’s Flood and the subsequent Ice Age. As we walk among the lava flows and cinder fields, we’ll discuss how catastrophic processes, rather than slow and gradual change, explain many of the world’s geological features.

As we drive from there to our next stop, we’ll discuss aspects of the Ice Age and how mountains after the Flood—such as those surrounding us in this landscape—help us understand the world we have today.

🏛 Wupatki National Monument – Tracing the Nations After Babel

Next, we visit the ancient dwellings of Wupatki, where the remains of structures built by the Sinagua, known today as the Hisatsinom or “ancient ones,” tell the story of a people who once thrived in this desert landscape. Towering stone structures and sweeping desert views offer a glimpse into their lives as you explore multi-room dwellings, visit a ceremonial ball court, discover the mysterious blow hole, and see fascinating relics from a culture that flourished here nearly 1,000 years ago.

Leaving from there and heading to lunch, we’ll discuss thing like the Tower of Babel and the migration of people groups around the world.

🥗 Native Cuisine in the Navajo Nation

Soon after we leave Wupatki, we’ll stop for a relaxing lunch at the historic Cameron Trading Post, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while soaking in the unique atmosphere of this early 20th-century Wild West trading hub. During lunch, you’ll enjoy fantastic food, including local Southwestern and Native cuisine (cost not included), and will sample the famous Navajo frybread—our favorite! After lunch, you will have some time to browse authentic Native American crafts, jewelry, and artwork and many other things related to Arizona, Route 66, and the Grand Canyon before we continue our journey.

🦖 Moenave Dinosaur Tracks – Walking with Ancients

After lunch, we’ll take a step back to the time of Noah’s Flood as we visit the Moenave Dinosaur Tracks near Tuba City. Nestled in the Painted Desert, these preserved theropod footprints left in what was once soft sediment, provide powerful evidence of the catastrophic conditions that existed as floodwaters rapidly buried creatures across the earth.

A local Navajo guide will share insights into the site, and then we’ll discuss how these tracks fit within a biblical understanding of history—pointing to a world that was destroyed and reshaped by God’s judgment. We’ll discuss how they were formed, preserved, and re-exposed to be seen in the present day.  Rather than just seeing from a distance or from behind ropes like in most museums, you will place your hands inside the very footprints of these dinosaurs!

🚐 Return to Flagstaff

As we travel back to Flagstaff through a land of cinder cones and golden grasslands where pronghorn roam, we’ll reflect on the beauty of God’s work in creation, His judgment in the Flood, and His faithfulness throughout history. The drive back is a perfect time for asking questions and reflecting on all we’ve learned on our adventure. From volcanic eruptions to ancient ruins and the footsteps of dinosaurs, this journey offers a powerful reminder of the truth of God’s Word and His hand throughout history

Tour Highlights:

✅ Witness the power of catastrophe at Sunset Crater Volcano
✅ Explore Wupatki Pueblo and discuss the post-Babel migration
✅ Enjoy lunch at the historic Cameron Trading Post
✅ See real dinosaur footprints and evidence of the Flood
✅ Engage with expert biblical teaching throughout the journey

Important Details: Price includes entry to all 3 tour locations. We also provide water bottles, blankets, and umbrellas throughout the tour.

Due to weather or other related reasons, we may opt to reverse the order of the tour, starting at the dinosaur tracks, lunch, Wupatki, and ending with Sunset Crater Volcano before returning to Flagstaff. The tour does not feature a stop at the Grand Canyon, but showcases other amazing locations in the area. It’s the perfect compliment to our Rim Tours if you are here for a few days.

This tour typically runs on Saturdays only, however groups of 5+ may request a day other than Saturday by contacting our office to see if we have availability.

Child, youth, & senior discounts.

Additional discounts for groups!

Use promo code SAVE5 and save 5% on 4 or more paid people

Use promo code SAVE10 and save 10% on 6 or more paid people

Use promo code SAVE15 and save 15% on 8 or more paid people

When you book, be sure to add this 190-page full-color biblical guide to the Grand Canyon for a more complete view of this landscape and a reminder of the places we visited on our tour.

This hardback, spiral-bound, full-color guide to the Grand Canyon explores its geology, fossils, ecology, and history from a biblical perspective.

Featuring multiple three-page foldouts with panoramic photos for each of the major overlooks along both the South and North Rims and a spiral-bound lay-flat design to help you as you go through it, this book will be brought by your guide and given to you at the start of your tour.

We also have additional guidebooks for Zion and Bryce National Parks, as well as Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  All 3 guide books may be added to your tour, or ordered ahead of time from our online store if you need them beforehand.