Land of the Condor, exploring the majesty of the California Condor and the country they've been reintroduced to in Northern Arizona - offered by MNA Ventures.

Land of the Condor

Leaders: Maggie Sacher, Chris Parish, Gary Ladd
Dates: Contact MNA Ventures for details
Cost: $650 Members / $710 Nonmembers
Difficulty: Easy

Cost includes transportation, hotel (double occupancy; add $125 for single lodging), and all meals.

The broad valleys and immense cliffs of far northern Arizona form the spectacular landscape in which the once nearly extinct California condor now soars. Join us for an in-depth look into one of the greatest stories of endangered species recovery ever. We will learn about condor biology, conservation, and recovery from the wildlife biologists who spend their days caring for the birds, and explore the striking geology and fascinating history of House Rock Valley, Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Lee’s Ferry, and Marble Canyon.

Each day we will strike out on excursions into this fascinating landscape, including up-close and personal visits with the condors as they are managed and handled by their caretakers. We will visit the historic Lonely Dell Homestead, take a short guided hike to the Colorado River, and enjoy a geology tour. Our evenings will be filled with fine food, good company and educational presentations at the Vermilion Cliffs Lodge where we will rest in comfort each night.

Banner photo by Jason Quinn.

Pre-Trip Information Packet (PDF Downloads)

» Medical/Waiver [33 KB]

Maggie Sacher, Chris Parrish and Gary Ladd - trip leaders for Land of the Condor After leaving a corporate career in Phoenix, Maggie Sacher moved north to the remote beauty of the Arizona Strip to reopen the historic Vermilion Cliffs Lodge. For more than twenty years, she has hosted travelers, fishermen, hikers, students, and dignitaries at her quaint hotel and restaurant tucked up against the looming and provocative escarpment of the Vermilion Cliffs. Read more…

Since fall 2000, Chris Parish has been directing the California condor reintroduction program's field effort for The Peregrine Fund. Parish was raised in Buttonwillow, California near the historical range of the remnant California condor population in the southern San Joaquin Valley. Read more…

Best known for his accomplishments in photography, Gary Ladd is also an astronomer, a geologist, and an outdoor educator whose preferred subjects are the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau, especially Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon/Lake Powell, Vermilion Cliffs, Bryce Canyon, and other strong geologic themes. Read more…

“The condor-related talks were the best. I loved staying at Lee’s Ferry Lodge and getting acquainted with Maggie. The hikes were fun and informative too.” —P.L.

“The program is so worthwhile. One gets back to nature, gets history on where we go, we get great stories and more. I always recommend MNA Ventures, for the places we go and the learning one gets on the trips.” —J.K.