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Ancient Wayves Reviews
Experiences shared by our guests..
"I cannot overstate the incredible day we spent with Louis Williams of Ancient Wayves learning about the cultural history of Cedar Mesa and the Four Corners. Louis provides a guided hiking opportunity unlike anything else I have ever experienced: he offered all the classic fun and comforts of a guided experience (including a delicious lunch in a nice shady spot!) and added heartfelt stories and shared the significance of the land from a
Navajo (Dine) and Indigenous perspective. Our conversations
challenged us to rethink classic archaeological interpretations of cultural sites. Each plant in the canyon was no longer just a native plant, but it had traditional uses to to be learned. I am grateful for the opportunity to hike with Louis!"
Amanda Podmore (Bluff, Utah)
"I'm so glad I chose Ancient Wayves for a tour of Cedar Mesa's incredible wonders. Louis was an extremely knowledgeable guide and his enthusiasm for the area was infectious. He was eager to share fascinating insights about the cultural and geological history of the region from an indigenous perspective. I highly recommend Ancient Wayves for anyone interested in exploring the Bears Ears region and can't wait to join them on
another tour soon!"
Mason Cummings (Durango, Co)
"When we go to Europe we always hire a guide to help us really "see" the place. So even though we have hiked in southern Utah for 40 years, we decided to really "see" the area and hire a local (Ancient Wayves) guide. It was an incredibly good decision. Louis Williams knows all the best spots and the best route to get there. He gives a native perspective as to what we were seeing. But even more, he sees things that we would easily (& in the past have) missed. On top of that he provides & carries where necessary a lunch of featuring fresh fruit and veggies. And to top it off his wife's fabulous home baked banana bread. We Will Be Back!!"
Bob and Mary Gilchrist (Salt Lake City, Utah)
"Louis did a wonderful job of showing us ancient sites, different flowers/shrubs and their medicinal qualities, and the history of this area."
Jane Myers (Salt Lake City, Utah)
"Louis Williams and Greg guided a group of us to the Moonhouse "Ancient Dwelling" in the Bears Ears region in April. The day was filled with learning because of the special knowledge of our guides along with the magic of the landscape and the haunting beauty of Moonhouse. Ancient Wayves guides are experts in the geography, the flora and fauna, and the indigenous culture and history of the region. Being guided by a Native American guiding company is a huge plus in this unique landscape. We all agreed it was one of the most enjoyable and educational trips we can remember"
David Churchill (Pack Creek, Utah)
"I can't recommend Louis and Ancient Wayves' tours enough! My husband and I signed up for a 1/2 day hike and Louis took us to Bears Ears National Monument. We were in awe of the natural beauty we saw. Louis took us on a hike where we seen massive canyons and valleys that were once homes of Native communities. He introduced us to petroglyphs, clues in the desert terrain of a previous civilization.
He is so knowledgeable about the plants/animals of the region and how much Native life is/was centered around honoring and understanding them.
While we had spent the previous few days sightseeing around southern Utah, it was our tour with Louis that gave us a greater appreciation of the land. Not only did he help us to understand the region from a Native (specifically Navajo) perspective, but our conversations made us reconsider our assumptions about historical narratives. He even provided us with snacks and a delicious lunch! If you find yourself in southeastern Utah, definitely hit up Ancient Wayves for a tour!"
Meghan McCabe (New Jersey)
"What a fantastic trip I went on with Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures! I came to tour Monument Valley, that alone was unbelievably raw, rugged and beautiful. Each new angle was another picture to be taken. Louis Williams, owner, a Navajo and his Navajo guides Jerry and Nelson grew up in this area and knew all the hidden treasures of nature and its history. Even sleeping in a Hogan was a totally unique experience. I loved every adventure they took me on and had the most awesome time."
Dottie Wershing (North Carolina)
"I have been fortunate to have hiked in the Bear's Ears area many times but hiking with Louis added a depth I hadn't experienced before. He had a great grasp of the history and lore of the area. We had planned an aggressive 8 mile hike and we added another 2 miles due to our curiosity of the area. It was an amazing day I will hold forever! Louis added a Dine perspective that made the areas come alive, make sense and enrich our knowledge and respect for the sites. Along the entire way Louis spoiled us with snacks and a delicious lunch. He is an amazing person and it was such a privilege to have this time together. Ahe hee' my friend. We'll be back!"
Grace Zirkelbach
Louis Williams has a gift for sharing his enthusiasm and wide-ranging knowledge of the area. He listened carefully to what we were interested in. Whether it was Bears Ears history and its significance, plant and animal life, geological and archaeological history, Navajo Nation and other indigenous history and folklore, photography and more. Our discussions were in-depth and fascinating! And Louis never tired of our questions! We would surely ask Louis to guide us again. Highly recommended. (September 2021)
Casey V. (New Hampshire, USA)
We really enjoyed our day spent with Louis visiting ancient structures near Bluff, Utah. We were swept up by this passion for the history of the area and the people who live there. It was fascinating to hear his stories and the Navajo perspective on the places we visited. We highly recommend Ancient Wayves to explore southeast Utah.
Kevin and Lisa Duggan (Colorado)
”Our trip with Louis was exceptional. His vast knowledge of local plants and animals, geology, and Dine culture made the hike so much more than just a hike to ancient ruins. Louis offered the perfect balance of talking and silence so we could take in the presence of the Ancient Ones and the beauty of the landscape. He took great care of us. Highest recommendation!”
Anne Rugg (Maine)
"We had an amazing experience visiting Bears Ears National Monument with Ancient Wayves! Louis and his team were remarkable guides sharing their wisdom about the area and showing us things we would have never stopped to notice or understand on our own. I have visited this area myself many times but have a new found understanding and appreciation after having the chance to spend two days hiking and learning about the culture and history that is everywhere on this landscape. Could not recommend Ancient Wayves more highly!"