History of NAU Road Scholar

NAU´s first Elderhostel started on campus in the summer of 1983. Geology of the Grand Canyon, Mammoth Hunter, and Writing of the West were the subjects offered for NAU´s first six Elderhostel weeks. Each week also embarked on a field trip to the Grand Canyon, which is still a mainstay of many of the NAU programs.
Though the first weeks were a success, complaints about the dorm at Campbell Hall were rampant! Iron springs were the order of the day. Beds were arranged bunk bed style, women´s bathrooms were on one floor and men´s on another. Former NAU President Hughes joined these pioneer hostelers at mealtime, inquiring of their interest, where they were from, and what they thought of the program. At the end of the first Elderhostel summer, President Hughes gave the green light to continue Elderhostel programs at NAU.
NAU programs have continued to grow and enjoy great success - today we host over 5,000 hostelers during 265 weeks of over 80 different programs, offering a variety of choices in course content and location. In June 2010 NAU Elderhostel changed its name to NAU Road Scholar, to reflect the changing nature of our programs. Since 1983 we have hosted over 80,000 participants. All our NAU Road Scholar programs are held in commercial motels with private baths. We currently offer both Traditional and Service programs year-round. Typical course offerings include geology, southwest history, ecology, Native American culture, planetary studies, archeology, fine arts programs and writing workshops.  Recent additions have been active outdoor and moving programs. We are proud to be a part of the "Not for Profit World Leader in Life-Long Learning"!
Most of our NAU programs start on Sunday and end either by Friday noon or Saturday after breakfast. NAU Elderhostel programs tuition ranges from $452.00 to over  $1200.00 for Exploring America programs.  All programs include all meals, lodging, field trips, waitstaff gratuities, course materials and local transportation.
You are welcome to contact us at (928) 523-2359 Monday-Friday MST from 8 AM to 5 PM (730am-430pm during the summer),  or via  e-mail