About

On the Colorado

Hello, my name is Joe Holman. I live in Sedona, Arizona, and have been doing local and Grand Canyon tours for over five years. I have an enthusiastic appreciation for, and knowledge of, the geology of all of northern Arizona, and the magnificent erosional features that are on display here. I have lived on or just below the Colorado Plateau for over 30 years. I lived for 13 years in Grand Junction, CO and had ample opportunities to spend time in Arches, Canyonlands, Mesa Verde, Lee’s Ferry, and other Four Corners attractions. I have visited all of the regional parks and monuments, including Chaco Canyon, El Morro, Monument Valley, Havasupai, Sunset Crater, Wupatki, etc. I have lived in Sedona for over 16 years and have repeated those same experiences over and over again. I first visited Grand Canyon 30 years ago and have been there scores of times since. I have spent over a month on the river and many, many months of time camping in the canyon.

I began my adult life practicing law for years in Grand Junction. During that time I began acting and performing improvisational comedy throughout the Rockies. I developed a deep interest in the history and geology of the area that led me to spend huge amounts of my personal time in the outdoors. As I tired of the constant stress of dealing with other people’s problems, I left my law practice and went into the mortgage business. I have been involved with that career, on and off, since 1991. I moved to Sedona in 1994, began a small business-consulting firm, sold retail, did bookkeeping for a number of small businesses, and various other types of consulting. I continued acting and improv and formed a company doing team-building and consulting for corporations, the local hospital, and medical care personnel. When the mortgage business hit rock bottom, I wanted to do something fun and interesting, and began in the tour business. I now work for 3 different touring companies doing local Sedona jeep tours, northern Arizona and southern Utah van tours, and Verde River kayak tours.

To assist in that endeavor, I have taken several courses at Yavapai College, including, but not limited to, Native Peoples of the Southwest; Stones, Bones and Lost Civilizations (prehistorical archeology); Anthropology of Religion; Geology; Geology of Bryce and Zion with Stan Beus (namer of the Surprise Canyon Formation); and Backpacking the Grand Canyon. I have done several geological field studies including Oak Creek Canyon, Bryce and Zion Canyons, and Grand Canyon. I have attended several Region 8 workshops from the National Association of Interpreters, and done scores of hours of independent study and workshops. I have a current First Aid, CPR, and AED certification, a Coconino County Food Handlers Permit, and a clean driving record. I am looking to get my WFR certification in the very near future.

The purpose of this blog is not only to interest potential customers for my tours, but to be educational as well. I want it to be a place for people to come and learn about the beautiful geologic feature known as the Colorado Plateau. If you are coming to northern Arizona or southern Utah in the near future, and want more information, please feel free to contact me!