Ancient Wayves honored

Ancient Wayves honored with top U.S. tourism award

BY KRISTA ALLEN
NAVAJO TIMES

CANYON POINT, Utah — Ancient Wayves River & Hiking Adventures, a Diné-owned tour company based near Bears Ears National Monument, has been named the top tourism experience in the United States by JRNY Magazine’s 2025 America Awards. The recognition celebrates Ancient Wayves’ blend of cultural storytelling, outdoor adventure and responsible tourism across southeastern Utah. The company earned the “Best Tourism Experience” title from the UK-based travel publication, which honors destinations that demonstrate excellence in creativity and authenticity and leave travelers with a lasting connection to place. Founded by Louis Williams, a professional cook, adventurer and longtime river guide, Ancient Wayves began as a daydream shared by Native guides working the San Juan River. Years before starting his company, Williams grilled burgers and hot dogs for another outfitter’s guests and imagined offering visitors something more meaningful – a chance to experience the land through Native eyes and cuisine. Williams turned that vision into reality in 2019, officially launching Ancient Wayves in early 2020 in Montezuma Creek, Utah. Today, his company leads guided hikes, backpacking and rafting trips through the San Juan River and the Bears Ears National Monument region. The tours highlight Navajo culture, ecology and the connection between land, food and community. Ancient Wayves is the first Navajo-owned outfitter granted a commercial permit by the Navajo Nation Parks and Recreation Department to operate along the San Juan. Williams has also worked with the Bureau of Land Management, Friends of Cedar Mesa, and other agencies to coordinate stewardship and improve access for Native guides. The company’s presence has encouraged cooperation between tribal and federal land managers who share jurisdiction along the river.
 

“We are incredibly honored to receive this international recognition,” Williams said. “Our mission has always been to share the stories of our ancestors and our connection to this land in a respectful and meaningful way. This award is a testament to the hard work of our guides and the powerful, unique experience that Utah’s Indigenous culture and landscapes offer to the world.” Ancient Wayves surpassed major finalists for the top honor, including “Fall in New England” and Florida’s “Epic Universe.” Each year, JRNY’s America Awards evaluate travel experiences that stand out for creativity, sustainability and cultural depth. Williams said the company’s growth reflects a broader goal encouraging Native guides to take the lead in interpreting and protecting ancestral lands. The team of Native guides shares lessons about geology, botany and archaeology with travelers from around the world. The river trips, typically running from April through October, offer both adventure and education, from navigating Class II and III rapids to understanding how cultural traditions have shaped the landscape. Beyond guiding, Williams emphasizes food as part of the experience. Guests often enjoy dishes that connect them to the region, such as fry bread, mutton stew and roasted corn. “I want to smell fry bread on the river,” Williams often says, describing how food can bridge cultures while grounding visitors in the sense of place that defines the San Juan. Ancient Wayves’ approach reflects what many visitors seek from Bears Ears – authenticity and respect for the land. The company’s trips provide an opportunity to explore sacred canyons, petroglyphs and historic sites while learning about the living culture that continues to care for them. The award from JRNY Magazine not only highlights that mission but also shines a global spotlight on southeastern Utah as a destination for immersive travel. The state of Utah also received recognition from JRNY, earning the bronze award for “Best Outdoor Region.” State tourism officials said the acknowledgment reinforces Utah’s reputation as a premier location for adventure and natural beauty. JRNY Magazine, known for its photography and in-depth travel writing, hosts the America Awards annually to recognize exceptional destinations across the Western Hemisphere. For Williams, the award validates years of work spent building bridges between visitors and the land he calls home. As the company prepares for another river season, Ancient Wayves continues to expand its team of Native guides and deepen its partnerships with conservation groups and local communities.

SUBMITTED | ANCIENT WAYVES RIVER AND
HIKING ADVENTURES
Louis Williams, the owner of Ancient  Wayves River and Hiking Adventures, holds a small animal figure he crafted from local roots during one of his guided tours in southeastern Utah. His Navajo-owned company combines cultural storytelling with outdoor exploration.