Ancient Wayves Wins Americas Best Tourism Experience

Ancient Wayves Wins America’s Best Tourism Experience

A Big Win for a Small San Juan County Business

San Juan County is celebrating a moment that feels both joyful and deeply meaningful. Ancient Wayves River and Hiking Adventures, a Navajo-owned guiding company based near Montezuma Creek, has been named the Best Tourism Experience in America at the 2025 JRNY Magazine Awards in London. This recognition places a small, local business on an international stage and shines a bright light on the kind of travel experiences that make this region special. Ancient Wayves earned this honor over well-known finalists that included the famous autumn season in New England and Florida’s highly anticipated Epic Universe attraction. For many people living in the county, this win feels like a reminder that the stories, landscapes, and cultural richness of southeastern Utah truly matter and resonate far beyond our borders.

A Different Way To Experience Southeastern Utah

Ancient Wayves offers something that feels very different from the kind of travel that rushes from one viewpoint to the next. Their trips are built around the idea of connection. Instead of guiding visitors through the land in a quick and surface-level way, Ancient Wayves invites people to slow down and understand where they are standing. Guests learn about the significance of the San Juan River, the quiet power of the canyons, and the long history held within the Bears Ears region. The experience feels grounded and intentional, almost like being welcomed into someone’s home rather than being taken along a tourist route. Many visitors share that they leave with a new sense of appreciation for the land because the tours help them see more than what is in front of them. They learn about tradition, memory, and the relationship between people and place.

What Makes These Tours Stand Out

People often describe their time with Ancient Wayves as comforting, surprising, or even healing. A day on the river might begin with the soft light reflecting off the canyon walls and the calm feeling of drifting along the water. Guests may hear stories about the region’s history, about the plants and animals that live along the river, and about how Navajo families have moved through these spaces for generations. Meals cooked over the fire bring everyone together and create a sense of community. Hiking tours offer a unique experience. Guests may step beneath rock overhangs filled with ancient petroglyphs or look out across valleys that seem unchanged by time. These moments stay with people. They feel real and unforced, which is something many travelers are searching for.

A Reflection Of What Travelers Want

One of the reasons this award feels so meaningful is that it captures a shift happening in the world of travel. Visitors today are not only looking for spectacular views: they want connection. They want experiences that feel authentic, respectful, and rooted in culture. Ancient Wayves represents a kind of travel that honors the stories of the land and the people who have been shaped by it. It shows that meaningful travel experiences do not require grand hotels or flashy attractions. They require care, intention, and a willingness to share something truly personal. The recognition from JRNY Magazine highlights the fact that this part of Utah is offering something rare and deeply valued by travelers from around the world.

This win also reflects the strength of Utah’s tourism as a whole. The state received a bronze award in the Best Outdoor Region category, which reinforces how highly regarded Utah has become as a destination for those who love nature, culture, and exploration. Southeastern Utah holds a unique place in that story. The landscapes here feel ancient and alive at the same time. Winning Best Tourism Experience is a reminder that the experiences offered in San Juan County hold a special kind of power.

A Moment Of Pride For San Juan County

For the community, this award represents more than bragging rights. It feels personal. Ancient Wayves has grown from a local vision rooted in respect for culture and land. The company has welcomed visitors from across the country and around the world and has shown them a side of Utah that cannot be found on postcards or billboards. Their approach to guiding shows people how to listen to the landscape rather than simply look at it. It helps visitors understand the stories that are held in the rocks, rivers, plants, and sky.

The pride felt across San Juan County comes not just from the award itself but from what it represents. Ancient Wayves is demonstrating that cultural knowledge, traditional storytelling, and a strong sense of identity are not only valuable but are being celebrated on the world stage. When visitors come here, they get to see a richer and more complete picture of Utah’s Canyon Country. They meet guides who care deeply about the places they share. They walk on land that holds centuries of history. They leave with a sense of understanding that stays with them long after their trip ends.

Looking Toward The Future

This recognition opens new doors for Ancient Wayves and for the entire region. More travelers will learn about the company and the experiences it offers. More people will discover San Juan County and the beauty and culture that make it so special. Ancient Wayves continues to welcome guests with warmth, knowledge, and a commitment to honoring the land. The award is a celebration of the work they have already done, but it is also an invitation to keep growing and sharing.

San Juan County is proud to cheer on this incredible local business. Ancient Wayves has shown that meaningful travel is not about how far you go or how many photos you take. It is about how deeply you connect to the place you visit. Their win as the Best Tourism Experience in America is something the entire community can celebrate, and it marks a bright moment for the future of tourism in Utah’s Canyon Country.