Description
Crow Canyon’s beautiful 170-acre campus is your base on an exploration to places that are sacred, special, and seldom seen while discussing aspects of cultural influence through stories and lessons that are still alive within descendant communities today.
With the Northern Lunar Standstill phase of the moon’s migration as our backdrop, hear from a variety of perspectives about how Ancestral Puebloans honored and memorialized natural phenomena. In a study of public architecture, celestial observation, and other interesting Chaco region cultural aspects, we will visit significant places and explore the ideas of cultural memory.
Highlights
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites with scholars who advocate for cultural heritage and respectfully guide you through ancestral homelands.
- Enrich your knowledge and understanding of Southwest history through unique and gendered perspectives of Pueblo lifeways.
Itinerary
Limited to 12 registered participants. Meals, lodging, and transportation provided. Itinerary subject to change.
Sunday, October 20: Arrive in Cortez
Meet on Crow Canyon’s 170-acre campus in Cortez, CO at 2:00 p.m. We will meet our fellow travelers, get acquainted with the surroundings and have an evening talk to set the stage for the week ahead. Overnight: Crow Canyon Campus in Cortez, CO (D)
Monday, October 21: Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Pueblo
North of Chaco Canyon are the great community centers of Salmon (pronounced sol-mon) and Aztec. These ancestral places tell fascinating stories of change, growth, and deep connections to Chaco and its influence. Get a sense of the scale and splendor in the reconstructed great kiva in Aztec. Overnight: Farmington, NM (B, L, D)
Tuesday, October 22: Chaco Canyon National Historic Park
We continue our Southwest journey with a full day in Chaco Canyon. Orienting ourselves to the greater Chaco landscape helps us understand the rich culture we’ll learn about throughout the week. Stops at Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada, and nearby small sites will highlight the day. Overnight: Farmington, NM (B, L, D)
Wednesday, October 23: Chimney Rock/Haynie Pueblos
Head North to an ancestral village on the edge of the Mesa Verde Region, where Chaco architecture still braves the weather. Built high on a large rock outcropping with an unparalleled view, Chimney Rock Pueblo will be a magnificent sight. We then make our way back to Cortez with a stop by Haynie Pueblo to witness Crow Canyon research in action. Overnight: Crow Canyon Campus in Cortez, CO (B, L, D)
Thursday, October 24: Mesa Verde region rare site tour
We will visit sites in the Mesa Verde region that are little known outside of the research world and seldom seen due to strict protections; they, along with our scholars, will provide a picture of the vast network of communities that made Montezuma Valley home. Overnight: Crow Canyon Campus in Cortez, CO (B, L, D)
Friday, October 25: Yellow Jacket Pueblo
In Montezuma Valley, small communities, like the ones we saw the day before, dotted the landscape for centuries and then coalesced into massive villages, with Yellow Jacket Pueblo being the largest. Discuss the changing culture, landscape, and ways of living in the late 1200s. Overnight: Crow Canyon Campus in Cortez, CO (B, L, D)
Saturday, October 26: Departures
Vehicles depart anytime from Cortez. Durango and Cortez airport shuttles will be available. (B)
*(B, L, D) indicates meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This program requires special permission from the National Park Service, the USDA Forest Service, and The Archaeological Conservancy. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California CST 2059347-50.
Is this program right for me?
WHAT TO EXPECTThe entire trip takes place at elevations between 5,000 and 7,000-feet. All travel is by van on highways and rural roads, with long sections of gravel and dirt road in Chaco Canyon. Our pace will be somewhat leisurely and assistance will be given, but you must be comfortable hiking and standing for several hours at a time.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will spend nights in comfortable hotels and in Crow Canyon’s student cabins on our beautiful 170-acre campus. We will share a roof with some of our fellow travelers while staying in the cabins, and with ample space and modern amenities, the cabins provide everything needed for a good night’s rest.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How strenuous is the program? This program consists of easy to moderate hikes, less than two miles per site, on gravel, paved, or dirt paths. Most sites allow for easy access to a vehicle, but we are likely to experience a little bushwacking at some of the rare sites. Plan to be on your feet for two or more hours at each location.
How long are the hikes on the trip? Most hikes are short, less than one mile.
How much elevation gain do the hikes have? Most hikes involve an elevation gain of 50 to 200-feet.
What time does the program start on the first day? Travelers will meet Crow Canyon staff on campus by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th.
What time does the program end on the last day? Travelers who drove may depart anytime. Airport shuttles will be determined based on flight times. Departures before noon are appreciated, if possible.
Will airport transfers be provided? Crow Canyon provides transport to/from the La Plata County Airport in Durango and the Municipal Airport in Cortez.
Can I drive myself? No, we will travel as a group in Crow Canyon vehicles each day.
What if I have a dietary restriction? We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions to your satisfaction.
WHAT NEXT?
To register for this program, contact Tayler Hasbrouck at travel@crowcanyon.org. Prior to the program start date, we will provide trip details, a packing list, and forms for you to complete. Please direct specific questions and concerns to the Program Manager, Adam Kackstetter at akackstetter@crowcanyon.org.
