Salado Pottery Vessel
The Salado flourished from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries from the Mogollon Rim to the Tonto and Tucson Basins. Here, the Salado intermingled with the established cultures of the region-Hohokam and Mimbres—finding their own unique footing and societal ethos.
Learn how migration, trade networks, kivas, ballcourts, and pottery helped the Salado people transcend from a migrant culture to a formidable society in a dramatically changing era.
Lodging and transportation provided. Most meals included. Itinerary subject to change.
Sunday, November 10: Arrive in Flagstaff
Meet at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport by 2:00 p.m. and transfer as a group to Winslow, AZ for formal introductions, dinner, and a look ahead at the week. Overnight: Winslow, AZ (D)
Monday, November 11: Hopi Mesas and the Village of Walpi
We begin our expedition with a visit to the Hopi village of Walpi on First Mesa. Considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the United States, Walpi has been continuously inhabited for more than 1,100 years since around A.D. 900. Overnight: La Posada, Winslow, AZ (B, L, D)
Tuesday, November 12: Rock Art Ranch and Homolovi
A visit to the Rock Art Ranch and its layered history is a unique and memorable journey through time. From contemporary ranching to ancient petroglyphs and Hopi villages we’ll get a sense for how occupation has changed over time and learn the significance of this important place. Overnight: La Posada, Winslow, AZ (B, L, D)
Wednesday, November 13: Mogollon Rim and the Southern Migration
As we drive south along sections of the Mogollon Rim, we’ll pass through stunning landscapes and follow along a southern migratory route. We’ll make stops along the way and see the Cliff Site before arriving in Silver City, NM. Overnight: Silver City, NM (B, L, D)
Thursday, November 14: Mimbres
Today we dive into the world of the Mimbres Culture. We’ll visit The Mimbres Cultural Heritage Site to view the Mattocks site, an excellent example of a village where Mimbres and Salado concepts merge. Later, we visit the Western New Mexico University Museum and the NAN Ranch Collection—the largest and most complete collection of Mimbres materials available. Overnight: Silver City, NM (B, L) Dinner on own
Friday, November 15: Redington and Davis Ranch
Heading West, we visit two sites along the San Pedro River valley that are excellent examples of the Tucson basin region, Redington and Davis Ranch. This rich area is home to many communities that thrived from A.D. 800 and 1050 as part of the Salado phenomenon. We’ll see the remains of a ballcourt, roomblocks, and an environment similar to when people lived here hundreds of years ago. Overnight: Tucson, AZ (B, L, D)
Saturday, November 16: Casa Grande, S'edav Va'aki (formerly Pueblo Grande)
Our final day of the trip takes us into the heart of Hohokam ancestral communities still holding ground in the metropolis of Phoenix. Casa Grande and S’edav Va’aki will give us an excellent insight into the cultural exchange that shaped the Hohokam. We’ll wrap up the trip with a celebratory dinner! Overnight: Phoenix, AZ (B, L, D)
Sunday, November 17: Departures
Shuttles to the Phoenix Sunport and Flagstaff for vehicles and flights as needed. (B)
*(B, L, D) indicates meals provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This program requires special permission from the Hopi Tribe, Arizona State Parks, and Archaeology Southwest. ©2023 by Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. All rights reserved. CST 2059347-50.
As this is a migrations themed trip, we will be transferring to several towns throughout the trip. Please be prepared to stay on the move! This program involves extensive van travel to access both front country and backcountry sites. Expect one full day of travel of over 250-miles with stops along the way. Some days will include van rides of up to two hours. Some days van rides may last less than 30-minutes with multiple stops. Expect short hikes, less than two miles at each stop on a mix of off-trail, gravel, and paved surfaces.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS
This is a unique itinerary. Please review travel plans before making arrangements.
- ARRIVALS:
All participants will meet in Flagstaff, AZ on Sunday, November 10 at the Pulliam Flagstaff Airport by 2:00 p.m. The group will transfer to Winslow, AZ for the first night.
If you drive: Drivers will park their vehicles at the airport long-term parking for the week. Parking is $6 a day, and is not included in your program tuition.
If you fly: You can fly to Flagstaff directly or Phoenix. Phoenix has shuttles to Flagstaff that leave hourly for $49. To book a shuttle go to groometransportation.com Airport Shuttle Service - Groome Transportation - Book Online
- DEPARTURES:
If you drive: Crow Canyon staff will shuttle drivers from Phoenix to Flagstaff Sunday, November 17 to retrieve your vehicle. Plan to arrive in Flagstaff at 11:00 a.m.
If you fly: Crow Canyon staff will provide shuttles to the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport Sunday, November 17.
ACCOMMODATIONS
We will lodge in comfortable hotels throughout the program in the following locations: Winslow, AZ, Silver City, NM, Tucson, AZ, and Phoenix, AZ.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How strenuous is the program? This program includes extended periods of driving and travelers need to be prepared for that aspect of this trip. The walking portion of the trip will be on the easier side with short walks on unpaved and uneven ground. Be prepared to be on your feet walking and standing for several hours at a time.
How long are the hikes on the trip? Generally less than two miles. There will be more standing and wandering than hiking distances.
How much elevation gain do the hikes have? Most hikes will be on hilly terrain but no extreme steep or long hikes. Most will gain two hundred feet or less.
What time does the program start on the first day? We will meet no later than 2:00 p.m. at the Flagstaff airport on the first day. We travel from the airport as a group to Winslow—a 60 to 90-minute drive. Please check with your Program Manager for more details.
What time does the program end on the last day? There is no programming on Sunday. At 8:00 a.m. we will transfer people to Phoenix Airport or Flagstaff Airport depending on your travel plans. Plan on arriving at Flagstaff, Airport around 10:30 a.m.
Can I drive myself during the program? Can I bring an RV to stay in instead? No, we will travel as a group in Crow Canyon vehicles throughout the trip.
What if I have a dietary restriction? Please fill out your medical form and check with your Program Manager. We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions to your satisfaction.
WHAT NEXT?
Register online or 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, David Boyle at dboyle@crowcanyon.org.