Domestic Travel Adventures

Discover the majestic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of the American Southwest. These premier domestic travel adventures offer the very best, including privileged access, top scholars, and limited group sizes. Crow Canyon's trips are professionally developed to ensure both a quality educational experience and a relaxed, collegial, and fun atmosphere.

Questions? Call 800.422.8975, ext. 160 or 136, or e-mail travel@crowcanyon.org.

2013 Archaeology and Cultural Tours

Ute Culture and Beading Workshop With Rebecca Hammond

Create your own work of beaded art—and learn how history has shaped Ute artistic expression

This on-campus workshop led by Crow Canyon educator and Ute Mountain Ute tribal member Rebecca (Becky) Hammond combines intensive instruction in beadwork techniques with thought-provoking discussions that provide rare insights into Ute culture and artistic traditions. Working closely with Becky, you will assemble your own beading loom, learn two different beading techniques, and gain a personal appreciation for the remarkable fusion of function and beauty in Native American art. A highlight of the week is a behind-the-scenes tour of the brand new Southern Ute Cultural Center and Museum in Ignacio, Colorado. Read more.

August 5–11, 2012
Tuition: Member* $1,995; Nonmember $2,120

Backcountry Archaeology: Hiking in Canyon de Chelly

Discover the rich histories of the Pueblo and Navajo peoples in northeastern Arizona

The sheer cliffs of Canyon de Chelly have borne silent witness to more than a thousand years of human history in what today is northeastern Arizona: Pueblo, Navajo, and Spanish peoples have all left their mark on this mesmerizing landscape. Join archaeologist Kim Spurr and local Navajo guides on this hiking tour that examines not only the ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) occupation of the canyon, but also the significant role that the Navajo (Diné) have played in the human history of the Four Corners region. It's an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the archaeology of the area, Navajos' sense of connection to the ancient sites, the impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures, and Navajo life in the canyon today. Read more.

September 16–22, 2012
Tuition: Member* $2,495; Nonmember $ 2,620

A Thousand Years of Taos History

Explore the archaeology, history, and cultures of the northern Rio Grande valley of New Mexico

Pueblo peoples first settled the Taos region of northern New Mexico during the tenth century A.D., eventually coalescing into two Tiwa-speaking villages, Taos and Picurís—the largest settlements in the Pueblo world. Later centuries brought the Spanish entrada, conflict with Comanche and Ute raiders, and the bloody American military assault on the pueblo in 1847. In this archaeological and historical tour, we will explore a variety of pre-Columbian, colonial-era, and more-recent sites that reflect the historical complexity of the northern Southwest. Our trip culminates with the San Geronimo Feast Day at Taos Pueblo itself. Read more.

September 25–October 1, 2012
Tuition: Member* $2,495; Nonmember $2,620

Cahokia, Chaco, and Mesoamerican Connections

Trace the histories of two contemporaneous ancient societies—and explore their possible connections to Mesoamerica

Explore two of the most impressive prehispanic societies north of Mesoamerica—Chaco in the Southwest and Cahokia in the Midwest—as well as their possible common links to the great civilizations of Mesoamerica. This unique study tour will be among the first attempts to consider Chaco and Cahokia in their continental context: Are the similarities between these cosmopolitan urban centers the result of parallel evolutionary developments? Or are their histories linked through shared connections to Mesoamerica? Led by specialists in all three areas, we will explore these questions and many others as we travel to both Chaco and Cahokia, the powerful "capitals" of their respective regions. Read more.

October 6–14, 2012
Tuition: Member* $3,495; Nonmember $3,620

Why Travel With Us? | General Information and Policies | Past Programs Archive

* Minimum $100 donation required to receive donor price.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center's programs and admission practices are open to applicants of any race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, or sexual orientation.