About the Campus

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is located in the Four Corners area of the United States, close to Mesa Verde National Park and the town of Cortez, Colorado (area map). From our beautiful 170-acre campus, you can see the Sleeping Ute Mountain and the 13,000-foot peaks of the La Plata Mountains.

In the heart of the Crow Canyon campus lies the Gates Archaeology Laboratory, which houses classrooms, education and research laboratories, and offices. Two special learning centers—one a replica of an ancient pithouse, the other a reconstructed pueblo—overlook campus from opposite hillsides.

Our lodge contains the dining hall, dormitory housing for 70 students, and a small lounge. Adults participating in campus-based programs are housed in 10 rustic but comfortable cabins modeled after Navajo hogans, with adjacent shower facilities.

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center campus is open to drop-in visitors from April 1 through October 31, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A small, self-guided exhibit is located in the Gates Archaeology Laboratory; visitors may also walk a short nature trail on campus. A small gift shop is open Monday through Friday, 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Crow Canyon's campus is also open during the off-season for specific events, such as lectures and meetings; see "Events" for dates and times.

View the photo gallery.

Please note that the Center is unable to provide guided tours for drop-in visitors.