Archive of Past Programs

Note: This program is no longer available. Please see Domestic Trips and International Trips for currently available programs.

Backcountry Archaeology: Hiking in Canyon de Chelly

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

Rock art, Canyon de Chelly National Monument.

Sept. 16–22, 2012

$2,495 (member*)
$2,620 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: July 16, 2012

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

The sheer cliffs of Canyon de Chelly have borne silent witness to thousands of years of human history in what today is northeastern Arizona: Pueblo, Navajo, and Euro-American peoples have all left their mark on this mesmerizing landscape.

Join archaeologist Kimberly Spurr and local Navajo guides on this educational hiking tour that examines not only the ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) occupation of the canyon, but also the significant role that, for more than 500 years, the Navajo (Diné) have played in the human history of the Four Corners region.

It's an extraordinary opportunity to explore the archaeology of the area with a veteran researcher—and to learn from local Navajo residents about their sense of connection to the ancient sites, the impact of Euro-American expansionism on indigenous cultures, and Navajo life in the canyons today.

Hike the magnificent canyons of Canyon de Chelly National Monument, including Canyon del Muerto, Monument Canyon, and Canyon de Chelly itself

Explore fascinating ancestral Pueblo sites—including White House Ruin, Antelope House, Two Ladder House, and Newspaper Rock—and discuss the rapid departure of Pueblo Indians from the area in the late thirteenth century

Learn about the history of Navajo people in the canyons, including clashes with Spanish explorers and the conflict with the U.S. military that resulted in the infamous "Long Walk"

Visit with a Navajo family and learn about traditional life in the canyons today

Scholar

Kimberly (Kim) Spurr, bioarchaeologist and research director at Past Peoples Consulting, LLC, in Flagstaff, Arizona, has worked on the western Navajo Reservation for more than 15 years, where she has directed several multiyear excavation projects at Archaic, Basketmaker, Kayenta Anasazi, and Sinagua sites.

In addition, local Navajo guides will accompany us on our hikes into the canyons.

Summary Itinerary

A detailed itinerary is available in the program brochure (PDF). Itinerary subject to change.

Note: Although Canyon de Chelly is a national monument, it is also home to Navajo farmers and sheepherders who have lived off the land for generations. The monument is jointly managed by the federal government and the Navajo Nation, and hiking in the canyon bottoms requires the use of a guide.

Sunday, September 16
Arrival in Flagstaff, Arizona; introduction; lodging, Flagstaff (D)

Monday, September 17
Drive from Flagstaff to Canyon de Chelly National Monument; hike White House Trail to White House Ruin; lodging, Canyon de Chelly (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 18
Hike Canyon del Muerto, upper stretch: "planetarium cave," Mummy Cave, Yucca Cave (note: Mummy Cave and Yucca Cave will be viewed from an overlook); lodging, Canyon de Chelly (B, L, D)

Wednesday, September 19
Hike Canyon del Muerto, lower stretch: Antelope House, Navajo homesteads (discussion of Navajo history); lodging, Canyon de Chelly (B, L, D)

Thursday, September 20
Hike Canyon de Chelly and Monument canyons: Spider Rock, Two Ladder House; lodging, Canyon de Chelly (B, L, D)

Friday, September 21
Hike to Newspaper Rock (rock art site); visit Navajo home; return to Flagstaff; lodging, Flagstaff (B, L, D)

Saturday, September 22
Departure from Flagstaff (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

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.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California
CST 2059347-50