The magnificent stone structures of Chaco Canyon have been deserted for centuries, leading to unending speculation about where the ancestral Pueblo inhabitants went.

While many Pueblo Indian communities in New Mexico and Arizona claim direct Chaco ancestral connections, the Towa people of Jemez Pueblo, located north and east of Chaco, describe their association with this ancient place as being far more complex. In this fascinating educational tour led by preeminent Chaco archaeologist Gwinn Vivian and Jemez Pueblo member and archaeologist Chris Towa, we explore the complex associations and overlapping histories of both Pueblo and non-Pueblo peoples from the time Chaco Canyon was inhabited to the present day.

Includes two nights of camping at the Chaco Canyon campground.

Tour the ancestral Pueblo sites of Chaco Culture National Historic Park, including Pueblo Bonito, Casa Rinconada, Chetro Ketl, Pueblo Alto, and Una Vida

Explore a remote Navajo refugee site dating from the years following the Pueblo Revolt and Spanish Reconquest

On a visit to Jemez Pueblo, enjoy a traditional lunch in a private home, meet tribal elders, and participate in a panel discussion on Jemez culture and history

Learn about the historic connections between Jemez Pueblo, Chaco Canyon, and the Navajo

Scholars

Dr. R. Gwinn Vivian, curator emeritus at the Arizona State Museum, grew up in Chaco Canyon from the late 1930s to the early 1950s, where he developed an intimate understanding of Chaco archaeology that shaped his professional theories. Gwinn has conducted extensive research at Pueblo sites throughout the Chaco world and published the results in numerous books and journals.

Chris Toya is a Jemez Pueblo tribal member and archaeologist who serves as a cultural resources specialist for the pueblo. Chris is actively engaged in traditional knowledge and language preservation programs in his community, has attended cultural workshops at Crow Canyon, and has served as a scholar on previous explorations.

Summary Itinerary

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

Sunday, September 11
Arrival in Albuquerque, New Mexico; introduction; lodging in Albuquerque (D)

Monday, September 12
Guadalupe Ruin, Puerco River valley sites; lodging in Albuquerque (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 13
Visit Pueblo Pintado before entering Chaco Canyon (Chaco Culture National Historic Park), where you tour Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada; camp in campground (B, L, D)

Wednesday, September 14
Chaco Canyon: Chetro Ketl, Pueblo Alto, Una Vida; camp in campground (B, L, D)

Thursday, September 15
Navajo refugee site, Jarido Canyon, Jemez Springs; lodging in Jemez Springs (B, L)

Friday, September 16
Jemez Pueblo (meet tribal elders, have traditional lunch, participate in panel discussion); tour ancestral Towa site; lodging in Albuquerque (B, L, D)

Saturday, September 17
Departure from Albuquerque (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner