The Chaco Phenomenon

Tour ancient Pueblo sites and explore the latest theories about one of the Southwest's most enduring mysteries

Casa Rinconada, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico.

Sept. 22–28, 2013

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

Deposit: $400
Balance due: July 23, 2013

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

In the remote canyons of northwestern New Mexico lie the impressive ruins of the ancient Chaco world: "great houses," small house sites, outliers, and remnants of ancient roads were all part of a vast regional network that for 200 years was the focal point of Pueblo culture. After more than a century of research, archaeologists still ponder how such a technologically advanced and socially complex system could rise to prominence, and then collapse, so quickly.

Join archaeologists Gwinn Vivian and Ruth Van Dyke on this premier Chaco tour that examines a remarkable time in Pueblo Indian history, the tenth through mid-twelfth centuries A.D. Together, we will explore beautifully preserved sites that exemplify the "Chaco Phenomenon" and discuss the latest theories about one of the most sophisticated ancient civilizations north of Mesoamerica.

Includes three nights of camping in Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

Explore ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) archaeological sites at Chaco Culture National Historical Park, including Casa Rinconada, Jackson Staircase, and Pueblo Bonito

Follow sections of Chacoan roads that linked communities and sacred landmarks throughout the ancient Pueblo world

Visit Aztec Ruins National Monument and Salmon Ruins, and learn how the center of power shifted north from Chaco Canyon in the early 1100s

Engage in lively discussion around the campfire, debating the factors behind the development and collapse of the Chaco regional system

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 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.

Dr. Ruth Van Dyke, associate professor of anthropology at Binghamton University, is a leading researcher on Chacoan ideology, social identity, and collective memory. Ruth's investigations of landscape, cosmology, power, and ideology among ancestral Pueblo people have fostered provocative debate about the development of social inequality.

Summary Itinerary

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

For larger map, click here.

Sunday, September 22
Arrive in Durango, Colorado; introduction; lodging in Durango (D)

Monday, September 23
Drive to Chaco Culture National Historical Park; tour great houses of Hungo Pavi and Chetro Ketl in "downtown" Chaco; camp in campground (B, L, D)

Tuesday, September 24
More downtown Chaco: Tour great houses of Pueblo Bonito and Kin Kletso, great kiva of Casa Rinconada, and associated small house sites; camp in campground (B, L, D)

Wednesday, September 25
Chaco Canyon: Explore ancient roads, including Jackson Staircase and the Great North Road; hike to Pueblo Alto; camp in campground (B, L, D)

Thursday, September 26
Drive north to Aztec, New Mexico, stopping along the way at Chacoan outlier sites on the Great North Road; lodging in Aztec (B, L, D)

Friday, September 27
Tour Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins National Monument; lodging in Aztec (B, L, D)

Saturday, September 28
Drive to Durango, Colorado, for departures (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Cancellation

The following penalty schedule applies: On or before July 23, 2013: $200 handling fee; after July 23, 2013: forfeiture of all payments. For complete cancellation and refund policy, see Terms and Conditions.

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