Colorado River Archaeology

Hike and raft through thousands of years of human history along the Colorado River in northeastern Arizona

October 6–12, 2013

$2,795 (member*)
$2,920 (nonmember)

Deposit: $400
Balance due: August 7, 2013

*Minimum $100 level
(see Membership)

The magnificent canyons and sweeping deserts of northeastern Arizona have a rich human history dating back to the end of the Ice Age. Archaic hunter-gatherers, ancestral Pueblo farmers, Navajo herders, and Euro-American settlers have all called the area home, and many indigenous groups attach deep spiritual significance to the land.

Led by archaeologist Kim Spurr and archaeologist and Navajo tribal member Jason Nez, you will explore seldom-seen archaeological sites in the Colorado River corridor from the Grand Canyon to Lake Powell. In addition to discussing pre-Pueblo and Pueblo archaeology, we will also examine early pioneer history and the rich cultural traditions of the Navajo, whose creation stories can be traced to the eastern Grand Canyon.

Includes a 6-mile (round-trip) hike into the Grand Canyon and a 6-hour river trip from Page to Lee's Ferry, Arizona.

Visit Grand Canyon National Park, and learn how humans have adapted to this amazing landscape over the millennia

Enjoy stunning views of the Grand Canyon as you hike a portion of the Bright Angel Trail and take a scenic drive along the South Rim

Explore rarely visited Archaic and ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) sites outside the park, and trace the more recent movements of Navajo peoples in northeastern Arizona

Learn to distinguish the architecture, rock art, and artifacts created by the various peoples who have lived along the Colorado River

Float the Colorado River from the Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell) to the historic crossing at Lee's Ferry

Scholars

Kimberly Spurr, bioarchaeologist and research director at Past Peoples Consulting, LLC, in Flagstaff, Arizona, has conducted field research for more than 25 years, primarily on the Colorado Plateau in northeastern Arizona. She has directed and participated in numerous multiyear survey and excavation projects, including recent excavations at ancient sites in the inner Grand Canyon.

Jason Nez is an archaeologist and Navajo tribal member with more than eight years of survey and excavation experience in northeastern Arizona. His love of Navajoland, its people, and its history have inspired him to pursue a career in archaeology while still tending the family farm and ranch on the reservation. Currently a park archaeologist at Grand Canyon National Park, Jason has also worked for the Navajo Nation, the Museum of Northern Arizona, and various cultural resource management companies.

Summary Itinerary

For larger map, click here.

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

Sunday, October 6
Arrive in Flagstaff, Arizona; introduction; lodging in Flagstaff (D)

Monday, October 7
Grand Canyon National Park (South Rim): Tusayan Ruin and Museum, Lipan Point, rim hike; lodging, South Rim of Grand Canyon (B, L, D)

Tuesday, October 8
Grand Canyon: hike the upper Bright Angel Trail (strenuous, 6-mile round-trip hike, with elevation change of 2,100 feet), view rock art; tour historic Grand Canyon Village; lodging, South Rim of Grand Canyon (B, L, D)

Wednesday, October 9
En route from Grand Canyon to Page, Arizona: Little Colorado Overlook, Salt Trail, Echo Cliffs, Vermillion Cliffs, West Bench Pueblo; lodging in Page (B, L, D)

Thursday, October 10
River trip on the Colorado River, from Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell) to Lee's Ferry (15½ miles, 6 hours, no whitewater rapids): rock art, Pueblo granaries, Navajo hogans, and historic sites; lodging in Page (B, L, D)

Friday, October 11
Broken Arrow Cave in southern Utah; Navajo Nation Arts and Crafts Enterprise in Cameron, Arizona; return to Flagstaff for farewell dinner; lodging in Flagstaff (B, L, D)

Saturday, October 12
Departures from Flagstaff (B)

B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner

Cancellation

The following penalty schedule applies: On or before August 7, 2013: $200 handling fee; after August 7, 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