Jonathan Till, MA, lives in Bluff, UT, and has pursued a multitude of archaeological experiences in the northern Southwest for 30 years. Jonathan is curator of collections at Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, UT. One of his passions is analyzing the influence of Chacoan society throughout the Four Corners region.
Craig Childs is a critically acclaimed, award-winning author of over a dozen books. Childs writes about the relationship between humans, animals, landscape, and time. He has followed ancient Pueblo passages on foot across the Southwest; his stories come from personal experiences ranging from journeys into the deep wilderness to conversations with illicit artifact dealers. His most recent book is Atlas of a Lost World (2018).
Stone Lizard Lodge, Blanding, UT:
Built in the late 1940s, and Blanding’s first motel, the quiet, homelike adobe lodge is located in the heart of Blanding. The lodge consists of seventeen cozy, smoke-free guest rooms, each with smart HD flat-screen television with DIRECTV, free high-speed Wi-Fi, coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator. The lodge is owned by San Juan County locals and features work by local photographers focusing on canyon country landscapes, ancestral Pueblo sites, and petroglyphs from the surrounding area, as well as metal artwork by the owners’ son.
La Posada Pintada, Bluff, UT:
Located in the heart of red rock country, La Posada Pintada prides itself on providing guests with a quiet, luxurious retreat during their stay. Rooms feature private patios with great vistas. The inn offers homemade breakfasts, and local staff are knowledgeable about area attractions.
Difficulty This program includes intensive hiking across rugged and remote canyonlands. You may be required to hike up to 4 or 5 miles a day on uneven, rocky, and unestablished trails. Some routes may be impeded by boulders and low-angle bedrock. While staff members are available for assistance, you should be comfortable using your hands to steady yourself and be able to take steps higher than a standard staircase step to navigate around the boulders and bedrock.
ElevationThe elevation levels for this trip range from 4,000 to 9,000 feet. We recommend ramping up your exercise regime prior to arrival or arriving a day or two early to acclimate, especially if coming from sea level. If you have any questions, please contact your physician.
Remote FacilitiesThis program includes three nights of camping in a remote landscape where urban comforts and running water are not available. While we take advantage of facilities along our travels, many trailheads and hiking trails lack facilities. We will offer a simple “hiker’s toiletry kit” as an option. We always practice “Leave No Trace” ethics. At our base camp, we will have a camp-style portable toilet with curtain shelter set up for use. Parts of this trip involve backcountry travel in vans; expect drives on winding dirt roads.
Cultural SensitivityWe will traverse a sacred landscape—the ancestral homeland of descendant communities. Crow Canyon participants are expected to show respect for our tribal partners and support their traditional ways.
Archaeological Ethics It is a violation of the Society for American Archaeology code of ethics for program participants to keep any artifacts or other cultural or paleontological remains from any archaeological site. It is against the law for participants to keep any such materials collected from state or federal land. It is our hope that you become site stewards and help us preserve our national heritage for future generations.
For further information on the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center’s Terms, Conditions, and Cancellation Policies please
click here. You will find details on tuition, cancellations, travel insurance, accommodations, medical information, and more.
