Exploring the Mystery of the Southwest Through the Lens of Crow Canyon Archeological Center - $60.00

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Off The Beaten Path Adventure Series

Southwestern Colorado is the most archeologically rich area in the United States, and it is truly one of the archaeological wonders of the world. The Crow Canyon Archeological Center, near Mesa Verde National Park, is on the cutting edge of Archaeological research in this region. The mission of the Center is to involve the public in their research through hands on educational activities, and to collaborate with American Indians in these programs.  This commitment to research, education, and American Indian collaboration makes Crow Canyon unique, and it has resulted in the Center receiving national and international recognition. The Center's work connects the past with the present by integrating its archaeological research with the traditional knowledge of living Pueblo Indians, thereby creating a more inclusive history. Why ancient cultures flourished or didn't and how they changed the environment surrounding them can inform the complex world we live in today.  This understanding contributes to the current societal conversation of how to create sustainable communities while maintaining ecological balance and well being.

 Crow Canyon has a highly developed emphasis on education.  Every effort is made to make the knowledge and wisdom revealed in their work as accessible as possible.  They work very closely with kids of all ages as well as adults. Included in the daily tour is a general introduction to Southwest Archaeology, a visit to the research lab and curation room, and a tour of one of the sites excavated by the Center. And to top it off, a gourmet lunch is included in the tour.

           Scheduling -  Call us at 970 708 – 3883 to work out the details of a tour.

            Daily Tour - $60 per person, includes gourmet lunch, and a copy of People of the Mesa Verde Country by Ian Thompson

                        Personalized Tour - $575 for up to six people.

For those with the time and a deeper level of interest, a specially designed tour is available and led by Mark Varien, PhD and Research and Education Chair at Crow Canyon.   This personalized tour includes a talk that Mark recently presented at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C.  Mark will provide a tour of campus, including visits to the Pithouse and Pueblo Learning Centers, which are replicas of two ancestral Pueblo homes, one from about A.D. 600 and another from about A.D. 1200. The day will also include a tour of one of the sites excavated by Crow Canyon, which could include Sand Canyon Pueblo (Canyon of the Ancients National Monument), or the Goodman Point Unit of Hovenweep National Monument. Special arrangements (and slightly different fees) can be arranged to tour Mesa Verde National Park or the Ute Mountain Ute Tribal Park. A more specific itinerary will be developed in consultation with Mark to reflect your particular interests and the best available opportunities at the time of your visit. Tours of Mesa Verde or the Ute Mountain Tribal Park works best when combined with an overnight stay in Cortez.  This would also open up the additional option (also priced separately) of a wine tasting at Guy Drew Vineyards in nearby McElmo Canyon and a gourmet dinner.

Mark Varien Phd

 Mark is an award winning archeologist who has done research in Texas, Guatemala, New Zealand, New Mexico, and throughout the American West. He has worked in the Four Corners area since 1979, including two years working for the Zuni tribe and 24 years at Crow Canyon, where, prior to his current position, he served as a research archaeologist, Director of Research, and Vice President of Programs.  He has many publications to his credit, including books articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and articles in popular media.

 His archeological credentials are impeccable, but he is particularly well known as a good communicator, and he has delivered public talks throughout the country including at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the National Academy of Science, and the Smithsonian Institution. His excitement and passion for Southwestern Archeology are barely contained, he is able to make it come alive and relevant to the times we live in. This infectious excitement will be a highlight for anyone able to take part in this more personal tour.