A FEW OPENINGS remain for the following field trips:
Friday: Colorado National Monument
Full-Day Sunday: Big Dominguez, Moab North, Gateway-Naturita
Two-Day: Vernal, Gateway-Paradox Valley
ONE/TWO OPENINGS remain for the following:
Sunday afternoon: Eagle Rock, Shavano
Sunday Full-Day: Canon Pintado, Escalante Canyon, Utah Bookcliffs
Friday: Colorado National Monument
Full-Day Sunday: Big Dominguez, Moab North, Gateway-Naturita
Two-Day: Vernal, Gateway-Paradox Valley
ONE/TWO OPENINGS remain for the following:
Sunday afternoon: Eagle Rock, Shavano
Sunday Full-Day: Canon Pintado, Escalante Canyon, Utah Bookcliffs
**NOTE: Field trips have been filling up fast this past week.
**currently filled field trips include: Friday Museum of Western Colorado, Friday Shavano , Sunday Glade Park, Sunday MORNING Eagle Rock Shelter, Sunday Canyon Pintado, Sunday Shavano Valley
Short 2-3 hr. field trip s will be offered on Friday 3 -6 p.m., October 7, for those arriving early for the conference.
Part-Day and Full-Day field trips will be offered on Sunday, October 9 – from 8-noon/8-4 p.m. respectively.
Two- Day field trips will be offered Sunday, October 9 thru Monday, October 10 – from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Lodging and meals for two-day field trips will be participant's responsibility. 3 p.m. return will be from terminus of field trip, e.g. Price, Utah area). Trips that do not meet minimum participation will be canceled and next choice preference will be assigned, depending on availability. The earlier one registers for the conference, the better the chance of getting preferred choices.
Trips are limited as to number of participants. Please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice for 1) any Friday; 2A) FULL-DAY SUNDAY OR 2B) TWO-DAY (Sun-Mon) trip listed below. Trip assignment will be made when registration and payment for conference is received, and sufficient participation warrants the trip. Sunday half-day trips can be paired (Eagle Rock in a.m.; Shavano in p.m. - 1st choice each) Further information regarding time, meeting place, and carpooling will be forthcoming by email as trips and participants are finalized.
*Easy = Most often flat surfaces/close to vehicle with minimal elevation
*Easy-moderate = Some hiking, less than 1 mile, with short/steep climb (<100') across uneven terrain to a site
*Moderate = extended hike (3-7 mi RT)w/ extended elevation gains (100-')
*Moderate-difficult = more prolonged climbs and some short rock scrambling possible in places.
Friday October 7, 4-6 p.m.
***TRIP FULL***Behind the Scene Tour of the Museum of the West (GJ) - 2 hour tour, 3-5 p.m., October 7. Easy. Museum of the West will take participants into the backroom of the museum to share a look at archaeological artifacts that have been collected over the years and that do not appear in the public display. It's a great chance to see some wonderful artifacts up close!
Colorado National Monument – 2 hour tour, 3-6 p.m. October 7. Easy. For those who haven't had the chance to visit the CNM, this short trip offers a proper setting to tell the story of John Otto. Otto was one of those colorful characters who danced on the edge of, tormented the powers-that-be with lengthy, rambling, and sometimes vacuous letters, but most importantly called attention to the spectacular beauty of the canyons that he loved. Wrapped in American pride, he named many of the rock pillars and spires after the great leaders and icons of our country – and dared to believe that the American bison could find a noble home foraging the plant life that hung in balance at the base of the canyons. With persistence, Otto played an important role in having this area designated a National Monument in 1911.
***TRIP FULL***Shavano Valley Petroglyph Park (Montrose area)- October 7, 3-5 p.m. Easy. If additional interest, we will try to offer this again on October 9, 2-3 hr. This site, now protected by The Archaeological Conservancy, is at the crossroads of several ancient Ute trails where artesian springs once provided an important source of water for early hunter-gatherers. Among other images, it is well known for its tree glyph representing levels of the cosmos, as well as a panel representing the Ute bear dance. William Buckles dated excavated samples at this site from the Archaic to the Formative.
Sunday, October 9 - Full Day Excursions (unless shown otherwise)
New! Gateway to Uravan Rock Art – Easy-moderate. (First day of Paradox Valley Trip) This trip will visit several rock art sites in the Dolores River Canyon south of Gateway. These sites include Archaic, Gateway Tradition, Fremont, and Ute. In itself, this is a stunning canyon drive, a hidden treasure not on the common travel-screen.
***TRIP FULL***Canon Pintado – Easy-moderate. First described in written form by explorers Dominguez and Escalante, this field day takes one over Douglas Pass to numerous sites south of Rangeley. Fremont defensive walls look down on the valley below, with petroglyphs and pictographs occurring along the valley floor. Time should allow for a trip to other sites to the west.
***MORNING TRIP FULL, AFTERNOON STILL OPEN***Eagle Rock – Two or three (depending on interest) half-day tours, October 9 . Easy-moderate with modest elevation drop/gain on return. With upper deposition layers previously scavenged, the BLM allowed a university archaeological department the opportunity to bring students out for a hands-on experience doing field work. Much to everyone's surprise, Eagle Rock came to provide far more than ever imagined. The site has unfolded over the past decade, revealing numerous hearths, basketry, projectile points and bone tools - and documenting ways of life far back into early archaic and paleo times. Eagle Rock, east of Delta, is one of the oldest documented sites in the U.S., with radiocarbon dates to 12800 BP.
Escalante Canyon – Easy-moderate. A full day tour with a mix of archaeological sites and fascinating western history. Historic Ute left their mark on a couple of easy-to-visit sites in the canyon. Early settlement and the coming of the railroad likewise provide a rich narrative of ranchers, sheep wars, orchard growers, train robberies, and shoot-outs. Beautiful canyon scenery entices one every step of the way.
Fort Uncompaghre and Museum of the Mountain West – Easy. This field trip provides a guided tour of the uniquely re-created trading post (and adjoining sites) established by Antoine Robidoux in the 1820's. It offers a vivid glimpse into the feeling and experience of living on the western frontier of 1828. The afternoon Museum tour provides a guided visit thru over 18 historic buildings (1880's-1910's) which have been moved from their original locations and meticulously restored to near original condition. Museum founder, historian and archaeologist Richard Fike has gathered over 500,000 historic artifacts which are on display throughout the museum. [Indicate if only choosing to go on 1st/2nd half]
***TRIP FULL***Glade Park – Easy-moderate. Some excellent examples of Fremont-style rock art occur in the area just west of Grand Junction. This tour will visit one of these, as well as other locations, both historical and archaeological. Glade Park itself is a serene expanse of ranches and sandstone outcrops which seem far-removed from the urban life in the Grand Valley below. (Landowner permission pending)
NEW!!! Dominguez Canyon – (30 mi S of GJ) - Moderate due to length of hike. [This trip replaces Little Dominguez Canyon]. Named for one of the Spanish priests who set out from Santa Fe to reportedly search for a route to California), This canyon is a pleasant fall hike through history and lifeways dating far back in time. Newspaper Rock, the terminus of the hike, records the presence of multiple native cultures.Along the way one passes the historic site of Bridgeport, crosses the Gunnison River near one of the old ferry crossings, and visits rock shelters and signs of early frontier life that offer their own stories. Most recently, the area was designated a National Conservation Area, conserving important cultural and environmental resources, managed by the BLM. Modest elevation gains over the 3.5 mi route (7 mile RT).
Moab – Moderate. A 2 hour drive toward Moab, the last hour of which has to be one of the most spectacular drives, along the Colorado River, in the country. This trip will head north at Moab to visit several rock art panels, including Barrier Canyon, close to the road. It will involve some hiking over uneven terrain, generally less than 1 mile from the road.
***TRIP FULL***Shavano Valley Petroglyph Park - October 9, half-day tour (2-3 hrs + 1 hr. drive time). Easy-moderate. If sufficient interest, we will try to offer this on October 9th, as well as for those coming early on Friday afternoon. This site, now protected by The Archaeological Conservancy, is at the crossroads of several ancient Ute trails where artesian springs once provided an important source of water for early hunter-gatherers. Among other images, it is well known for its tree glyph representing levels of the cosmos, as well as a panel representing the Ute bear dance. Buckles dated excavated samples from the Archaic to the Formative. Departure for home from Montrose.
Utah Bookcliffs – Easy-moderate. A day trip west of Grand Junction to view iconic Barrier Canyon images in the Bookcliffs area of Utah, as well as to take in short hikes to other rock art sites. If one has never been to Sego Canyon, this site is a must. It provides a nicely interpreted delineation of rock art styles from Archaic through historic. The trip continues west to several other sites as time allows.
Sunday, October 9-Monday, 3 p.m. October 10 - Two Day Outings
Paradox/Unaweep/Naturita Valley – Moderate to difficult, depending on how adventurous the group is. High clearance vehicles recommended, with ride sharing to accommodate those without. This trip will visit rock art sites south of Gateway in Unaweep Canyon, on the way to Paradox Valley. Often overlooked and forgotten, the Paradox Valley holds the secret to lots of intriguing rock art. This field trip takes one to several sites in a fairly compact area. Depending on time, it may also be expanded to include structural features of the upper Unaweep area. Camping is available in the area. Lodging can be found in the Naturita-Nucla area. Depart for home from Naturita area. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.
Price Area – Moderate. This field trip will feature a full day trip (10/9) through Nine Mile Canyon, a treasure trove of world-famous rock art. Participants can either camp in the Price-Wellington area, or choose one of the local accommodations. The following day will focus on several sites, likely in the San Rafael Swell. Depart for home from Price/Green River, Utah area. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.
Vernal Area – Moderate. Vernal, Utah is the center of Classic Fremont-style rock art. McConkie Ranch and McKee Springs are highly representative of this area. The Dinosaur National Monument, Jensen entrance, will also be visited, with rock art along the road. Other lesser known sites may be visited, depending on time. Participants can either camp in the west Dinosaur area or find accommodations in Vernal. Depart for home from Vernal, Utah. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.
**currently filled field trips include: Friday Museum of Western Colorado, Friday Shavano , Sunday Glade Park, Sunday MORNING Eagle Rock Shelter, Sunday Canyon Pintado, Sunday Shavano Valley
Short 2-3 hr. field trip s will be offered on Friday 3 -6 p.m., October 7, for those arriving early for the conference.
Part-Day and Full-Day field trips will be offered on Sunday, October 9 – from 8-noon/8-4 p.m. respectively.
Two- Day field trips will be offered Sunday, October 9 thru Monday, October 10 – from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Lodging and meals for two-day field trips will be participant's responsibility. 3 p.m. return will be from terminus of field trip, e.g. Price, Utah area). Trips that do not meet minimum participation will be canceled and next choice preference will be assigned, depending on availability. The earlier one registers for the conference, the better the chance of getting preferred choices.
Trips are limited as to number of participants. Please indicate your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice for 1) any Friday; 2A) FULL-DAY SUNDAY OR 2B) TWO-DAY (Sun-Mon) trip listed below. Trip assignment will be made when registration and payment for conference is received, and sufficient participation warrants the trip. Sunday half-day trips can be paired (Eagle Rock in a.m.; Shavano in p.m. - 1st choice each) Further information regarding time, meeting place, and carpooling will be forthcoming by email as trips and participants are finalized.
*Easy = Most often flat surfaces/close to vehicle with minimal elevation
*Easy-moderate = Some hiking, less than 1 mile, with short/steep climb (<100') across uneven terrain to a site
*Moderate = extended hike (3-7 mi RT)w/ extended elevation gains (100-')
*Moderate-difficult = more prolonged climbs and some short rock scrambling possible in places.
Friday October 7, 4-6 p.m.
***TRIP FULL***Behind the Scene Tour of the Museum of the West (GJ) - 2 hour tour, 3-5 p.m., October 7. Easy. Museum of the West will take participants into the backroom of the museum to share a look at archaeological artifacts that have been collected over the years and that do not appear in the public display. It's a great chance to see some wonderful artifacts up close!
Colorado National Monument – 2 hour tour, 3-6 p.m. October 7. Easy. For those who haven't had the chance to visit the CNM, this short trip offers a proper setting to tell the story of John Otto. Otto was one of those colorful characters who danced on the edge of, tormented the powers-that-be with lengthy, rambling, and sometimes vacuous letters, but most importantly called attention to the spectacular beauty of the canyons that he loved. Wrapped in American pride, he named many of the rock pillars and spires after the great leaders and icons of our country – and dared to believe that the American bison could find a noble home foraging the plant life that hung in balance at the base of the canyons. With persistence, Otto played an important role in having this area designated a National Monument in 1911.
***TRIP FULL***Shavano Valley Petroglyph Park (Montrose area)- October 7, 3-5 p.m. Easy. If additional interest, we will try to offer this again on October 9, 2-3 hr. This site, now protected by The Archaeological Conservancy, is at the crossroads of several ancient Ute trails where artesian springs once provided an important source of water for early hunter-gatherers. Among other images, it is well known for its tree glyph representing levels of the cosmos, as well as a panel representing the Ute bear dance. William Buckles dated excavated samples at this site from the Archaic to the Formative.
Sunday, October 9 - Full Day Excursions (unless shown otherwise)
New! Gateway to Uravan Rock Art – Easy-moderate. (First day of Paradox Valley Trip) This trip will visit several rock art sites in the Dolores River Canyon south of Gateway. These sites include Archaic, Gateway Tradition, Fremont, and Ute. In itself, this is a stunning canyon drive, a hidden treasure not on the common travel-screen.
***TRIP FULL***Canon Pintado – Easy-moderate. First described in written form by explorers Dominguez and Escalante, this field day takes one over Douglas Pass to numerous sites south of Rangeley. Fremont defensive walls look down on the valley below, with petroglyphs and pictographs occurring along the valley floor. Time should allow for a trip to other sites to the west.
***MORNING TRIP FULL, AFTERNOON STILL OPEN***Eagle Rock – Two or three (depending on interest) half-day tours, October 9 . Easy-moderate with modest elevation drop/gain on return. With upper deposition layers previously scavenged, the BLM allowed a university archaeological department the opportunity to bring students out for a hands-on experience doing field work. Much to everyone's surprise, Eagle Rock came to provide far more than ever imagined. The site has unfolded over the past decade, revealing numerous hearths, basketry, projectile points and bone tools - and documenting ways of life far back into early archaic and paleo times. Eagle Rock, east of Delta, is one of the oldest documented sites in the U.S., with radiocarbon dates to 12800 BP.
Escalante Canyon – Easy-moderate. A full day tour with a mix of archaeological sites and fascinating western history. Historic Ute left their mark on a couple of easy-to-visit sites in the canyon. Early settlement and the coming of the railroad likewise provide a rich narrative of ranchers, sheep wars, orchard growers, train robberies, and shoot-outs. Beautiful canyon scenery entices one every step of the way.
Fort Uncompaghre and Museum of the Mountain West – Easy. This field trip provides a guided tour of the uniquely re-created trading post (and adjoining sites) established by Antoine Robidoux in the 1820's. It offers a vivid glimpse into the feeling and experience of living on the western frontier of 1828. The afternoon Museum tour provides a guided visit thru over 18 historic buildings (1880's-1910's) which have been moved from their original locations and meticulously restored to near original condition. Museum founder, historian and archaeologist Richard Fike has gathered over 500,000 historic artifacts which are on display throughout the museum. [Indicate if only choosing to go on 1st/2nd half]
***TRIP FULL***Glade Park – Easy-moderate. Some excellent examples of Fremont-style rock art occur in the area just west of Grand Junction. This tour will visit one of these, as well as other locations, both historical and archaeological. Glade Park itself is a serene expanse of ranches and sandstone outcrops which seem far-removed from the urban life in the Grand Valley below. (Landowner permission pending)
NEW!!! Dominguez Canyon – (30 mi S of GJ) - Moderate due to length of hike. [This trip replaces Little Dominguez Canyon]. Named for one of the Spanish priests who set out from Santa Fe to reportedly search for a route to California), This canyon is a pleasant fall hike through history and lifeways dating far back in time. Newspaper Rock, the terminus of the hike, records the presence of multiple native cultures.Along the way one passes the historic site of Bridgeport, crosses the Gunnison River near one of the old ferry crossings, and visits rock shelters and signs of early frontier life that offer their own stories. Most recently, the area was designated a National Conservation Area, conserving important cultural and environmental resources, managed by the BLM. Modest elevation gains over the 3.5 mi route (7 mile RT).
Moab – Moderate. A 2 hour drive toward Moab, the last hour of which has to be one of the most spectacular drives, along the Colorado River, in the country. This trip will head north at Moab to visit several rock art panels, including Barrier Canyon, close to the road. It will involve some hiking over uneven terrain, generally less than 1 mile from the road.
***TRIP FULL***Shavano Valley Petroglyph Park - October 9, half-day tour (2-3 hrs + 1 hr. drive time). Easy-moderate. If sufficient interest, we will try to offer this on October 9th, as well as for those coming early on Friday afternoon. This site, now protected by The Archaeological Conservancy, is at the crossroads of several ancient Ute trails where artesian springs once provided an important source of water for early hunter-gatherers. Among other images, it is well known for its tree glyph representing levels of the cosmos, as well as a panel representing the Ute bear dance. Buckles dated excavated samples from the Archaic to the Formative. Departure for home from Montrose.
Utah Bookcliffs – Easy-moderate. A day trip west of Grand Junction to view iconic Barrier Canyon images in the Bookcliffs area of Utah, as well as to take in short hikes to other rock art sites. If one has never been to Sego Canyon, this site is a must. It provides a nicely interpreted delineation of rock art styles from Archaic through historic. The trip continues west to several other sites as time allows.
Sunday, October 9-Monday, 3 p.m. October 10 - Two Day Outings
Paradox/Unaweep/Naturita Valley – Moderate to difficult, depending on how adventurous the group is. High clearance vehicles recommended, with ride sharing to accommodate those without. This trip will visit rock art sites south of Gateway in Unaweep Canyon, on the way to Paradox Valley. Often overlooked and forgotten, the Paradox Valley holds the secret to lots of intriguing rock art. This field trip takes one to several sites in a fairly compact area. Depending on time, it may also be expanded to include structural features of the upper Unaweep area. Camping is available in the area. Lodging can be found in the Naturita-Nucla area. Depart for home from Naturita area. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.
Price Area – Moderate. This field trip will feature a full day trip (10/9) through Nine Mile Canyon, a treasure trove of world-famous rock art. Participants can either camp in the Price-Wellington area, or choose one of the local accommodations. The following day will focus on several sites, likely in the San Rafael Swell. Depart for home from Price/Green River, Utah area. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.
Vernal Area – Moderate. Vernal, Utah is the center of Classic Fremont-style rock art. McConkie Ranch and McKee Springs are highly representative of this area. The Dinosaur National Monument, Jensen entrance, will also be visited, with rock art along the road. Other lesser known sites may be visited, depending on time. Participants can either camp in the west Dinosaur area or find accommodations in Vernal. Depart for home from Vernal, Utah. Please indicate if you do have high clearance (HC)/4WD, and if you have room for 1-2 others.