Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Full view
About
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center offers students, teens and adults of all ages the opportunity to explore the field of archaeology in the middle of the richest archaeological region of the United States through a variety of educational and travel programs. Crow Canyon offers you the chance to work alongside professional archaeologists in the field and in the lab, travel domestically and internationally with scholars, earn college credit through our Field School, send children to incredible summer camps where they can learn while having fun, and so much more. Whether you are looking for a stop along your trip through Colorado or looking for a unique experience in the Four Corners Region (and beyond), Crow Canyon is for you! We also offer incredible tours of our campus and facilities which make a great addition to any trip to Mesa Verde and many other National Parks in the area. We hope to see you on campus soon. Check out our website for more details.
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsContribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
65 reviews
Excellent
56
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
3
Terrible
1
JDC
3 contributions
Mar 2020
Week long educational outing with a small group that was really educational and fun. Seeing Bear's Ears National Monument for the first time was breathtaking. The depth of knowledge from the scholars and coordinators on the excursion was very helpful. Our native cultures are still alive and well and we all should explore while we have the opportunity. Crow Canyon respects our Native American lands and wants to preserve and share with everyone.
Written March 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for sharing your experience, artjc! We are so glad you had an enjoyable adventure with us in a remarkable landscape with deep history.
Written July 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
goodlittlewitch
Edison, NJ21 contributions
Jun 2011
We just took a 12 day driving trip through the National Parks of the Southwest U.S. and the main stop on our trip was Mesa Verde. Since we were near Cortez, we booked a one-day introduction to Archeology at Crow Canyon. What an incredible find!
Food is included in the fee for either the 1 day or more extended stays, and they have a great chef. The visit was informative, interesting and a great way to introduce yourself or your kid(s) to archeology.
My daughter (15) wants to go back for a 1 or 3 week full program (and so do I!!!!). If you're interested in the archeological and anthropological history of the Southwest, make sure Crow Canyon is on your list of places to go!
Food is included in the fee for either the 1 day or more extended stays, and they have a great chef. The visit was informative, interesting and a great way to introduce yourself or your kid(s) to archeology.
My daughter (15) wants to go back for a 1 or 3 week full program (and so do I!!!!). If you're interested in the archeological and anthropological history of the Southwest, make sure Crow Canyon is on your list of places to go!
Written June 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
archaeology1
CANOGA PARK2 contributions
If you want to learn more about archaeology and participate in a dig - this is definitely the place to visit. The digs are professional, and you are trained to recognize artifacts before you go out into the field. The digs are being conducted by professional archaeologists intent upon learning more about the Ancestral Puebloans [Anasazi]. This is true hands-on archaeology.
The staff is terrific, food excellent. The hogans are always clean and comfortable.
I have done both the excavations and the explorations to amazing locations. After 14 years of excavating with Crow Canyon and going on several explorations - I would highly recommend Crow Canyon Archaeological Center to anyone interested in learning about the Southwest.
The staff is terrific, food excellent. The hogans are always clean and comfortable.
I have done both the excavations and the explorations to amazing locations. After 14 years of excavating with Crow Canyon and going on several explorations - I would highly recommend Crow Canyon Archaeological Center to anyone interested in learning about the Southwest.
Written October 9, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MEFrankl77
1 contribution
Aug 2014 • Business
I rarely (never) post on travel sites because of the obvious subjectivity of most posts. However, being highly familiar with the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, I feel compelled to address the inaccurate/questionable nature of the post made by an individual on August 18, 2014.
I will begin with the claim of having to hike in 105 degree weather. This area rarely, if ever, has seen temperatures reaching, much less exceeding, 100 degrees. Assuming the individual attended a CC program close in time to the post, one can see that the high temps hovered around 90 degrees during that time--not 105 as they claim.
Yes, the accommodations are far from luxurious, but the Center is very forthcoming about the nature of the facilities. One only need visit the website and view the print materials for a clear description. It is also quite easy to find photos of facilities. Some visitors gloss over these descriptions for whatever reasons, then launch into a tirade of complaints if they feel the least bit uncomfortable.
The comment I found most disturbing was the one about the Center's disregard for certain American Indian groups. Crow Canyon has been, and continues to be, a leader in bridging the narratives of the past constructed by American Indians and archaeologists. I am not a betting person but I would wager my savings that NO ONE at Crow Canyon told this person that the Hopi are not real. Hopi people are major contributors to Crow Canyon's research and are represented on the Centers Native American Advisory Group.
I am sad that the individual who posted this comment had such a wonderful opportunity to learn but chose to view the experience through what seems to be a very personal, negative lens.
I will begin with the claim of having to hike in 105 degree weather. This area rarely, if ever, has seen temperatures reaching, much less exceeding, 100 degrees. Assuming the individual attended a CC program close in time to the post, one can see that the high temps hovered around 90 degrees during that time--not 105 as they claim.
Yes, the accommodations are far from luxurious, but the Center is very forthcoming about the nature of the facilities. One only need visit the website and view the print materials for a clear description. It is also quite easy to find photos of facilities. Some visitors gloss over these descriptions for whatever reasons, then launch into a tirade of complaints if they feel the least bit uncomfortable.
The comment I found most disturbing was the one about the Center's disregard for certain American Indian groups. Crow Canyon has been, and continues to be, a leader in bridging the narratives of the past constructed by American Indians and archaeologists. I am not a betting person but I would wager my savings that NO ONE at Crow Canyon told this person that the Hopi are not real. Hopi people are major contributors to Crow Canyon's research and are represented on the Centers Native American Advisory Group.
I am sad that the individual who posted this comment had such a wonderful opportunity to learn but chose to view the experience through what seems to be a very personal, negative lens.
Written August 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We appreciate your positive feedback on Crow Canyon’s programs and facilities, as well as our work with American Indians—a key part of our mission as a not-for-profit organization. Thank you for sharing your perspective with the travel community on TripAdvisor!
--Erica Olsen, Crow Canyon
Written September 2, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
RSWRIG
Chestnut Ridge, NY54 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
This is probably one of my toughest reviews and one that I have personally been putting off for some time now. Why? Because I have nothing but respect and admiration for the work that goes on here. These people work hard and are responsible for a lot of our understanding of the ancient pueblo people. The problem is that you really can't stretch this into a full day. This would work much better as a half day site visit without the classroom lecture. Let me explain. You arrive before 9:00 am. The first half of your day is spent in a classroom where you are given an extremely low level intro to the ancient pueblo culture. This is then followed by a "game" where you look at boxes of stuff (some artifacts) and try and determine from what time period they are from. While initially interesting, the time spent on this is overkill. At one point we were given fast food wrappers as part of the project. Then you are off to a quick tour of the labs and a peek behind the scenes. This is where it got really disappointing to me. A few hours of classroom time and about 15-20 min looking at the behind the scene operation. Really? I can read a book if I want to learn about the Anasazi culture but I cannot visit a working lab in the desert where they have some of the most interesting artifacts on the planet everyday. We literally had 5 minutes to look at some of the artifacts of which there are thousands. It takes me an entire day to go through the metropolitan museum and I have been there several times. All I am saying is that I really would have liked more time to examine artifacts and have them explained. Next it is off to a reconstructed or replica pit house (can't remember which) and then lunch. Lunch was actually pretty good but once again, I did not come on this trip to eat. Finally, you get to visit the working site. This is what I had been waiting for. Sadly this part of the trip is more driving then walking and you are confined to a relatively small area. Still, this is what archaeology is all about and it was fun talking to the people that actually do the work.
So that sums up my experience. Is it worth the money? Maybe. We were a party of four and it was a little steep but then again at least I know the money is going to fund a good cause. Is it worth doing this over say visiting a major attraction like Hovenweep? No. There is just not enough going on to keep you occupied.
As I said, the work being done is extraordinary and I respect the people that work there. Perhaps if they tweak the program, allow more access to artifacts and increase the time at the site, I could justify the visit. As it is, I just can't recommend spending the day here when there are so many other interesting things to do in the area.
So that sums up my experience. Is it worth the money? Maybe. We were a party of four and it was a little steep but then again at least I know the money is going to fund a good cause. Is it worth doing this over say visiting a major attraction like Hovenweep? No. There is just not enough going on to keep you occupied.
As I said, the work being done is extraordinary and I respect the people that work there. Perhaps if they tweak the program, allow more access to artifacts and increase the time at the site, I could justify the visit. As it is, I just can't recommend spending the day here when there are so many other interesting things to do in the area.
Written February 14, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your thoughtful review of Crow Canyon’s Archaeology Day Tour and your kind words about our research program. We’re glad that you enjoyed talking to the archaeologists at our excavation site—and we’re sorry to hear that the classroom time and lab/curation tour didn’t meet your expectations. We value your detailed feedback and will take it into account as we refine our educational programs this year.
Written March 11, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Megan L
Santa Barbara, CA4 contributions
Crow Canyon provides a 5 day experience for people to do real archaeology without having to rough it too much. I returned for the first time in 12 years and was just as happy with the experience as I was in years past. Training, education, housing, meals and work site transportation are all included in the price. It is rustic and the housing is group rooms with bath/shower a short outdoor walk. But it is fun and interesting to get to know your fellow guests. The real point is that you are doing real archaeology on a real working project that furthers the knowledge about Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi). The work is hard and tiring and the weather is hot most of the summer. Their website has complete advance information for you to be properly prepared.
They also do 1 day tours.
They also do 1 day tours.
Written August 16, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
misspWestSlope_CO
WestSlope,CO15,241 contributions
I first visited Crow Canyon Archaelogical Center several years ago as part of an ancient art history course. The experience at Crow Canyon was the highlight of the course and I'd highly recommend any of their programs, which until recently were generally 5-7 day courses or special presentations. On a recent trip to Cortez, I noticed that they now offer an archaeology day tour on Wednesdays and Thursdays during June, July, and August. The cost is $25 for youth 10-17 and $50 for adults.
Written June 3, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lori c
Corte Madera, CA2 contributions
Aug 2011 • Family
Our family spent a week here doing real archeology with interns, professionals and families with jr high age kids. We slept in modern hogans, were fed healthy fresh food, had hands-on lessons, theory, lectures, slide shows of rock art in the area, each night was some activity. Two days were spent digging. Very hot! Two days was enough sun for us! Really fun to rub elbows with people who do digging for a passion, maybe a living. Adults return here for grown up camp year after year! We learned so much about the pueblo people and about the field of archeology. They are set up for kids. There's a small pond and nature trail, volleyball court, dining hall, casual game room with couches and piano.
Friendly,knowledgeable staff, except Paul. A pricey vacation for us, but highly recommend it for families with kids who like to learn, and are interested in archeology.
Friendly,knowledgeable staff, except Paul. A pricey vacation for us, but highly recommend it for families with kids who like to learn, and are interested in archeology.
Written February 9, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SRickertKeyWest
Key West, FL6 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
My wife and I spent the day at Crow Canyon on their all day tour. It was an amazing tour, led first by Tom Wolf, and later by Cara McCain. We learned how real archeology is done. And why it is so important.
The story of the 700 Year History of the early inhabitants of the Four Corners Region, as told by these folks, is really different from what you will hear at the National Parks. No hemming and hawing about what they were really like, what happened to them, and why they left. The true answers will surprise you. You will only find them here.
Tom started the day by telling us how the prehistoric Indians arrived, and then showing us how the prehistoric Indians lived, farmed, and hunted. Not a movie or a slide show, but really showed us by inviting us into a recreation of their home. Amazing. He then showed us how the Center uses teaching methods to highlight the importance of scientific data collection to the archeological process. If you are so lucky as t be assigned Tom as your guide. You will learn a lot.
Then we switched over to Cara. Words are not adequate to describe the valuable insight she provides into education, history, and archeology. She is well versed in all three areas, and has a calm quiet demeanor appropriate to an expert. As she walked us around the "dig" and introduced us to the top scientists in the Center who were overseeing it, it was clear that Cara has a great deal of respect from those scientists. She clearly has earned their trust and respect, as she did ours.
I could continue, but you get the idea. A day tour at Crow Canyon will be an experience you will never forget.
Scott
Do this. You will thank me.
The story of the 700 Year History of the early inhabitants of the Four Corners Region, as told by these folks, is really different from what you will hear at the National Parks. No hemming and hawing about what they were really like, what happened to them, and why they left. The true answers will surprise you. You will only find them here.
Tom started the day by telling us how the prehistoric Indians arrived, and then showing us how the prehistoric Indians lived, farmed, and hunted. Not a movie or a slide show, but really showed us by inviting us into a recreation of their home. Amazing. He then showed us how the Center uses teaching methods to highlight the importance of scientific data collection to the archeological process. If you are so lucky as t be assigned Tom as your guide. You will learn a lot.
Then we switched over to Cara. Words are not adequate to describe the valuable insight she provides into education, history, and archeology. She is well versed in all three areas, and has a calm quiet demeanor appropriate to an expert. As she walked us around the "dig" and introduced us to the top scientists in the Center who were overseeing it, it was clear that Cara has a great deal of respect from those scientists. She clearly has earned their trust and respect, as she did ours.
I could continue, but you get the idea. A day tour at Crow Canyon will be an experience you will never forget.
Scott
Do this. You will thank me.
Written June 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caina M
Denver7 contributions
Jul 2011 • Solo
Crow Canyon is a well kept secret! I heard about them via a friend. The campus is beautiful and well maintained. Located on the outskirts of Cortez, but close to everything! I did the day tour; it's an all day event so make sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothing, hiking or tennis shoes. Bring water, sunscreen, bugspray, camera, and snacks for the kiddos. Lunch is provided. I enjoyed the site visit the most, but it was all fascinating! You begin the day by Meeting the educator at 8:45 a.m. in the lobby of the Gates building at the beautiful campus. Examine artifacts in a hands-on classroom activity designed to help understand the basics of Southwestern archaeology and ancestral Pueblo Indian history. Tour the archaeology laboratory, including the curation room, and learn how discoveries are made through careful analysis of artifacts.
Enjoy a delicious lunch on campus; then relax in the rocking chairs on the lodge deck and admire the mountain views or stroll along the nature trail. Then it's off to the current excavation site at Indian Camp Ranch, and see what an excavation-in-progress looks like. End the day by learning about the important contributions Crow Canyon's research has made to the understanding of the ancient peoples and communities of the Mesa Verde region and return to campus at 4:30 p.m. and visit the campus Gift Shop, where you may purchase T-shirts, books, and souvenirs.
Enjoy a delicious lunch on campus; then relax in the rocking chairs on the lodge deck and admire the mountain views or stroll along the nature trail. Then it's off to the current excavation site at Indian Camp Ranch, and see what an excavation-in-progress looks like. End the day by learning about the important contributions Crow Canyon's research has made to the understanding of the ancient peoples and communities of the Mesa Verde region and return to campus at 4:30 p.m. and visit the campus Gift Shop, where you may purchase T-shirts, books, and souvenirs.
Written February 8, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cozy396
Castle Pines, CO1 contribution
When is the pueblo revolt week in 2016
CrowCanyon
Cortez, CO1 contribution
It's May 24–29, 2016. The trip description is on Crow Canyon's website in the travel section. Thanks for your interest! --Erica O., Crow Canyon