Escalante Canyon, rim to rim of the Grand Canyon, and the San Juan River are waiting for you.
This fall, enjoy the wonders of the Colorado Plateau while learning about them on a Museum of Northern Arizona Ventures trip, planned and guided by expert scientists and artists. All you have to do is pack your hiking boots and leave the rest to MNA. Permits, food, gear, and even suggested reading are provided to Venturers. From exploring ancient ruins to learning how to paint them, there’s a Ventures trip for you to talk about the rest of your life.
September 15–19 • Escalante Canyon Archaeology/Biology Service Project
The Escalante River canyons’ cliffs and terraces, domes, and rock platforms provide a wonderful learning experience. In return for this delight, the Museum invites Venturers to participate in a service project for the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. Work from a base camp above the Escalante River and day hike to canyon and rimrock landscapes. Cultural studies with archaeologist Don Keller focus on site reconnaissance and documentation of early petroglyph panels. Biological studies with naturalist Ann Walka identify and map plants in riparian areas, survey the response of cryptobiotic soil structure to human disturbance, and compare vegetation in limited access areas to those with historic grazing use. Participants should be in good physical condition and able to day hike with light daypacks up to six miles over uneven wilderness terrain. Venturing into the rugged terrain will be rewarded with scenery, slickrock, and focused service work that includes gathering original information about natural environments, prehistoric rock art, and living sites.
September 27–October 2 • Escalante Canyon Backpack
Cut deep into the Glen Canyon sandstones of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the red-walled meanders of the Escalante River are verdant with willow, cottonwood, and springs and hanging gardens. Tributary canyons such as The Gulch and Harris Wash run like oases to the inner canyon of the Escalante. Sandy benches and sandstone alcoves hold evidence of prehistoric use at open campsites, rockshelter granaries, and elaborate rock art panels. The canyons reveal earlier Archaic period hunting-gathering camp and rock art sites, agricultural period Fremont and Anasazi cultural sites, and outstanding natural history. Archaeologist Don Keller and naturalist and poet Ann Walka lead this 25-mile, self-supported backpack through the Escalante River Canyon between Harris Wash, Egypt, and Twenty-five Mile. This trip is a physical commitment in a remote area, offering fascinating cultural and natural history and a beautiful, challenging landscape.
October 4–9 and October 10–14 • Grand Canyon Rim to Rim Backpacks
Time travel by walking across the Grand Canyon with former Grand Canyon backcountry ranger and geologist Wayne Ranney (October 4–9) or naturalist and historian Stewart Aitchison (October 10–14). Their intimate knowledge of the earth’s most spectacular gorge brings to life the canyon’s prehistoric past—its geology, human history, ecology, flora, and fauna. The 24-mile route crosses the canyon via the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails. Begin with orientation and gear review while enjoying the comforts of the first camp on the North Rim. Day two, start down the North Kaibab Trail and camp one night at Cottonwood, then Phantom Ranch for two nights, and finally Indian Gardens. To lighten the load, mules resupply the group at the ranch. Hiking rim to rim is considered by many to be the ultimate Grand Canyon experience. This strenuous hike includes six to eight miles of hiking per day on maintained corridor trails with significant elevation loss and gain. It is recommended for beginning and experienced backpackers in good physical condition.
October 6–9 San Juan River Trip with Shonto Begay
Delight in four days of early fall scenes and stimulating learning on the San Juan River. Gifted Navajo artist and educator Shonto Begay presents a watercolor workshop and ongoing discussion on Navajo culture. Archaeologist Don Keller leads this oar and paddle raft adventure to explore the lively desert river between Bluff City and Mexican Hat. Basketmaker rock art and Pueblo ruins, trails and historic wagon roads, deeply carved canyon formations, and a mosaic of natural habitats highlight this 27-mile run of river. During early October, the desert mornings are wonderful for hiking, the afternoon sun still invites a cool swim, and the starry night forms a magic backdrop to the canyon walls. This meandering section of river merges ancient cliff dwellings with little known pioneer history. Unique sand waves provide thrills and spectacular side canyons offer magnificent views. Down river, a beautiful land unfolds, exposing magnificent ruins and world-class geology. Camps are made under shady cottonwood trees and on star-lit beaches.
Advance reservations are required for all Ventures. For further trip information go to www.musnaz.org. For trip information or to register, call Tracy Anderson, Ventures Manager at 928/774-5211, ext. 220 or email tanderson@mna.mus.az.us.