In a sage and juniper covered canyon just outside Cortez, Colorado, amateur and professional archaeologists uncover the past almost every day at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. The Center, founded years ago by a group of friends, has become a hub for award-winning research and education programs dedicated to understanding, teaching and preserving the history of the Anasazi who inhabited the canyons and mesas of the region more than 700 years ago.

There are several unique aspects to Crow Canyon.

First, it is in an area with one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the world (think Mesa Verde, Ute Mountain, Hovenweep). As such, it has an international following of archaeologists.

Second, all the programs are developed in conjunction with Native Americans which adds a cross-cultural aspect to each journey into the past.

And finally, with just a little advance planning, Crow Canyon is open to the everyday traveler who is in the Four Corners area on vacation.

There are all day tours, during which visitors examine artifacts, learn about Pueblo Indian history, watch archaeologists at work, and tour a current excavation site. If your timing is right, you may be able to weave baskets, learn to use an atlatl (spear thrower), and work pottery alongside Native American artisans. This year, Archaeology Day Tours are offered every Wednesday and Thursday from May through September. Lunch is included.

The best experience is a multiple day dig, where visitors work side by side with professional archaeologists on actual excavations. Visitors stay on the Center and are housed in shared accommodations in hogans, or in dormitory-style rooms in the lodge. Meals are included. (There is also an option to stay at a motel in nearby Cortez).

 The site now under active excavation is the Goodman Point Archaeological Project, an extensive Pueblo Indian community now located within Hovenweep National Monument just west of Crow Canyon. It was occupied during the eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Test excavations are currently taking place at 15 smaller sites around the central village, including roadways, living sites and kivas. Among the more interesting artifacts uncovered so far is a small piece of bent metal that might be part of a copper bell, a chunk of turquoise, and several stone beads.

This phase of Goodman Point excavations began in 2009 and are scheduled for completion this year. Work is also continuing at the Shields Community, located just north of Goodman Point, where many types of pottery have already been collected.

Be sure to plan in advance. Space is limited on the Archaeology Day Tours, not just on multiple day excavations. Also watch the Crow Canyon website for special Archaeology Travel Adventures, many of which take place in the Southwest.