New Mexico/Colorado/Arizona
Ancient Puebloans: Mesas, Monuments, Canyons and More
Program No. 11010RJ
Delve into the history of the Ancestral Puebloans as you learn about prehistoric villages, explore the region’s national parks and visit important sites with a local expert.
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9 days
8 nights
22 meals
8B 7L 7D
3
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Arrive Farmington
Farmington, NM
4
Aztec Natl. Monument, Chimney Rock, Durango
Mesa Verde National Park
5
Mesa Verde National Park Full-Day Field Trip
Mesa Verde National Park
6
Lowry Pueblo, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Mesa Verde National Park
7
Canyon de Chelly
Chinle, AZ
9
Program Concludes
Albuquerque
At a Glance
Chimney Rock, Mesa Verde, Canyon of the Ancients, Aztec, Canyon de Chelly and Chaco Canyon — investigate these large archaeological sites in Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico to better understand the early Puebloan lifestyle in the Southwest.
Activity Level
Let's Go!
Hiking up to four miles daily over varied terrain. Some hikes involve elevation gains and steep dropoffs. Elevations up to 8,000 feet. Standing up to an hour at a time at various sites.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Address how regional climate, geology and agriculture influenced the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans.
- Learn how Indigenous people faced the challenges that presented in each region, study their unique connection to the land and learn about the development of Puebloan cultural groups at each spectacular site.
- View the remains of an incredibly complex civilization and gain perspective on how Native Americans retain ancestral traditions while adapting to the present-day.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Richard Friedman
Richard Friedman is an archaeologist with decades of experience researching Chacoan culture, who has done extensive work using state-of-the-art technology for cultural and archeological resource documentation, management, and research. He has participated in projects with the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, NASA, the Solstice Project and the University of Colorado, and has co-authored several papers on Chacoan archaeology and the use of remote sensing technology.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Richard Friedman
View biography
Richard Friedman is an archaeologist with decades of experience researching Chacoan culture, who has done extensive work using state-of-the-art technology for cultural and archeological resource documentation, management, and research. He has participated in projects with the National Park Service, the Navajo Nation, the Bureau of Land Management, NASA, the Solstice Project and the University of Colorado, and has co-authored several papers on Chacoan archaeology and the use of remote sensing technology.
Sheryl Russell
View biography
Sheryl Russell was born to a farming family in Kansas. At the University of Kansas, she studied education in theatre and English literature, followed by decades of work in retail and communications systems in Dallas, New York City, and the California Bay area. Sheryl felt that she had “come home" when she moved to Santa Fe. Here she found a cultural diversity, architectural style, and historic richness that supported the next 30 years of leading explorations and study of native Southwest cultures and their history.
Suggested Reading List
(19 books)
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You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Ancient Puebloans: Mesas, Monuments, Canyons and More
Program Number: 11010
Desert Solitaire
One of the great works on the value of the desert, eloquent and laugh-out-loud funny. Although Abbey writes specifically about his experiences as a ranger at Arches National Park outside Moab, Utah, his message is universal.
Pueblo People: Ancient Traditions, Modern Lives
Photographer Keegan, who has studied the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico for 30 years, compiled 417 color photographs alongside personal stories and cultural insights in this stunning tribute.
The Southwest Inside Out, An Illustrated Guide to the Land and its History
An outstanding guide to understanding the geomorphology of the Southwest, featuring the author's color photographs of canyons, dunes and other landforms.
Ancient Peoples of the American Southwest
This illustrated introduction provides an in-depth look at the ancient cultures that first inhabited the pueblos and cliff dwellings of the American Southwest. Organized chronologically, it features hundreds of maps, mostly black-and-white photographs and site diagrams.
American Indian Myths and Legends
An illustrated collection of 180 traditoonal stories from all over North America.
Book of the Hopi
Thirty Hopi elders share their legends, ceremonies, history and language.
People of Chaco, A Canyon and Its Culture
A nicely written account of Chaco and its people. First published in 1986. Frazier interweaves ethnographic data, oral history and archaeological evidence in his classic portrait of the place.
Ancient Ruins of the Southwest, An Archaeological Guide
The third edition of Noble's indispensable guide to the archaeology of the American Southwest.
Four Corners Regional Map
This double-sided road map shows national parks, archaeological sites and attractions from the Grand Canyon to Chaco, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley, Bryce and Zion.
Pueblo Nations: Eight Centuries of Pueblo Indian History
An expansive history of the Indian Pueblos of New Mexico from a Native American perspective. The book explores the origins of the tribe to its current struggles to maintain sovereignty, land and water rights.
Masked Gods, Navaho and Pueblo Ceremonialism
An excellent overview of Pueblo life and their many ceremonies.
Colorado Plateau, Wild and Beautiful
A coffee table tribute to the geological wonderland of "Red Rock Country." Award-winning photographer and writer John Annerino takes us through the echoing canyons, towering hoodoos and cliff dwellings of the region’s beautiful parks and reserves.
Anasazi America
A thought-provoking, engaging account of the rise and fall of Anasazi society in the desert southwest.
A Thief of Time
A mystery of stolen artifacts from an ancient Anasazi burial site set against a detailed depiction of Southwestern culture.
Moon Handbook Four Corners
A slim, comprehensive guide to the sights and history of Navajo and Hopi Country, Moab and Lake Powell.
In Search of the Old Ones, Exploring the Anasazi World of the Southwest
An exuberant, engaging account of archaeological adventures in the desert Southwest. Roberts investigates the factors that may have led to the demise of the Anasazi civilization and looks into longstanding controversies.
Runner in the Sun
Nickles combined his anthropology background with all the suspense of a mystery to craft this novel about pre-Hispanic Indian life in the American Southwest.
House of Rain: Tracking a Vanished Civilization Across the American Southwest
Naturalist Craig Childs uses the latest research and his personal exploration of the American Southwest to consider what happened to the Anasazi, an illustrious tribe that flourished until mysteriously vanishing in the 13th century.
The Professor's House
Cather's accomplished 1925 novel includes a story-within-a-story of explorer Tom Outland, a character modeled after Richard Wetherill, the discoverer of Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
22 meals (
8B, 7L, 7D
)
3 expert-led lectures
12 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
8 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 3:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Remember to bring your name-tag (sent previously). Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program is staffed with both a Study Leader who will provide expert commentary and a Group Leader who will attend primarily to logistics. The activity level for this program is “Let’s Go!” Participants must be able to hike up to three miles daily over varied terrain. Transportation for program-related activities will be via motorcoach unless specified otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
Welcome dinner in our hotel meeting room.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Pueblo history and culture, Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1 hour over the course of the day. Walking up to 1 mile; paved sidewalks; standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning:
We will begin the day with a lecture in the hotel meeting room. Our Study Leader, an experienced archaeologist and geologist, will introduce the archaeology and anthropology of Ancestral Puebloans. The presentations are designed to provide everyone with the general knowledge required to better appreciate and understand the incredible accomplishments of the Chacoans, both in Chaco and across the greater Chacoan World (the archaeological sites we will be visiting during our tour). Included in the morning presentations will be the changes through time, the architectural and astronomical achievements, and the vast area of influence of the Chaco Culture. Included in the morning lecture will be an introduction to the topic of archaeoastronomy. Sometimes called the anthropology of astronomy, archaeoastronomy is the study of astronomical practices and related legends and lore including religious beliefs and world views in ancient cultures. The Ancestral Pueblo people of northwestern New Mexico studied the heavens and incorporated celestial events into their lives a thousand years ago. These Puebloans had a comprehension of geometry in relation to solar and lunar cycles that helped them orient their constructions to record equinoxes and solstices. We’ll then board the motorcoach and head out on a field trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (IPCC).
Lunch:
At the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Afternoon:
After lunch we will explore the exhibits at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center. The IPCC preserves and perpetuates Pueblo culture through tribally curated exhibits. The museum on the lower level showcases the history, culture and arts of the Pueblo people of New Mexico in two permanent exhibitions. Next, we’ll return to the hotel with our Study Leader for more examples of the integration of archaeoastronomy, architecture, "Chaco Roads", and the landscape throughout the Four Corners Region. The lectures will conclude with subjects including trade and exchange from as far as 1,500 miles away (scarlet macaws, cacao, shells), the movement of timbers for construction from 40-65 miles from Chaco Canyon, the "amphitheater" in Chaco Canyon, as well as other "mysteries" of Chaco Canyon. We’ll then have time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
3
Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Arrive Farmington
Location:
Farmington, NM
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Fairfield Inn & Suites Farmington
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and a school bus; driving about 230 miles, approximately 4.5 hours including stops. Hiking up to 3 miles; paved and unpaved, sometimes uneven terrain with some elevation gains; standing up to an hour at a time. Bring water bottle, sunscreen, hat, walking stick if needed.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the hotel.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board a motorcoach and begin our journey to Farmington, New Mexico. We’ll ride first to Nageezi, 135 miles northwest of Albuquerque. There, we’ll transfer from our motorcoach to a school bus for the 24-mile ride into Chaco Culture National Historical Park. On arrival at the Visitor Center, we’ll view exhibits and then set out on a school bus that will take us from site to site. As we walk at each site, we’ll examine some of the stacked-stone ruins with our Study Leader. Chaco Culture National Historical Park preserves one of North America’s most significant and fascinating cultural and historic areas. Chaco was a major center of Ancestral Puebloan culture from 850-1150 CE. It was a hub of ceremony, trade, and administration for the prehistoric Four Corners area. It is remarkable for its monumental public and ceremonial buildings. Construction of the buildings, roads, ramps, dams, and mounds required a great deal of well-organized and skillful planning, designing, and resource gathering. The Chacoan people combined pre-planned architectural designs, astronomical alignments, geometry, landscaping, and engineering to create an ancient urban center of spectacular public architecture that continues to amaze us a thousand years later.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches in the Park.
Afternoon:
Our Chaco Canyon field trip will continue for most of the afternoon. We’ll then ride on to Farmington, New Mexico.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
Check in to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
4
Aztec Natl. Monument, Chimney Rock, Durango
Location:
Mesa Verde National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 180 miles, approximately 4 hours including stops. Hiking up to 2 miles; paved and unpaved, sometimes uneven terrain with some elevation gains. Chimney Rock hike is 2/3 mile round-trip over a rough, steep, rocky, unimproved trail on a narrow causeway with cliffs on both sides; 200-foot elevation gain, no shade. Those who prefer not to hike Chimney Rock can see some sites at the bottom of the trail or just relax in the shade.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at the lodge.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach and ride to Aztec Ruins National Monument where we will view the ancient ruins with our Study Leader. Aztec Ruins National Monument preserves structures and artifacts of Ancestral Pueblo people from the 1100s through the 1200s. Although it used to be considered a Chacoan outlier, recent research indicates it may have been the second Chacoan “capital,” established and occupied after the abandonment of Chaco Canyon in the 1150s. Aztec itself was abandoned about 1275 CE, probably as a result of a prolonged drought. Some Southwestern archeologists believe the Chacoan “elites” then moved south and established Paquime, another immense site in northern Mexico. The monument was established in 1923 with the excavation and reconstruction of Aztec West by Earl Morris and designated a World Heritage Site in 1987. From Aztec, we’ll ride on to the Chimney Rock archaeological area.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches at Chimney Rock.
Afternoon:
Our Study Leader will take us to some key sites in the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area, the northeastern-most Chacoan outlier. We’ll have the opportunity to see a great kiva, pit house, and an Ancestral Puebloan dwelling.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program and will be on your own to enjoy in Durango, Colorado.
Evening:
After dinner, we will continue to Mesa Verde National Park and check in to the lodge.
Day
5
Mesa Verde National Park Full-Day Field Trip
Location:
Mesa Verde National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Far View Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 2 hours total. Hiking up to 3 miles; varied terrain with inclines. Cliff Palace (if open) involves climbing five 8 to 10-foot ladders on a 100-foot vertical climb. Standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast buffet at Far View Lodge.
Morning:
Today’s full-day field trip in Mesa Verde National Park will include explorations as determined by our Study Leader based on current conditions. Spanish for “green table,” Mesa Verde has a rich past going back at least 13,000 years. By 775 CE, Ancestral Puebloans lived in small villages on the mesa top. By the mid-to-late 1100s, they had moved into stone masonry houses situated in alcoves on the canyon walls, commonly known as “cliff dwellings.” In the late 1200s, within the span of one or two generations, they left their homes and moved away. The archeological sites found in Mesa Verde are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States, offering visitors a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Twenty-four Native American tribes in the southwest have an ancestral affiliation with the sites at Mesa Verde.
Lunch:
Lunch at Mesa Verde’s Far View Terrace Café.
Afternoon:
Our Mesa Verde field trip will continue. We’ll then return to the lodge with time to freshen up and relax before dinner.
Dinner:
Dinner in the Metate Room at the Far View Lodge.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
6
Lowry Pueblo, Canyon of the Ancients National Monument
Location:
Mesa Verde National Park
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Baymont Inn & Suites Cortez
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2 hours including stops. Hiking up to 3 miles; paved and unpaved trails. Standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast Buffet at the lodge.
Morning:
After breakfast and a leisurely start to the day, we will pick up our boxed lunches and drive approximately an hour and a half to Lowry Pueblo, a part of the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument.
Lunch:
Boxed lunches at Lowry Pueblo.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will explore the Great Kiva and other ancestral pueblos in the area with a local expert. Then we will board the coach and drive to the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum, southwest Colorado’s leading archaeological museum which preserves and displays artifacts from Ancestral Puebloans of the Four Corners area. Outstanding permanent exhibits focus on archaeology, local history, and Native American cultures. There are two 12th-century archaeological sites, a research library of archaeology and anthropology resources, and a collection of more than three million artifacts and records. We’ll have a self-directed museum exploration to see what interests each of us most before hiking to the archaeological sites with our Study Guide.
Dinner:
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Evening:
After dinner, we will check into our hotel. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
7
Canyon de Chelly
Location:
Chinle, AZ
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Thunderbird Lodge
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 150 miles, approximately 3.5 hours including stops. 4 hour tour in 4x4 at Canyon de Chelly. Standing up to 30 minutes.
Breakfast:
Lodge buffet.
Morning:
We’ll check out of the lodge, board our motorcoach, and depart for Canyon de Chelly. On arrival we'll drive along the north rim stopping at overlooks with commentary by our Study Guide. At the base of sheer red cliffs and in canyon wall caves are ruins of Puebloan villages built between 350 and 1300 CE. Canyon de Chelly National Monument offers visitors the chance to learn about Southwestern Indian history from the earliest basket makers to the Navajo who live and farm here today. We will continue on our way to Canyon de Chelly and the Thunderbird Lodge, operated by the Navajo Nation.
Lunch:
Lunch at Thunderbird Lodge.
Afternoon:
We will gather in the front of the hotel to board 4x4s for a very special excursion along the Canyon de Chelly with a Navajo storyteller and local expert. We will return to the Lodge in time for dinner on your own at the Thunderbird cafeteria.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like at the Lodge cafeteria.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Canyon del Muerto, Hubbell Trading Post, To Albuquerque
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Best Western Plus Rio Grande Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 250 miles, approximately 5 hours including stops. Short hikes to overlooks; standing up to an hour at a time.
Breakfast:
Breakfast Buffet at the Lodge.
Morning:
After checking out of the lodge and loading our luggage onto the motorcoach, we’ll head out to the south rim of Canyon de Chelly, known as Canyon del Muerto, and stop at several overlooks, with commentary by our Study Leader. At the base of sheer red cliffs and in canyon wall caves, there are ruins of Puebloan villages built between 350 and 1300 CE. Canyon de Chelly National Monument offers visitors the chance to learn about Southwestern Indian history from the earliest basket makers to the Navajo who live and farm here today.
Lunch:
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Next, we’ll ride to Ganado and stop at the historical Hubbell Trading Post. John Lorenzo Hubbell purchased the trading post in 1878 after the return of the Navajo from five years of exile at the Bosque Redondo, Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. During the time spent at Bosque Redondo, they had been introduced to items such as flour, sugar, coffee, and cloth. Trading posts like the one Hubbell ran supplied those items after they returned home. Hubbell had an enormous influence on Navajo rug weaving and silversmithing, as he promoted quality workmanship. Hubbell family members operated the trading post until it was sold to the National Park Service in 1967. The trading post is still active, operated by the non-profit Western National Parks Association. We’ll ride on to Albuquerque and expect to arrive at the hotel for check-in approximately 6:00 p.m.
Dinner:
Farewell dinner in the hotel meeting room.
Evening:
We’ll gather once more as a group for a wrap-up session in our hotel meeting room to share experiences and exchange farewells. Then prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
Albuquerque
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
22 Meals
8 Breakfasts
7 Lunches
7 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
- May 12, 2025 - May 20, 2025
- May 26, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025
- Sep 08, 2025 - Sep 16, 2025
- Sep 22, 2025 - Sep 30, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 38 Reviews
Sort By:
Visiting the Ancient Puebloan sites has been on my bucket list for a long time. Rich and Vanetta gave it that personal touch, adding not only their knowledge but their love for the area and the people. Our group was wonderful and we are still talking about this trip two months after our return.
— Review left November 7, 2024
Though we have studied the Four Corners area and traveled independently there, this tour managed to encompass so much more with so much less effort on our part! It was phenomenal,
— Review left October 4, 2024
Excellent program to learn about the past and present of indigenous people. Learn about history that was ignored in school.
— Review left October 2, 2024
Thank you Road Scholar for your programs that are both educational and great fun. I can honestly say that this trip is at the top of the list of my favorite adventures.
On a more personal level, I loved Vannetta's gentle humor and ability to run the program so smoothly. Thank you so much Vannetta! I think it was the educational part that truly put everything over the top though. It's the thing that will probably motivate me to come back for more trips with RS. Thank you Rich for your knowledge and your beautiful personality. I have to say that anyone who goes on the Ancient Puebloans program WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! Alicia M
— Review left September 30, 2024
The best trip EVER!
Thank you Road Scholar for this opportunity!
— Review left September 30, 2024
I have enjoyed many RS trips, this will be a very difficult trip to top!! We were led by the best in their fields. Vannetta is a skilled group leader who kept us all organized and united. Rich is a recognized leader from his extensive years of experience and study as an archaeologist focusing on the Chacoan culture. It was an honor to share time with both of these delightful and generous individuals. I will happily label this a 5 Star trip.
— Review left September 29, 2024
My first Road Scholar program was outstanding, but I underestimated the social aspect, which only added to the experience.
— Review left September 22, 2024
A mind-opening exploration of magnificent landscapes and fascinating archaeological sites.
— Review left September 21, 2024
If you have an interest in the American Southwest, and especially if you would like to know more about the history and spirituality of Native Americans in this region, sign up for this program. The sites are spectacular and the education and insight provided are the best (by far) of the 14 programs that I have attended.
— Review left September 14, 2024
Rich, Colleen, Jerry, and my fellow Scholars were OUTSTANDING! I am forever grateful to all of them for sharing this experience with me. There is more for me to learn and to give.
— Review left June 4, 2024
THE ABSOLUTE BEST TOUR I HAVE EVER BEEN ON! The tour guide was the so very knowledgeable, approachable and informative. He communicated his respect for the culture and traditions and history of the Puebloan peoples so well. His knowledge of the geology of the area added to the depth of knowledge communicated to us. Although climbing out of the Cliff dwellings was a bit challenging I made it! I would completely recommend this tour for anyone!
— Review left May 22, 2024
This was one of the most mind opening experiences I have ever had on a guided program. Richard Friedman was wonderful and gave such insight and knowledge to the program. The program leader Sherry Moon also added to the trip keeping us updated and on track in a cheerful manner! She took great care of us the entire trip! Jerry our driver shared is life and experience and also gave so much of his time and life to all of us! Thank you to you all that made this trip so wonderful.
— Review left May 21, 2024
Outstanding archaeologist, caring and resilient leader, exceedingly skillful bus driver.
Chaco, Canyon de Chelly, and Aztec ruins the high points of this trip. The number of ruins in this area is incredible. Some long days from 7 AM to 9 PM, including meals. Bring a good water bottle and a large hat!
— Review left May 19, 2024
This was an amazing tour and went beyond my expectations. Was unaware of how large the native population was during this period and how much they moved around and spread out. Was shocked at the amount of artifacts just laying around open on the ground after a 1000 years. Great experience if you like cultural history.
— Review left September 25, 2023
Superb leadership, information, company, and ambience. Kudos to trip leader Colleen Patrick and Subject leader Rich Friedman, as well as our excellent bus driver, Jerry. They worked together beautifully and gave a lovely tenor to the trip. Colleen made sure we had water and food--Jerry watched our belongings carefully, and Rich put all the pieces we were seeing into context. He seemed to know almost all of the leading lights of the area's archaeology and anthropology..and integrated them smoothly into the fascinating geology aand mystery of the region. I learned much, realize there's much else to learn.
Only regret was not being able to visit or even view the White House ruins in Canyon de Chelley. You might consider removing this mention from your trip prospectus until the overlook reopens. A minor issue, as the rest of the trip was wonderful. Thank you.
— Review left September 23, 2023
This was an incredible adventure!!! I learned so much about the Ancient Puebloans and the Four Corners region. Rich knows so much about every aspect of the ancient peoples, their architecture, culture, history, etc. He is a very entertaining guy, too, so we enjoyed the whole week. Colleen kept all our ducks in a row with a smile and good humor. Even our driver, Jerry, a Zia Puebloan, was a great guy and informative. I highly recommend this trip.
— Review left September 12, 2023
This is a trip you must absolutely take if you can. You will learn things you never knew about the Pueblo people and their history - this knowledge will change how you see your world.
— Review left September 10, 2023
Awe and curiosity, two qualities the tour leaders showed that were contagious. Vanetta Perry was solid and energetic, and our instructor, Richard Friedman, was a model teacher—leaving gaps as he shared his expertise so that we could fill them in with our own experience. We were constantly in motion, at over 7000 feet!—but the environments were so fascinating that by the end of the day, all we could do was drop and be ready for the next morning. That these fragile sites are available to the public at all—for example, one of the places on our itinerary closed to the public weeks before our trip—is precious. Friedman, in particular, with his broad knowledge of geology,—back to the dinosaurs!—archaeoastronomy, acoustics, agriculture and climate, and his sensitivity to the prevailing Navajo culture that has encompassed some Chacoan history, gave the trip an unexpected spiritual richness.
— Review left June 20, 2023
Sorry I do not wish to do this now.
— Review left June 9, 2023
A fantastic trip with an amazing group of individuals. Our guides, Vanetta Perry and Richard Freidman, did a great job. An amazing effort by the guides, the sites, and the education took us back in time. It is a demanding tour. I wish the lectures were spread out rather than packed at the beginning day. A portable projector and a curtain will suffice to do lectures intermittently or the system that is in the tour bus. A disproportionate amount of time was spent on Chaco roads, the area of interest of our subject expert, which is not that fruitful as they are not roads you see with eyes. The days were very long, with a daily early checkout from the hotel. SIX out of EIGHT nights, you CHECK-IN to a new room and are expected to sleep immediately after the day ends as breakfast is often at 6 and latest at 7. Not all are the best hotels, but they are in good locations - so often, small pillows or curtain gaps will bring sunlight at 5 am. Often we left early, but then the day's time was not spent judiciously, always with sometimes unnecessary stops or longer delays than needed. I didn't feel I was on vacation, given the lack of sleep started catching up. If we were staying at one place, I would have skipped outings. The dinners often end at 830 to 930 pm, and an early start is expected. We waited for 1h 45m for our order to be taken etc., at a restaurant, and I thought it was an anomaly but was told that it always happens. Unsure if anything was done to fix it by a discussion with the restaurant management, or alternate dinner place or a lecture planned while we waited for dinner. Thankfully we didn't have to check out the next day. The days were so long that a participant said just drop me at the hotel, and I don't want to eat dinner as it is so late. I did mention the limited time for sleep at our final meeting and was told you are not here to sleep, you can sleep when you get home, or I would sleep when I am dead. Good jokes! All that said I'll do it again 5/5!!
— Review left June 5, 2023
This was such a rewarding trip experience! The depth of learning about these early inhabitants of our land was something you can't learn just by reading a book. You gain so much more by actually being there and learning from the experts. I highly enjoyed this experience.
— Review left June 4, 2023
I had been in the four corners area a few years ago. There were things on this program that I missed on the other one. I was awestruck by Chaco Canyon and Mesa Verde. I had no idea that the civilizations who built those areas were so advanced. Rich provided a wealth of knowledge and Vannetta was a very competent guide. Both add great value to this program.
— Review left June 4, 2023
This is a wonderful trip ! Seeing where and how ancient people lived, walking among the pottery sherds that they made (and being able to see and touch the sherds) and learning about their astronomy knowledge, was eye-opening to me. I now have a different view of history on this continent and broadened cultural knowledge. Canyon de Chelly and Chimney Rock are breathtaking - great subjects for photography. The physical demands are manageable for most people. This is a fairly fast-paced trip and dinners are sometimes late in the day due to the number of activities, none that I would omit. A highly recommended trip!
— Review left May 26, 2023
Ancient Puebloans: Mesas, Monuments, Canyons and more was a wonderful program. I not only learned intellectually about these people but being present where they lived, walked, played, struggled, created, and survived made me feel physically and emotionally close to them.
— Review left May 26, 2023
This trip was a wonderful way to learn more about the ancient cultures that lived in this area, their building methods, knowledge and way of life. Our educational guide was especially engaged in research there, with those studying aspects of the ancient cultures, geology and archeology. His contributions really enhanced my enjoyment.
— Review left May 23, 2023
This trip really delivers! If you are interested in National parks, monuments, archeology, astronomy, geology, Native American cultures, history, regional dining, etc. then this program is for YOU!!!!
— Review left May 21, 2023
This is *the* trip for understanding Southwest US anthropology and geology. Much to learn, well organized and beautifully presented. I highly recommend this course.
— Review left May 20, 2023
This is a great program to immerse yourself in the Ancient Puebloans. With so many sites and activities, you are never bored and always gaining knowledge. A must do!
— Review left October 18, 2022
This program exceeded my expectations and fulfilled a lifelong goal of mine to visit the sites of the ancient people of the Southwest. Our instructor was amazing and I learned so much from both the materials provided and our day to day learning. A totally inspiring and wonder-filled trip.
— Review left September 26, 2022
Anything and everything you wanted to know about the Ancient Puebloans in the Four Corners region - who they were, what they left behind, where they went. Or not. It turns out there is probably more we don't know and will never know than we do know about them. But it's really nice to be able to see the sites and think about what it might have been like when they were occupied. Scott was a great group leader and Rich is really knowledgeable about the region and its peoples. Ben (our bus driver) added some extra depth to the experience that is hard to get anywhere else. Scott was really good at letting us know what to expect physically at each location. And the scenery is just breathtaking at times. I highly recommend this program if you have any interest at all in the Four Corners region or the Ancient Pueblo peoples.
— Review left September 25, 2022
This program will take you off the beaten trail to places like Chaco Canyon in New Mexico and Hovenweep in Utah. It will take you to Cliff Palace, the grandest cliff ruin you will ever see. And you will stay overnight on Mesa Verde, sitting on the balcony of your room, gazing out at a thunder storm 50 miles away as dusk settled in. You will remember this trip for the rest of your life, and be glad you experienced this adventure!
— Review left September 23, 2022
The web site is attractive and easy to use. Dive into it. Search and learn about what is available. There's a lot to explore.
— Review left May 24, 2022
The Road Scholar program, Ancient Puebloans, was excellent in all respects: Expertise, congeniality, patience, & approach-ability of
the Group Leaders; program organization, travel time, accommodations, meals, and quality of the cultural experiences. The scenery was spectacular. And there was a lot of it!
— Review left June 17, 2019
Trip was excellent. Outstanding leaders/instructors for the trip. Daniel and Rich were truly experts on the subject matter of the trip and made it a most interesting and enjoyable week. Great landscapes, history, cave dwellings, hotels, coach with 30 participants and food.
— Review left June 11, 2019
Excellent educational program to learn about the archaeology, history, and culture of the Indians who lived in the Four Corners region.
— Review left June 10, 2019
This program was by far the best of several that I have taken...highly recommended.
— Review left June 10, 2019
This trip really expanded my knowledge about the ancient puebloans,the messas, monuments, canyons, and more. The leaders of were very knowledgeable.
— Review left June 9, 2019
Excellent program with superb educational content and leadership
— Review left June 9, 2019
