Frequently Asked Questions


General Questions

Where did the name Crow Canyon come from?

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center acquired its namesake from the geography of its physical location. The origin of its geographic name is unknown.

What are your Infectious Illness COVID protocols?

The safety of our staff, communities, and partners is our highest priority. The Center discourages employees and visitors who are sick with a contagious illness or disease from participating in programs and encourages them to recuperate at home until no longer contagious Click here to review the Center’s guidelines for Infectious Illnesses.

Is any portion of my tuition tax-deductible?

No. While we are a non-profit organization, your program tuition is considered an exchange of services. We do not require a donation or an annual membership to participate in our programs. However, your gifts are very much appreciated and help us sustain our operations. Donate Here.

How do I sign up to receive emails about news and upcoming events?

You can sign up for eNews on our website or click here. 

How long has Crow Canyon been operating?

Crow Canyon Archaeological Center has been a non-profit 501(c)3 since 1983. Prior to that, it was an outdoor education center called the “Crow Canyon School.” Read more

I found an object that may be an artifact; can you offer information about it?

We predominantly use replicated materials in our educational curricula out of respect for many of the diverse cultural groups we work with, and artifacts generally can’t provide us with much information once they are removed from their original contexts. We encourage Visit With Respect principles by taking photographs or drawing the artifacts, and leaving them in their original context.

How do I volunteer at Crow Canyon?

Thank you for your interest. We are not accepting new volunteers at this time.

Program Questions

Who can join a program?

We offer a variety of programs for ages 9 and up.

Do I need any prior experience to participate in a program?

No prior experience is required; however, some knowledge of the subject may enhance your experience. We can offer you a variety of resources related to your program.

How strenuous are the programs? Are there any physical requirements?

All of our programs have unique and differing environments. If you are concerned about program difficulty, it is best to contact us, so we can discuss what to expect.

Are there any discounts or scholarships available?

Discounts are not available at this time. Scholarship availability varies depending on the program.

If I travel solo, will I be rooming with somebody else?

Our tuitions are built on the assumption that two people will be sharing a room together, thereby splitting the cost of a full room in half between two tuitions. If you would like a room to yourself we will add the cost of half a room, also known as a ‘single supplement’. This is not a penalty for being single, this is simply covering the full cost of a single room for one person.

How many people can join a program?

We specialize in small group sizes to ensure a quality experience and to minimize our impact on the fragile landscape and on the ancestral sites we visit. Program sizes vary, so it is best to contact us directly to inquire about specific program capacities.

May I join a program late or leave early?

Our programs are hand-crafted with themes and educational objectives, and we highly discourage attending a partial program.

What type of ground transportation is used on your programs?

Minibuses and 15-passenger vans are our typical mode of transportation. Vehicles may vary depending on the program destination.

Are gratuities expected?

Most gratuities are included in your program tuition. There may be some unique instances where gratuities for outfitters or service providers may be appreciated. You may always offer an additional gratuity if you feel the experience was exceptional. While Crow Canyon staff do not expect gratuities, we are most appreciative of your efforts to support our work. Learn more by clicking here.

Do you accommodate guests with dietary restrictions? How can my allergies be accommodated?

While we often host our activities in rural or remote areas, we do our best to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions. It’s best to contact us in advance to determine if our programs are a good fit.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance that includes a “cancel for any reason” clause. We understand life happens, so please ensure you are covered in the event of unforeseen circumstances.