Upper Grand Gulch Backpack trip, an educational tour focusing on natural history, ancient peoples, and geology - MNA Ventures program.

Upper Grand Gulch Backpack

Leader: Don Keller
Dates: May 1–6, 2012 (6 days / 5 nights)
Cost: $1,000 members/$1,050 nonmembers
Difficulty: Strenuous

Cost includes transportation from MNA, meals, and permits.

Grand Gulch is the longest of five “elegant and gracious canyons” carving through Cedar Mesa on their way to the San Juan River. The gifted naturalist and writer Ann Zwinger adds that “there is an enchantment in these dry canyons that once roared with water and still sometimes do, that absorbed the voices of those who came before, something of massive dignity about sandstone beds that tell of a past long before human breathing, that bear the patterns of ancient winds and water in their crossbeddings.” Two thousand years ago the riparian oasis of Grand Gulch drew pioneering Ancestral Pueblo farmers to grow corn on the fertile canyon-bottom terraces and to hunt and gather in the region’s uplands. Archeologist Don Keller has spent several seasons of fieldwork with the cultural sites of Grand Gulch, and is intimately familiar with the early Basketmaker rock art galleries, as well as the storage sites and the canyon-side dwellings of the later Puebloan occupants. As many have observed, this part of Grand Gulch and our exit route up Bullet Canyon contain a high concentration of the best-known prehistoric sites in the region.

Our backpack into this haunting country under the spring full moon will emphasize discussion and appreciation of the cultural and natural sites within the canyon. There will be many opportunities for off-trail exploration. We first hiked this stretch nearly thirty years ago as one of the original MNA Ventures outings. Although its wilderness setting, varying trail conditions, and elevation changes merit a rating of moderate difficulty, this hike is appropriate for both experienced and beginning backpackers.

Deidra Strom, courtesy of Don Keller

Banner photo by Don Keller. Inset photo of Deidre Strom courtesy of Don Keller.

Don Keller strives to help participants understand the landscapes, the resources they contain, and how these resources have been used over time to create human settlement... Read more…

“Trip was well-planned and visits to sites were very interesting. Don adds much to the enjoyment of the trip…I thoroughly enjoyed it.” —J.S.

“Creative menus…impressive anywhere — Lisa, Ann, and Don (experts all) saw to every eventuality — our physical needs, transportation, food, sanitation, etc., as well as our hiking strengths and weaknesses — without a single lapse. Learning from consummate instructors/ambassadors for the museum really is a privilege.” —C.U.