Slickhorn Gulch Backpack

Leader: Don Keller
Dates*: May 1–6, 2011 (6 days / 5 nights)
Cost: $1000 Members/$1050 Nonmembers
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Cost includes transportation, meals, permits, and group gear.

Slickhorn Gulch has been called “the most elegant and gracious” of the canyons running across Cedar Mesa to the San Juan River of southeast Utah. Twisting through the same pillowed and cross-bedded Paleozoic sandstones, Slickhorn offers a fresh and interesting counterpoint to the better-known Grand Gulch. It was long home to Ancestral Pueblo groups, and their traces still overlook the meandering, pool-studded canyon bottom oasis. Sites including a boulder field of two-millennia-old San Juan Basketmaker petroglyphs, hauntingly intact thirteenth century Anasazi Pueblo living and ceremonial sites, and lush springs and towering canyon walls give this canyon hike its own intriguing character. Our backpacking schedule through this twenty-mile loop hike into remote country will offer many opportunities for off-trail exploration, discovery, and learning, and ample time for rest, discussions, and group interaction. The hike’s wilderness setting, varying trail conditions, and elevation changes may present several challenges of moderate difficulty, but our pace will match the landscape and conditions, and this hike will be relished by both beginning and experienced backpackers. Led by archaeologist Don Keller and field assistant Deidra Strom. Delicious camp meals, snacks, and field transportation are provided. Readings, weather information, and equipment recommendations will be provided prior to our trip.

About the trip leader

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…

Hear what past trip participants say…

“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.