Five-day backcountry archaeology survey in South San Juan Wilderness
Conduct archaeological surface surveys alongside USFS archaeologists on the Continental Divide Trail near Antonito. 5+ miles daily above 12,000 ft. Age 18+, $80 refundable deposit.
Why we picked this
Five days of backcountry archaeology alongside USFS scientists in the South San Juan Wilderness — no prior experience required, just the ability to hike 5+ miles daily above 12,000 feet. $80 refundable deposit.
Archaeological surface surveys are systematic, non-destructive field investigations used to locate, map, and evaluate sites without excavation. On this five-day project, volunteers work alongside USFS archaeologists Price Heiner and Marcy Reiser in the South San Juan Wilderness, surveying along the Continental Divide Trail near Antonito.
The project is physically demanding: expect to hike 5+ miles per day at elevations above 12,000 feet while moving camp to new locations each night. Must be able to carry a 50+ lb backpacking pack. No prior archaeology experience is required — training is provided in the field.
Age 18+, backcountry camping experience required. An $80 refundable deposit secures your spot; full refund if you cancel two or more weeks before the start date. Register through the VOC website.