Cedar Mesa and Bears Ears Cultural History
March trip is sold out. October trip still open!
Join CFI and guest experts for three days worth of hiking, exploration, and learning in the Cedar Mesa and Bears Ears Areas of Southeastern Utah. This all inclusive seminar includes guided interpretive hikes to archaeological resources, backcountry travel in our 4 Wheel Drive vehicles, and all meals.
This seminar is the perfect opportunity to unplug from you busy life, relax in the town of Bluff, and venture into the desert to learn about the areas rich cultural, natural, and archaeological history. This is an all inclusive trip that includes a stay at the Recapture Lodge, all meals, naturalist hiking guides, and expert interpretation.
In 2023, there are two iterations for this popular seminar!
Guided Archaeological Exploration
The seminar combines a private, behind the scenes tour of the Edge of the Cedars Museum with 3 days of exploring the surrounding area with career archaeologists. Experts will guide the group to authorized historic sites providing information about Indigenous & later European lifeways in this region. You will also have free time to explore historic downtown Bluff, relax at the Lodge, or wander down to the San Juan River.
Focus on the Moment – Explore the past
You are here to experience the incredible cultural and natural landscape of the northern Colorado Plateau. Learn about Indigenous history, land management, and modern settler history. Come ready to immerse yourself within the breathtaking scenery, and let us worry about the details! Three nights motel accommodations at Recapture Lodge in Bluff and all meals are included.
"The entire experience was mind, heart and soul opening. It was a terrific group of people and group cohesion isn't always easy but I felt we really gelled as a group. I learned so much and, looking so far back into humanity, I felt a little less anxious about our fate as humans – not that I won’t continue on with all my own engagements to make the world a better, safer and life sustaining place! Thank you again, you do great work.”
– Anne, Berkeley, CA
Based in Bluff, UT
March 21, 2023 through March 24, 2023
October 17, 2023 through October 20, 2023
3.5 days and 3 nights
Minimum: 6, Maximum: 7
$1790; $1705 Member Price; plus $10 BLM Special Area fee
Recapture Lodge
- This trip includes three nights in a motel, paired with another trip participant. Reach out to CFI to be paired with a specific participant. You may request a single room occupancy for an additional $210.
- A $300 deposit is required to reserve your spot which applies to the total trip cost.
- Fee includes a $100 donation to CFI youth and scholarship programs.
All participants on our adult seminars and on our private trips are required to be fully vaccinated.