Lyle Balenqua, Hopi, is a member of the Greasewood clan from the Village of Bacavi on Third Mesa, Arizona. He earned his graduate degree in Anthropology from the North Arizona University. He has worked as a professional archaeologist, ethnographer, author, and educator for over twenty years. He has consulted and led educational seminars for CFI, as well as Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, Grand Canyon Field Institute, Archaeology Southwest, and Friends of Cedar Mesa. He is an author of numerous articles, served as the Co-Director of the “Native Voices on the Colorado River Program, and currently co-hosts the podcast, Heritage Voices.

Ralph “R.E.” Burrillo is an archaeologist, researcher, author, and conservation advocate. He holds a Master of Science in Archaeology from the University of Utah and currently works for as a Project Manager for Paleo West Archaeology. R.E.’s areas of specialization include behavioral ecology, paleodietary reconstruction and ethnohistory of the Colorado Plateau and previous field work for the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service in S.E. Utah.  His writing has appeared in Archaeology Southwest, Colorado Plateau Advocate, The Salt Lake Tribune along with many regional publications. He is the author of Behind the Bears Ears: Exploring the Cultural and Natural Histories of a Sacred Lanscape, which was chosen by ForeWord Book Reviews as their critic’s choice in nonfiction for the year 2020.

This is an all inclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the spectacular archeology of the Cedar Mesa and Bears Ears area.

Day 1

Meet the rest of your fellow adventurers at the Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding, Utah. Here we will start the program with an exclusive backroom tour of the museum. The curator will take time to show and tell about some of the most significant archeological finds in the area, including clothing, toys, tools, and jewelry. Most of these items are not available to be viewed by the public! We will also venture outside to examine a restored Great House on the grounds of the museum. After the tour, our group will continue on toward the Lodge in Bluff, UT to check in and get settled before dinner.

Days 2 and 3

Leave your worries in your hotel room, because it is time to venture into the past! After breakfast, we will meet as a group to load into CFI’s off-road capable vehicles and drive into the desert. Each day consists of short or medium hikes to hidden archeological resources. Our guest experts will provide interpretation and knowledge about the lifestyles and movement of the people who used to inhabit the land. CFI guides will take care of driving, picnic meals, safety, and first aid needs. In an effort to protect these unknown sites, our specific itinerary remains a secret… for now.

During the evenings, you will have time to wander around Bluff, see the San Juan River, relax in the lodge, and enjoy some of the darkest night skies in the country. Your breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners will all be taken care of by CFI, so you can maximize your adventure.

Day 4

The last day is a half day. We will do some additional exploration in the morning, and have you back to your cars by midday. As you drive away from this experience, you’ll have a newfound connection and respect for this land and those who passed by before. 

• CFI staff are trained educators and guides with first aid and CPR certifications. Back-country trips carry satellite communications devices.  
• All cook and dishware, meals, snacks, and river gear are provided by CFI.