Where You’ll Be:
Spend five days uncovering history and helping to preserve the stories of the San Luis Valley during this unique opportunity to volunteer on an archeological adventure in the South San Juan Wilderness of Colorado.
The South San Juan Wilderness encompasses the southeastern extent of the San Juan Mountain Range, including a segment of the Continental Divide. Originally designated as wilderness by Congress in 1980, it is a component of the National Wilderness Preservation System and now maintains 158,790 acres.
Ages of volcanic activity followed by the carving of glaciers left the rough, imposing terrain of the remote South San Juan Wilderness, an area characterized by steep slopes above wide U-shaped valleys cut deeper by eroding streams. You'll find high peaks and cliffs, as well as jagged pinnacles and ragged ridges, making travel difficult. Elevations rise as high as 13,300 feet.
Thirty-two lakes, most of them formed by glacial activity, hold much of the area's moisture and drain into turbulent creeks. The Conejos, San Juan, and Blanco Rivers have their headwaters here. You'll find about 180 miles of trails, and some of the most exemplary backpacking in the state. The Continental Divide crosses the heart of the Wilderness for 42 miles.
Nearest town: Antonito, CO 81120
The specific location will be shared with all registered volunteers 2 weeks before the project
What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will spend the week alongside USFS archeologists, performing archaeological surface surveys along the Continental Divide Trail in the South San Juan Wilderness. Surface surveys are systematic, non-destructive field investigations used to locate, map, and evaluate archaeological sites, artifacts, and cultural features across a landscape without full-scale excavation. These studies are critical for environmental compliance (e.g., Section 106), identifying risks to cultural resources before development projects, and understanding regional settlement patterns.
No previous archeology experience is required. You’ll receive training from Rio Grande National Forest archaeologists, Price Heiner and Marcy Reiser. The first day will focus on learning the basics, including how to document what you find, and there may also be a pre-project info session to help you prepare.
Backcountry Project Requirements:
Carry a 50+ lb backpacking pack, including all equipment necessary for camping in the backcountry. Since this project does not require tools, we will not have a pack string to assist us. Katie is looking into some smaller pack support options, like alpacas or a mule or two but at this point- assume it will be self supported.
Hike 5+ miles each day (with your pack), as we will be camping at a new location each evening. The route will follow the Continental Divide Trail, with many sections above 12,000 ft.
Be comfortable using a cat hole as a backcountry restroom for the week.
Be comfortable camping in bear country and following leave no trace (LNT) ethics.
Why It Matters:
Archaeological, historical, and cultural resources are important because they help tell the story of who we are as human beings. These stories are often lost or forgotten over time, but archaeology gives us the tools to rediscover and understand them. By studying and preserving these sites, we can learn how societies functioned, how people interacted with each other and their environments, and how they adapted to change over the centuries. This work helps us connect with the past, understand our present, and protect these resources for future generations. Through this project, you’ll be a part of preserving these important pieces of history in the San Luis Valley.
Eligibility Requirements:
Ages 18+
- Due to the 15-person limit in Wilderness areas, even one late cancellation can be detrimental to our volunteer recruitment and outdoor stewardship efforts. As such, a deposit of $80 is required to register.
- This deposit will be refunded in full upon completion of the project, or upon cancellation more than two weeks prior to the project.
- Deposits will not be refunded if you cancel less than two weeks before the project.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered difficult; please check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Access Factors:
Vehicle Access: No vehicle restrictions – 2WD accessible to the trailhead.
Other Notes: This is a backcountry project, requiring long hikes each day at high elevation. Volunteers need experience backpacking in the wilderness, see volunteer requirements in the description above. This is a high elevation projects, with much of the week at 10,000 ft+
