Where you'll be:
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, spanning an impressive 176,000 acres, is a rugged and breathtaking landscape that holds the highest known density of archaeological sites in the United States, boasting 6,000 ancient sites, including cliff dwellings, villages, and captivating rock art.
What you'll do:
Join a small, dedicated group of 12 volunteers per the national monument's visitor use stipulations. Your efforts will focus on crucial seasonal maintenance closure tasks, such as social trail closure and restoration, drain cleaning, brushing, light tread work, and sign maintenance.
Enjoy breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, along with dinner on Saturday. Bring your own lunch (BYOL). Free campsites are available on Friday night and Saturday night, and volunteers are encouraged to arrive at base camp before 8 pm on Friday.
Please keep in mind that temperatures can drop quite low in the evenings, so be prepared for potentially cold nights while camping.
Why it's important:
The Sand Canyon area within the monument is rich in cultural significance, hosting a high concentration of cultural sites. Designated as a Special Recreation Management Area, public off-trail travel is restricted to preserve the integrity of this unique environment. By participating in the closure of social trails leading to sensitive, non-public cultural sites, volunteers play a vital role in protecting and preserving the current character of these locations. This ensures that these sites can evolve naturally without the disruption of modern human interaction, safeguarding their cultural and historical significance for future generations.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Ages 16+
Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older on overnight projects.
Project Difficulty:
This project is considered moderate. Check our difficulty rating criteria here for more details.
Accessibility Factors:
Vehicle Accessibility: This trail system is accessible by County Road G and County Road N (~7mi and 12mi from HWY 491 respectively). Some sections of these county roads are unpaved but maintained. No vehicle restrictions.
Other notes: Expect limited or no cell phone reception. For more information: https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/SC Newspaper 2018.pdf
