Discover the ancient history and natural beauty of the American Southwest on the Sierra Club outing “Rock Art, Rafting and Ruins” (May 4-10, 2008). On this week-long raft and basecamp trip, travelers will explore secluded ruins and rock art sites inaccessible by road. Tour leader Linda Conklin writes, “The canyons, mesas, and river drainages of the Southwest have been occupied since 6500 B.C. The ancient inhabitants, the Anassazi or Ancestral Puebloans, left behind “art” etched in stone (petroglyphs) and painted on stone (pictographs) that will fascinate, puzzle and inspire us.”

The adventure begins with a three-day, 26-mile raft trip on the San Juan River, which winds its way from Utah through the heart of the Colorado Plateau. The canyon is an outdoor museum of archaeology, geology and natural history where participants will see rock art panels and ruins accessible only by water. Sierra Club’s professional guides specialize in interpreting the river’s exquisite culture and nature. Ruins and petroglyph panels abound, while the textbook geology provides for fascinating learning and stunning red rock scenery. In addition to these wonders, tourgoers will enjoy fine meals, camping on the beach, swimming, basking in the red glow of sunsets and stargazing.

After the river-rafting portion of the trip, the group will basecamp in a “safari style” campsite and spend the next two days exploring on foot, hiking up to seven miles each day to less-visited remains of prehistoric cultures. Travelers will enjoy scenic views as the group treks across mesas and down canyons filled with the sites of the Ancestral Puebloan, as well as desert flora, fauna and geological wonders.

Outing leader Conklin is a veteran outdoorswoman who spent 30 years teaching special education in the foothills of the Sierra near Yosemite. Conklin’s goal as Sierra Club guide is to share her love of the earth and her outdoor experience with others.

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