Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th, 2024
Cost of trip: $85

Exploring New Mexico's archaeological landscape is never a completed goal. There is always another hill, another valley, another angle of the sun, or another sinuous curve sheltering new inspirations and amazements.

Such is the enchantment of exploring New Mexico's rich cultural history, particularly Comanche Gap and the imposing Creston, one of two volcanic dikes that crisscross the Galisteo Basin. The Creston is a natural boundary between the world of the Pueblos to the north and the Plains peoples to the south.

The dike is the world-famous location of a rich assortment of rock art that has long attracted the attention of both scholars and the public. Reviewing last October's tour, Susan McMichael quoted Polly Schaafsma's phrase describing Comanche
Gap as a "magical place bristling with protective powers." This is indeed the case.

With each footstep along the dike, new images are revealed, inspiring curiosity and contemplation. Standing next to a powerful image fashioned from the deep past is one of the most stimulating experiences archaeology has to offer.

FOA members and friends will have a second opportunity to experience another chapter of cloud-beings and warriors as we continue our westward journey along the Comanche Gap Creston. This second excursion to Comanche Gap will begin where we left off on the San Cristobal Ranch portion of the dike and will continue over the fence onto New Mexico State Trust Land. The State Trust Land images include some of the most spectacular of the shield figures.

FOA has received permission to conduct several tours over the weekend of May 4th and 5th. Each tour will follow the same path. The tours will depart from the parking area in the morning. Tour groups will be limited to 12 participants each. The cost will be equal to or less than $85 per person. In all cases, the hike is extremely strenuous, requiring that participants clamber over blocky talus slopes with some steep ascents. We will be accompanied on each tour by a State Land Office archaeologist.

Please stay tuned to https://friendsofarchaeology.eventbrite.com for further details.