2026 PCRG Summer Field Projects
We are pleased to announce our summer 2026 project schedule! We understand this is a lighter than normal schedule and we anticipate high demand for these projects. This means, unfortunately, we will likely have to turn people away or adjust length of participation for individuals. Please keep this in mind when applying for a project and selecting your availability. We are working on adding additional opportunities to our summer schedule and hope we can share more soon. Thank you for your understanding.
Priority will be given to PCRG members. Please consider becoming a PCRG member to support our mission and get automatically added to our mailing list to learn about new opportunities first!
Please click here to read important information prior to volunteering on a PCRG project. You can click here to learn more about what to expect when volunteering on a PCRG project.
Project 1: Santa Fe Trail Survey and Documentation (Vogel Canyon)
Fieldwork Dates: June 24 - 30 (travel not included)
Location: Otero County, Colorado
Project Type: Survey and Site Documentation
Description: PCRG began fieldwork in Vogel Canyon at the Vogel Canyon Slough site in 2023. Our work and subsequent reporting identified the site as one of seven stagecoach stations that supported traffic on the Purgatoire River Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, a route that ran between West Las Animas and Trinidad. While documenting the site and conducting background research for the site report, we identified several features that appear on various nineteenth-century maps. We also identified multiple sections of the trail in need of documentation. This project will conduct archaeological survey in selected blocks with the goal of identifying and recording these features. Crews will also document segments of the Santa Fe Trail, and potentially conduct targeted metal detection survey.
Participants should anticipate daytime temperatures in the 90s, with little shade available during the day. Expect evening lows in the upper 50s. Be prepared for hiking several miles each day, away from vehicles, restrooms, and additional supplies (i.e., carry a lot of water in your pack during the day). Participants will camp at the Withers Canyon Trailhead, with access to a vault toilet. Potable water is not available at camp; PCRG will supply water but participants will be asked to bring additional water for personal use. PCRG will provide all meals for the duration of the project. Shower facilities will not be provided, but participants are welcome to bring a solar shower.
Project 2: Daley Gulch Survey
Fieldwork Dates: August 6 - 13 (travel not included)**
Location: Gunnison County, Colorado
Project Type: Survey and Site Documentation
**This project is subject to slight changes in schedule and duration, and pending final funding approval. We will communicate any changes with applicants as soon as possible. Changes will be minor (a day or two, if anything). We are hopeful the project will be funded, but if for some reason it is not then we will have to postpone the fieldwork.
Description: PCRG is initiating a new project in conjunction with the Colorado State Land Board to inventory smaller parcels of state-owned land. The Daley Gulch survey is intended to be a pilot project in advance of a multi-year partnership to inventory these smaller (one to a few sections in size) parcels throughout the state. During this project, crews will survey a parcel of land along Tomichi Creek near Gunnison. This state-owned parcel, which has not been previously surveyed, is near Forest Service lands that have significant archaeological resources and we anticipate documenting several new sites during the project. Crews may also survey portions of another parcel several miles northwest of this area if time allows.
Crews will camp in a traditional PCRG camp but on private land. Participants will be required to follow reasonable guidelines and respect the landowner's property. The project elevation is at about 8500 feet asl, and participants should be prepared for daytime temperatures in the 80s and nighttime temperatures in the low 40s, with the possibility of afternoon rains. Participants should anticipate hiking several miles each day and be prepared to be away from vehicles and restrooms throughout the day. Potable water will be available at camp, along with portable restrooms. PCRG will provide all meals for the duration of the project.
PCRG PARTNER PROJECTS
Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute (AERI) and the BEAAR Project
We are excited to partner again with Scott Dersam and the Alpine Ecosystems Research Institute (AERI) to make additional projects available to PCRG members! The AERI team has a fun slate of projects planned for 2025, including a continuation of their multi-year Beartooth Ecosystems Alpine Archaeology Research (BEAAR) Project! Head over to the AERI website for details on their projects and how to get involved!
Join the PCRG Mailing List
Not a member but want to get notified of upcoming projects and events? You can sign up for our mailing list here, but please note, although membership is not required to participate in PCRG projects members do get priority when space is limited.