Utah Archaeology Week Activities May 3-10

Utah Archaeology Week runs May 3-10 and features activities all around Utah. See this web page for official details. Here's the introduction:

Utah Archaeology Week celebrates Utah’s rich archaeological and cultural resources with a week of lectures and hands-on learning.

Statewide events include:

• Open house at the Rio Grande Depot with educational activities for kids
• Annual poster contest
• Lectures and paper presentations
• Tours of archaeological sites

Some activities provide opportunities to visit sensitive sites with professional archaeologists. For example, this year some people will be able to tour Danger and Jutebox caves in Tooele County. Here are details about that activity:

Danger and Jukebox Caves were formed under the waters of Lake Bonneville. When the waters of that ancient lake receded and revealed the caves, humans began using them as shelter and food processing centers. Archaeological work in these caves is the foundation of Great Basin Archaeological studies. Saturday, May 10th will the annual public Archaeology Week tour of the caves with Utah State Parks staff and associated experts.

Space is limited for this annual tour. Please Note–this tour involves some very steep and rugged hiking. You must reserve a spot by emailing Utah State Parks Heritage Resources Coordinator Justina Parsons-Bernstein at jparsonsbernstein@utah.gov with “Danger Cave Tour” in the subject line. First emailed, first served.

Another popular tour will visit Parowan Gap, near Cedar City, on May 9.

Come see one of the largest and most spectacular collections of rock art in Utah! This tour will be guided by BLM archaeologist, Nate Thomas. While some carpooling may be possible, please prepare to drive your own vehicle. We will meet at the Frontier Homestead State Park and be ready to depart at 6:30 pm. You may also meet the group at the Gap. The petroglyphs are visible from the road, so no rigorous gear should be necessary and wheel chairs should be able to access most of the area. Water, binoculars, and a camera are suggested. No public restrooms yet available at this site.

The Utah Archaeology Week Open House will be held May 3, 10 am - 2 pm, at the Rio Grande Building, 300 S Rio Grande Street, in Salt Lake City.

Experience Utah’s rich cultural heritage by participating in hands-on archaeological activities. Grinding corn, throwing spears, and face painting are just a few of the exciting events for kids and families.