CROW CANYON LABORATORY



Equipped with a wide range of analytical methods and techniques, the Crow Canyon Laboratory provides a space for citizen scientists, Native partners, associates, and staff to examine and explore research questions.

For every day an archaeologist spends in the field, at least four days are required in the laboratory. During a typical field season, thousands of artifacts and samples are cleaned, catalogued, and studied in Crow Canyon’s lab. 

Accurate, detailed recording of observations allows archaeologists to construct extensive data sets that can be examined, reexamined, and shared with others. All artifacts, samples, and documentation, including maps and photographs, from Crow Canyon projects are curated in perpetuity at the Canyon of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum. 

Did you know?


Crow Canyon hosts one of the largest archaeological datasets in the country! 

The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center Research Database is an extensive collection of field and laboratory data generated as a result of the Center’s ongoing research into prehistoric Pueblo (Anasazi) culture.
The database currently contains information on 20 archaeological sites in southwestern Colorado and southeastern Utah that have been excavated by Crow Canyon archaeologists and participants in the Center’s research and education programs.

The database allows users to access information (field data, analysis data, maps, and photographs) for individual sites or for multiple sites simultaneously. If you plan to search for photographs, please see our new photo database tool.