Travel through the homelands of the Jicarilla Apache—from plains to mountains—guided by respected community Elders. Gain firsthand insight into Apache relationships with the land, family systems, clans, ceremonies, prophecies, survival tools, and ethnobotany. The journey also explores intertribal histories with neighboring Pueblo communities, visiting Picuris and Taos Pueblos, and sacred cultural sites including Pecos Pueblo, Capulin Volcano, Stone Lake, and the Rio Grande.

This immersive experience blends archaeology, ethnobotany, history, and storytelling to provide a deeper understanding of Jicarilla Apache culture, living traditions, and resilience. Engage directly with Elders and cultural leaders, observe artisans continuing practices in the finest basketry and pottery, experience traditional Apache stew cooked over an open fire, and observe songs and dances—creating meaningful connections and lifelong memories.

Lorene Willis enjoys sharing the rich history and teachings of the Apache people. She's a member of the Dulce School Board and Women's Elder Group, a founding member of the Jicarilla Traditional Culture Committee, and President of Apache Indigenous Defenders, inc.

Bryan Vigil is a respected Jicarilla Apache elder, speaker, storyteller, consultant, and guardian of traditional knowledge, who served in the Marines, and as a Baalooma (Leader) of the Ollero (White) Clan for Go-jii-ya and as an active participant in Bear Dance ceremonies.

Learn from Jicarilla Apache Elders: Hear stories, teachings, and traditions directly from respected community leaders, gaining insight into cultural resilience and intertribal connections.

Explore Sacred Landscapes and Living Traditions: Visit significant sites like Pecos Pueblo, Capulin Volcano, Stone Lake, and the Rio Grande, while engaging with Jicarilla Apache artists through song, dance, pottery, and traditional meals.

Experience an Immersive Journey: Blend archaeology, history, ethnobotany, and storytelling across the Southwest’s most beautiful landscapes for a week of meaningful cultural learning.

Journey through the homelands of the Jicarilla Apache, guided by respected elders who share their knowledge, traditions, and connections to the land. Expect meaningful visits to sacred sites, engaging conversations with Pueblo and Apache community members, hands-on experiences with traditional arts, and meals that reflect Apache foodways. The program is moderately easy, with short walks on maintained trails and minimal elevation gain. All meals, lodging, and group transportation are included to ensure a smooth and enriching experience.

What time does the program start on the first day? Please arrive at the hotel in Albuquerque by 4:00 p.m. The program officially begins at 5:00 p.m.

What time does the program end on the last day? The final group activity is Friday evening, and participants may depart any time on Saturday.

Can I arrive early and/or stay late? Yes. Sometimes hotels will extend our group rate to individuals arriving early or staying after the program. Contact the Program Manager for more information.

How strenuous is the program? Moderately easy. Hikes are under two miles on dirt and paved trails with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Will there be opportunities for swimming? Yes, some hotels have pools.

From which airports will transportation be provided? Transportation to the Albuquerque Sunport will be provided on the first and last day of the trip.

How long are the drives on the program? Some days include two to three hours of driving with stops along the way.

Will bathroom facilities be readily available throughout the event? Most days offer convenient access to bathroom facilities. On a few days, facilities may be limited, and we will stop at the first available locations.

Can I drive myself during the program? Can I bring an RV to stay in instead? No,  all participants must travel with the group in Crow Canyon vehicles. RVs are not suitable for this program. 

What if I have a dietary restriction? We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions to your satisfaction. Make a note of restrictions and requests on your medical information form. If you have questions, contact the Program Manager to discuss options and needs.

Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California CST 2059347-50

• Deposit is fully refundable minus service and processing fees until 90 days prior to the program date.
  

• Full payment due 90 days prior to the program start date.
  

• If cancellation notice is received between 90 days and 60 days from the program start date, 50% of the tuition will be retained
  

• If cancellation notice is received between 60 days and the program start date, 100% of the tuition will be retained.
  

We gather in Albuquerque for our first evening together, enjoying a welcome dinner and orientation that sets the stage for a week of learning and cultural connection.

Overnight: Albuquerque, NM

Our journey begins at Pecos Pueblo, where we observe Jicarilla tipi rings and learn about interwoven histories among Plains, Pueblo, Spanish, and Apache communities. In the afternoon, we visit Capulin Volcano National Monument, a sacred site and traditional heart of Apache homeland. Once a buffalo hunting ground, this area later became a crossroads for Comanche, Pawnee, Spanish, and American travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.

Overnight: Cimmaron, NM

We spend the day immersed in Pueblo culture, visiting Picuris and Taos Pueblos. At each village, we meet with community members to discuss the enduring relationships between the cultural groups. Picuris, nestled in the “Hidden Valley” of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, offers a unique setting. In the afternoon, we visit the Pueblo of Taos, famous for its picturesque village and San Geronimo Feast traditions.

Overnight: Taos, NM

We follow the Rio Grande to uncover stories of resistance and resilience. In Pilar, we learn about the 1854 battle between Apache and Ute warriors and U.S. Dragoons. Visit an Apache village site, view petroglyphs depicting Apache and Comanche imagery, and observe a natural formation tied to an Apache prophecy. The day concludes in Taos with a discussion of Kit Carson’s role as an Indian Agent in the 1850s.

Overnight: Taos, NM

Heading west to Dulce, NM, headquarters of the Jicarilla Nation, we stop to experience the land’s natural abundance— medicinal plants, wildlife, and landscapes that have sustained the Jicarilla for generations. We learn about the tribe’s purchase of a culturally significant ranch near Chama, NM. In Dulce, we meet renowned basketmakers and enjoy a traditional Jicarilla meal.

Overnight: Dulce, NM

We delve into the art of Jicarilla-style micaceous pottery—known for its shimmering mica-rich clay and cultural significance as an essential part of traditional lifeways and trading networks. Traveling south, we stop at Stone Lake—“The Place of Emergence” and the Go-Jii-Yaa’ ceremonial grounds to learn more about clan traditions and the enduring strength of the Jicarilla people. We conclude with a celebratory dinner in Albuquerque, NM.

Overnight: Albuquerque, NM

Crow Canyon provides transportation to Albuquerque Sunport. Reflect on your journey and depart with a deeper appreciation for Jicarilla Apache history, worldviews, and living traditions—and with lasting memories of sacred landscapes and intertribal connections.