Few people ever think about the Grand Canyon as an archaeological site. When they tie it to history, they are much more likely to see the canyon in terms of millions of years and not always thousands of years.

Retired ranger and columnist Jim Burnett, National Parks Traveler, does. He knows that several artifacts have been discovered in remote caves in and around the Grand Canyon. Some of them date back 2,000 to 4,000 years.

Older evidence suggests human history in the Grand Canyon began as far back as 10,000years ago. Most of the earliest evidence suggests hunter-gatherers roamed the land until the Anasazi established more permanent settlements around 500 AD.

Archaeology Day At The Grand Canyon Offers Hands-On Activities

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 19, the Grand Canyon is offering several hands-on programs. Some participants will have an opportunity to join a real dig and experience artifact sifting. Others can learn how to make "split-twig" figures and clay pinch pots.

The hands-on events are to help build awareness for “Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month.” The program lends a scientific element to the Grand Canyon beyond the natural beauty that most people associate with it. Archaeologists believe there are as many as 50,000 to 60,000 archaeological sites in the area. Only 4,300 have been recorded to date.

"These special programs really help draw attention to the heritage of the parks program and its importance as a scientific and historic resource," says James Hoke, president of TourGuy.com, LLC. "Spring is one of the best times to visit the Grand Canyon because the weather is cool, but not cold. Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month makes it even more memorable because of the hands-on activities for all ages."

According to Hoke, there are more than 40 different activities planned in Arizona at various state parks and historic sites. Some of the programs are extremely limited, such as hiking trips to the upper and lower cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument (Globe Area). Closer to Phoenix, there will be an archaeology expo held at the Deer Valley Rock Art Center at the end of the month. At Lake Havasu, there will be a field trip to the remnants of Swansea, which was a small copper mining town 100 years ago.

"Not all of the hikes and tours fit within a day trip from Las Vegas, but with enough advanced notice we can help plan special trips and group outings that include some remarkable opportunities," said Hoke. "We have created custom packages for many people who build in mini-Arizona trips in between their extended stays in Las Vegas."

Hoke said such custom trips are especially worthwhile for foreign visitors. While someone living in California can enjoy the company's diverse eco- and adventure tours around Las Vegas with every return visit, world travelers may only have one or two opportunities to experience as much of the American Southwest as possible.

Arizona Archaeology From Las Vegas.

TourGuy.com offers an extensive list of tours to various natural and historic sites in Arizona, including the Grand Canyon, Hualapai Reservation, Lake Havasu, and Oatman along Route 66 from Las Vegas. Many of the tours offer special savings and discounts of $100 off list prices or more.

While many tours, such as Grand Canyon day trips, have limited opportunities to participate in special events held at the Grand Canyon, many TourGuy.com personally selected operators try to build in time to maximize the experiences of all guests. For adventurers who are looking for even more exclusive and unique opportunities, call TourGuy.com at 888-801-1575 or (locally) 702-664-2599 or contact TourGuy.com through Group Booking.