Ancestral Journeys - Native American Archeology Tour

Ancestral Journeys is a cultural heritage tour led by Native American archaeologist Don Montoya. It focuses on exploring ancient rock art sites, archaeological landscapes, and traditional Native American knowledge in the Moab and greater Canyonlands area. Tours include in-depth interpretation of petroglyphs, pictographs, and historic habitation sites.

We offer half-day tours (approximately 4 hours) and full-day tours (6–8 hours). For those wanting a deeper experience, multi-day private expeditions are available by request and include remote site access and light hiking.

Educational Lectures and Cultural Presentations can be customized by request.

Half-day and most full-day tours involve short walks on uneven terrain but are considered moderate in difficulty. Some multi-day tours may include short hikes. If you have mobility concerns, let us know, and we can often tailor the tour to your comfort level.

All tours are led by Don Montoya, MA, RPA, a Native American archaeologist with decades of experience in cultural resource management and Indigenous interpretation of the Colorado Plateau.

Don works as a cultural resources management consultant. Don retired from the Bureau of Land Management in 2018 as a Field Office archaeologist in the Moab, Utah office. Previously, he was the museum curator and site archaeologist at the Anasazi State Park Museum, Boulder, Utah.

Don holds a Masters degree in Anthropology/Archaeology, a Masters Graduate certificate in museum studies, undergraduate degrees in Anthropology and Electronics Technology. His
research interests are in Ethnobotany, Rock Imagery, Archaeometry, and Archaeoastronomy.

Don’s focus is on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). He consults with State and Federal Agencies, Museums, and Native American Tribes on NAGPRA
issues. He was instrumental in the repatriation of Human remains and associated funerary objects excavated from the Coombs Archaeological Site at the Anasazi State Park, Boulder, UT.
Don also led repatriation efforts at the Fremont Indian State Park, Sevier, UT, Utah Field House of Natural History State Park Museum, Vernal, UT, and the Edge of the Cedars State Park,
Blanding, UT.
He conducts his research on prehistoric occupation of the Canyonland’s geophysical region of the Colorado Plateau. He also presents lectures and gives tours of archaeological sites of the
Canyonland’s region of the Colorado Plateau, with focus on the prehistoric occupation of the Moab and Boulder, Utah areas.

Don is an adjunct instructor for the Utah Master Naturalists, Dark Sky Observations course offered by Utah State University Extension. He teaches Native American Astronomy as part of
that course. Don offers lectures and night sky observations of Native American interpretations of the Cosmos. He has presented at Capital Reef National Park, Antelope Island State Park,
Dinosaur National Monument, Arches National Park, Anasazi State Park, Moab Information Center, and Castle Valley.

Don’s affiliations and memberships are with the Utah Humanities Council, Old Spanish Trail Association, Utah Rock Art Research Association, Utah Professional Archaeological Council,
Register of Professional Archaeologists, Canyonlands Natural History Association, Canyonlands Field Institute, American Museum Alliance, Anasazi State Park Museum, and the Moab
Museum.

Prior to starting his journey in Archeology/Anthropology and museum studies, Don worked 25 years in the electronics and computer industry in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Albuquerque. He retired from Hewlett Packard Company in 1992.

Don is married to Cecilia (Tia) Herrera Montoya. They have 6 children (5 living), 21 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

Yes, children aged 8 and older are welcome. These are educational tours that engage curious minds with stories, symbols, and hands-on learning, especially for families who enjoy cultural experiences.

Tours include professional guide services, transportation from Canyonlands by Night & Day’s office, drinks, snacks, and interpretation materials. Meals are included on full-day and multi-day tours.

Yes, you must cancel 48 hours prior to departure to receive a partial refund; otherwise it is non-refundable.

Absolutely! Custom private tours can be arranged for academic groups, photographers, spiritual retreat groups, or anyone seeking a tailored experience. Let us know your goals and interests when booking.

We recommend:

• Closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals

• Refillable water bottle

• Hat and sunscreen

• Medications you might need

• Notebook or camera if you’d like to take notes or photos

You can book directly through Canyonlands by Night and Day online, by phone at 435-259-5261, or by visiting our Moab office. A minimum of 4 people is required to run the tour, but we can often help pair small groups together.

To ensure your comfort and safety while exploring ancient sites and rock imagery locations, we recommend the following attire:

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals with good grip – some terrain may be sandy, rocky, or uneven.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing – dress for the season, and consider wearing long sleeves for sun protection.

• A wide-brimmed hat or cap – to protect from the desert sun.

• Sunglasses – especially useful during midday hours.

• Layered outerwear – mornings and evenings can be cooler in the desert, even in warmer months.

• Optional: hiking poles – helpful for uneven or sloped surfaces on full or multi-day excursions.