Pecos Conference
The Annual
Established 1927
2026
Conference Details
Check for updates!
The 2026 Pecos Conference is hosted by
The 2026 Pecos Conference will be held at Doc Lowell Flat on the San Juan National Forest, about 8 road miles north of Mancos, Colorado!
This year's conference will run from Thursday, August 6th through Sunday, August 9th – starting off with an opening social/registration packet pickup at Millie's in Mancos.
Papers, posters on the 8th and 9th, dinner and dancing Saturday night (of course) and a full slate of tours on Sunday the 9th. Come camp with us in the beautiful Doc Lowell Flat campground!
Conference Dates
August 6-9, 2026
Conference Location
To get to the conference site from Mancos, Colorado (Main and 160), head north onto CO 184/n. Main Street for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto CO Road 42 for 5.3 miles where it becomes Road 561 for another 2.3 miles. Turn left on Forest Road 416 and the Doc Lowell Flat will be on the right. There will be signs along the way helping guide you to the conference site, as well as where to turn off into the site.
On-Site Camping Info
Tent and RV camping will be available at the conference site at no additional fee.
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For conservation's sake, vehicles will not be allowed to drive far off of the tent camping access roads. Campers will need to carry their gear if they wish to camp away from the two-track roads. Since it will be monsoon season, campers are advised to attend in high clearance or 4WD vehicles with good tires (as the roads may be muddy -- see below).
2026 Board Candidate Statements
2026 Conference Program
2026 Paper and Poster Abstracts
Local Amenities
There are small(ish) grocery stores in Mancos (P&D Market, Zuma Natural Foods, center of town). There are gas stations and convenience stores in town, as well as motels and other short-term rentals (e.g., AirBnB), coffee shops, and restaurants. Some potable water provided by the conference at the campsite, as well as portable toilets and first aid. Always be prepared for rain at the conference site, with some muddy roads at the conference site. High-clearance vehicles are optimal for those who intend to camp onsite.
Thursday, August 6, 2026
ON-SITE CAMPING OPENS​
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Tent and RV Campers may arrive and begin selecting sites.
REGISTRATION AND THURSDAY NIGHT RECEPTION
5:15 to 7:15 pm​​
Will be held at Millie's in Mancos, Colorado. Light snacks will be provided.
https://www.milliesinmancos.com/
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Musical entertainment during the Thursday evening reception by Ben Kraftwerx.
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Ben hails from Canyon Country Utah by way of Phoenix Arizona. He brings a special selection of solo folk, jazz, and Latin guitar arrangements, alongside original compositions and eclectic improvisations.​​​​​
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STAR PARTY
After Dark (presented by SCAAS.org)​​
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Friday, August 7, 2026
TENTS OPEN​
8:15 am - 5:00 pm​
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Presentations, Posters, Silent Auction, and Vendor Tents Open.
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OPEN MIC NIGHT!
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Presentations Tent:
Come show off your musical talent, stand-up comedy, dance moves, or other abilities under the big tent. Prizes awarded based on audience response.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
TENTS OPEN
8:15 am - 5:00 pm​
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Presentations, Posters, Silent Auction, and Vendor Tents Open.
BUSINESS MEETING
11:00 am​​
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER
5:30 pm​​​​
By Zia Taqueria, Durango. Vegetarian options are available.
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HAPPY HOUR
5:15 pm
Beer provided by Wild Edge Brewing Collective, Cortez.
https://www.wildedgebrewing.com/
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SATURDAY NIGHT BAND
7:30 pm
Dance and groove with Innastate (a regional favorite!) until circa 11:30 pm in the Presentations Tent. Come one, come all!
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https://www.innastate.net/​​
This year's logo was graciously and artfully crafted by Maddy Abdella. Many thanks to Maddy for the logo!
Sunday, August 9, 2026
FIELD TRIPS
The ACTUAL field trip sign-up sheets will be at the conference registration table, beginning Friday morning. You CANNOT sign up for a field trip before the conference begins. Below is a link to a list of field trips and a description of each. The field trips have been graciously organized by R.E. Burrillo and Aaron O’Brien, and each trip is led by a knowledgeable volunteer -- kudos and gratitude to them all, as well as to the cooperating partners who are each supporting the effort!
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Silent Auction
One Archaeologists' Junk,
Another Archaeologists' Treasure​
Support our event and the Cordell Powers Scholarship by donating your new and pre-cherished treasures for an always exciting silent auction, which takes place during the event. The most popular auction items include art, mineral specimens, jewelry, pottery, textiles, gift certificates, books, y mas.
The silent auction is a significant source of revenue for the conference, and we very much appreciate your donations! (Silent auction graciously organized and run by the Site Stewardship Foundation!)
Souvenirs
Hats, Shirts, Stickers, and Water Bottles​​
Pre-order t-shirts, hats and stickers when you register and pick up your item(s) when you arrive at the Conference. Water bottles can also be bought at the conference. Participants who register online will receive a Pecos Conference canvas tote bag with your registration packet.
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Hats are one size, cotton. T-shirts are 100% heavy cotton cloth made by Gildan, with unisex sizing (see size chart below). All colors are as shown here.
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Background photo courtesy of Chuck Riggs.