The Magic Mountain community archaeology project

Nestled in the foothills of Golden, Colorado, Magic Mountain is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Front Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains. The earliest contexts date back to 9000 BP, when the site served as camping grounds for groups passing through the region. Later remains, such as ceramics and stone structures, indicate that through time it became a semi-permanent residence that was inhabited until at least 1000 CE. From 2016 to 2018 the Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Paleocultural Research Group conducted research at the site through a large-scale, community-based effort. This paper details the community involvement and provides a template for others wishing to engage in similar endeavours.