You might be wondering what to do if you come across an object—a piece of sharpened stone, a pottery shard, an old penny—that looks like it was probably made or used by someone long ago. Could you actually find something like that in your own backyard? Well, depending on where you live—YES! That's part of the excitement of archaeology: the thrill of discovery, often in unexpected places.

But how do you know what you're looking at, anyway? How can you find out who used to live where you live now? These and other questions may come to you as you think about the ancient peoples of a place as unique — and remote — as Utah's Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument (GSENM).

Or maybe you'd like to know what it's like to spend a whole week alone among the canyons and coyotes (and tarantulas, and Gila monsters, and . . .) of GSENM. Is it scary? Do you build a fire at night to keep warm? Just close your eyes and imagine what it would be like . . .

Or hey, here's an idea—YOU COULD ASK MATT!

Yes, let curiosity be your guide, and fire away — Explorer Matt Zweifel will be happy to help! Send your message to Matt by e-mail to Matthew_Zweifel@blm.gov. When he gets some interesting questions, we'll share them here, along with his answers!