Director
Ralph “R.E.” Burrillo is an archaeologist, researcher, author, public speaker, and conservation advocate.
His personal and professional Bears Ears story began with a backpacking trip through Grand Gulch in 2006, followed by five seasons as an archaeologist for the NPS at Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, three seasons as an archaeologist for the Manti-La Sal National Forest, contracted work on the Moab and Monticello Master Leasing Plans on behalf of the BLM, and two published academic theses. He was also contracted by Utah Diné Bikéyah to help construct the archaeological portion of the Bears Ears National Monument proposal, and by Friends of Cedar Mesa to help construct the legal defense of the monument and (along with Josh Ewing and Jordan Matson) a visitor impact study on behalf of the Bears Ears Commission. As of 2026, he has spent 20 consecutive years exploring, studying, and helping to protect this unique and wonderful cultural landscape.
He also holds a Master of Science in Archaeology from the University of Utah and is a Research Associate with Archaeology Southwest. His writing has appeared in Archaeology Southwest Magazine, Colorado Plateau Advocate, The Salt Lake Tribune, along with many regional publications. He is the author of Behind the Bears Ears: Exploring the Cultural and Natural Histories of a Sacred Landscape, which was chosen by ForeWord Book Reviews as their critic’s choice in nonfiction for the year 2020; along with a The Backwoods of Everywhere: Words from a Wandering Local, an essay collection that follows a hodgepodge of ideas and themes throughout North America; and American Archaeology: Living History, Stolen Pasts, and Defending the Future—an exploration of the history, practice, and importance of heritage management in the United States. He also served as co-editor (along with Benjamin Bellorado) for the Greater Bears Ears issue of Archaeology Southwest Magazine, as co-editor (along with Jonathan T. Bailey) for the forthcoming Plants and Culture issue, and as sole editor for the Greater Grand Staircase-Escalante and Dogs in the Americas issues.
When not doing all that, he lives in Tucson with two cats and more plants than he can count.