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Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country

Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country

$1,162.50
Dates:
June 29 - July 2
Location:
Lamar Buffalo Ranch
Meals Included?:
No
Instructors:
Robert C. Thomas, Ph.D.
Audience Type:
Adult
Program Type:
Field Seminars
Program Subject:
Geology
(Activity Scale)
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Jump into the bus for three full days of exploring the most amazing roadside geology in the world: Yellowstone, Earth's largest active volcano. You'll examine rocks formed in continental collisions billions of years ago, ponder the forces that buried forests, and follow glaciers that covered the entire park in thousands of feet of ice. While traversing roads in and around the park, you'll find evidence of volcanic eruptions during the past 2.2 million years – including signs that the volcano continues its action today.

About the instructor

Dr. Rob Thomas is a Professor of Geology in the Environmental Sciences Department at the University of Montana Western in Dillon, Montana. He is a Montana Regents Professor and Teaching Scholar, Montana Educator of the Year, and a Carnegie U.S. Professor. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and recipient of their Distinguished Service Award. He earned B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Humboldt State University, the University of Montana, and the University of Washington. He has authored or co-authored over 75 publications, including the book, Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country, and Roadside Geology of Montana. He uses Montana Western’s immersion learning system to engage students in field projects designed to benefit society and the environment. His personal passions are family, mountain recreation and playing guitar around a campfire.

Download Program Information:

Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country Course Letter

More Information:

Lodging | Audience Descriptions

We are continually updating and refining our COVID-19 mitigation measures to ensure the health and safety our guests, staff and volunteers. Read our COVID-19 guidelines for program participants.

SUMMER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

  • Be prepared to hike up to 1 mile per day, comfortably, through relatively flat terrain on maintained trails.
  • Be prepared to hike up to 3 miles per day, comfortably, with elevation gains up to 600 feet. Some off-trail hiking possible.
  • Be prepared to hike up to 5 miles per day, comfortably, with occasional elevation gains up to 1000 feet in undulating terrain.
  • Be prepared to hike up to 8 miles per day, at a brisk pace, comfortably, with climbs up to 1500 feet on dirt trails. Loose rocks, uneven footing, and off-trail hiking are possible. Good coordination is recommended.
  • Be prepared for brisk aerobic, destination-oriented hiking up to 12 miles a day. You should be physically conditioned to do these hikes comfortably. Elevation changes up to 2000 feet on dirt trails or off-trail. Loose rock, uneven footing, steep hillside traverses, and stream crossings are possible. Good coordination is required.

WINTER ACTIVITY LEVEL SCALE

  • Leisurely hikes up to 1 mile per day through relatively flat terrain on maintained or snow-packed trails.
  • Hikes on snow-packed trails, or snowshoe or ski trips, up to 3 miles per day with climbs up to 250 feet.
  • Brisk hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing up to 5 miles per day with climbs up to 500 feet, including some trail-breaking in snow.
  • Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 8 miles per day with climbs up to 1000 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.
  • Brisk aerobic snowshoeing or skiing up to 12 miles per day with climbs up to 1500 feet; or steep, rugged, off-trail skiing or snowshoeing—including breaking trail in variable snow conditions.