Detailed Trip Information

Discover the world of Miocene fossils on this family weekend camping trip to beautiful Red Rock Canyon State Park.  Whether you're a seasoned paleontologist or just curious about the past, this trip will be an experience to remember.

What will we do?

We'll spend the weekend exploring the Dove Spring Formation in the western Mojave Desert of California prospecting for fossils of extinct mammals and discovering specimens to add to the Museum's collection. You'll learn the fundamentals of recognizing and finding fossils in the field. Also, we'll take nature hikes, explore the region’s geology, and roast marshmallows around the campfire with museum scientists and staff. Trip leaders from the Museum’s Department of Vertebrate Paleontology include: Associate Curator Dr. Xiaoming Wang, Curatorial Assistant Gary Takeuchi, and Curator Emeritus Dr. David Whistler, who has done pioneering work in Red Rock Canyon for many years.

What will we find?

Past trips have uncovered everything from tiny microfossils to the large bones of giraffe-like camels and extinct elephants. To see some of the fossils collected on previous trips click here.

Federal and state laws require that all vertebrate fossils collected be deposited into the collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. You will be credited with the discovery of all specimens you collect and your finds will be a valuable asset to the Museum for research, display, and education.

Let's go!

Trips are offered twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring.

Our next trip is:

TBA - Fall 2008!

Cost:

Trip fees include breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday, as well as campground fees, and the right to prospect for fossils under the Natural History Museum's permits on state and federally owned lands. All meals catered by Camping Pros, Inc. (www.campingpros.com). Participants provide their own transportation to and from Red Rock Canyon State Park and camping gear. Meet any time after noon on (date TBA) at Red Rock Canyon State Park Ricardo Campground.

To register call 213-763-ED4U (-3348) or email educate@nhm.org.

Last updated 15 January 2008