Two Billion Years in Two Days

A Front Range Geology Primer GeoClass in Boulder, Colorado

June 25-28, 2004

 Scientific Leader

Alan Lester
Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado-Boulder

Alan Lester, a recipient of multiple teaching awards at the University of Colorado, is a research associate and senior instructor in the Department of Geological Sciences. His research interests include Laramide magmatism, Front Range kimberlite emplacment, and Eocene sedimentary rocks of southwest Wyoming.

 Summary

- Daily Itinerary -

Experience three days of scenic geology excursions along the eastern margin of the Front Range, south-central Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Situated at the foot of the Front Range, Boulder is a picturesque and convenient vantage point from which to launch explorations. In Boulder, home of the University of Colorado, participants, spouses, and family will find ample opportunities for dining and shopping. Our excursions, although geological in focus, will also be wonderful opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.

The western backdrop for Boulder, Colorado, features the spectacular tilted (Late Paleozoic) sedimentary rocks of the Flatirons and the uplifted crystalline basement along the Continental Divide. In this GeoClass, designed for those with relatively little prior background in Front Range geology, we examine the nearly two billion year history of Boulder's geologically fascinating "backyard." On Saturday we will take a short hike along the Mesa Trail in the Boulder Mountain Parks, searching for clues with which to interpret the ancient depositional environments of this layered and tilted sequence of Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The trail is gentle and takes us through pine forests with wonderful views of the Flatirons and the city below. On Sunday we will journey to the Indian Peaks Wilderness, near Nederland, Colorado, to view both the Precambrian basement rocks and intrusions associated with the northeast portion of the Colorado Mineral Belt. Here we will take a four-mile round-trip hike (with minimal altitude gain, but at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level), through meadows with alpine flowers, along rushing streams, and into a region of glacial lakes. We will consider the mechanisms for crust formation during the Precambrian, mountain building and magmatism during the Laramide phase of Rocky Mountain uplift, and the evidence for Late Pleistocene glaciation.

 Cost

$650 for GSA members
$700 for spouses
$750 for nonmembers

A $200 deposit is due with your reservation and is refundable through May 1, less a $20 processing fee. Total balance is due May 1. Minimum: 12; maximum: 22.

Included: Classroom programs and materials; field trip transportation; lodging for three nights (single occupancy or doubles for couples); breakfast on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; boxed lunch on Saturday and Sunday, welcoming and farewell events.

Not included: Transportation to and from Boulder, Colorado, transportation during hours outside field trips, alcoholic beverages, and other expenses not specifically included.

 Reservations

To register for this GeoClass, please fill out and return the GeoVentures Registration Form (PDF format - requires Acrobat Reader).

Professionals, Rockhounds and Friends

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  July 2005, details to come
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