GeoClass

Geology of Golden, Colorado, and the Surrounding Area

17-20 June 2005

Table Mountain Inn, Golden, Colorado

 Scientific Leader

Gregory S. Holden
Colorado School of Mines, Golden.

A professor at the Colorado School of Mines for 27 years, Greg has lead field trips in the Golden area for thousands of students, teachers, and professionals, geologists and nongeologists alike. He looks forward to showing off Golden, his favorite geological laboratory, and the surrounding area.

 Description

Golden, Colorado, a small, historic town at the western foot of the southern Rocky Mountains, is separated from the Denver Metro area by lava-capped North and South Table Mountains. Outcrops and geologic features around Golden illustrate the full geologic history of the southern Rockies and have served as a natural laboratory for generations of geologists at the Colorado School of Mines. This GeoClass will examine the rock record of the Golden area, from the Precambrian basement to Quaternary pediment gravels. We will see and assess the evidence for original Proterozoic crust formation, the Ancestral Rocky Mountains, the Laramide Orogeny and current Neogene regional uplift. We will see how rock type and processes have shaped the Golden valley and affected land use and infrastructure in the town. The trip format will be van trips to local geologic features and outcrops and short hikes along Front Range trails where, if it is a good season, the spring wildflowers should be at their peak. We will take van trips to Red Rocks Park, North Table Mountain, White Ranch Park, and Golden Gate State Park, all within a 20-minute drive from our hotel in Golden.

 Cost

$725 for GSA members, $775 for spouses, $825 for nonmembers.

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, and welcoming and farewell events.

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

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Professionals, Rockhounds and Friends

 2005 GeoClass

• Geology of Golden, CO
  Canceled

 2005 GeoHostel

• Excursions in South-Central Montana
  July 2005
  limited space available