DATE: Sunday, April 27, 2025
LEADERS: John Hankla and Tom Knopick
FEE: $15/pp
LIMIT: 23 participants
TRANSPORTATION: Carpools from Durango and New Mexico
REGISTRATION: Opens Monday, April 14th, 9am.
DESCRIPTION:
The San Juan Basin has been a hotspot for paleontological discovery for over a century, with fossils from this region shaping our understanding of the dinosaurs that roamed North America just before the mass extinction. On this trip, we’ll step into the role of field paleontologists, exploring how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems using vertebrate fossils, sedimentary structures, and plant remains. We’ll also dive into the history of fossil collecting in the area, from the first museum expeditions in 1920 to the latest research shaping our knowledge today.
Our 4-mile loop hike will take us through the stunning badlands of the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Study Area, where we’ll see dinosaur fossils in situ, key geological contacts, and historic discovery sites. The terrain is uneven, so sturdy hiking shoes are essential. Bring plenty of water, a lunch to enjoy in the heart of the badlands, and a sense of adventure as we uncover the past in one of the most scenic and scientifically significant landscapes of the region.