Desert Rock Stars: The Geology of Joshua Tree National Park

Get to know the iconic rock stars of Joshua Tree National Park! This class covers the fundamentals of geology, unraveling the mysteries of tectonic plate boundaries and igneous rock formations. This immersive experience reveals the stories of famous and lesser-known geological wonders.

• This field class is a tour through the Mojave Desert in Joshua Tree National Park, from the Oasis of Mara to Jumbo Rocks to Sheep Pass.
• Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
• Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is included in the cost of enrollment.
• No meals or equipment are provided.
• Participants caravan in their personal vehicles. Carpooling is recommended.

This class is leisurely. It requires less than 2 miles of walking with shade, seating, consistent terrain, and little to no elevation gain.

Instructor Alessandro Grippo: Alessandro Grippo, Ph.D., Geological Sciences, University of Southern California, has done research and taught geology, oceanography, stratigraphy, environmental geology and field classes at Santa Monica College and several California State University campuses. Alessandro has a keen interest for the geology of the American southwest and loves been out there exploring, learning, and sharing his passion for Earth and its history.  Alessandro also worked in the oil industry between his M.S. and his Ph.D., was a fellow faculty member at NASA-JPL for one year, and brought his students from Catalina Island to Nevada, from the Salton Sea to northern California. His interests and study, together with his passion for photography took him throughout Europe and the Americas looking for geological features.

Photo credit: NPS/Emily Hassell