Fossils of the Marble Mountains Field Experience
Description
The Marble Mountains are a relatively small mountain range located in one of the harshest and driest regions of the Mojave Desert in southeastern California, near the towns of Chambless and Cadiz. The area is especially significant to paleontologists due to its rich Cambrian fossil record dominated by trilobites — one of the earliest known groups of arthropods. Participants will explore the geology and paleontology of this remote desert landscape while learning about the ancient environments that once existed in the Mojave millions of years ago. This immersive field experience provides an opportunity to closely observe fossil-bearing formations and gain a deeper understanding of Cambrian life and desert geology in the field.
This class takes place in the Marble Mountains of the Mojave Desert.
Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is not needed for this program.
No meals or equipment are provided.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation; carpooling with other participants is encouraged.
This class is moderate. It requires less than five miles of walking, primarily on maintained trails, but may include the opportunity for off-trail exploration. Off trail, participants may encounter areas of uneven, rocky, or sandy terrain. Elevation gains of up to 500 feet are possible. This class takes place in a remote desert environment with extended exposure to sun and rugged terrain. Participants should be prepared for a full day outdoors in variable desert conditions with little to no cell phone service.
Required Items:
Water (a minimum of 4 liters per person)
Appropriate hiking attire
Food and snacks
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended
Daypack
Compass or GPS device
Binoculars (recommended)
Camera (optional)
A full tank of gas (or full charge for EVs) prior to arriving at the meeting location
Discount Policy: Only one discount may be applied per registration. Discounts cannot be combined. Eligible discounts include Friends & Family, Teacher, Veteran, Active Duty Military (and spouses), Park Lover Member, and Student discounts. The highest applicable single discount will be applied at checkout.
Meet Your Instructor: Alessandro Grippo, Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from the University of Southern California, has researched 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 in the geology of the American Southwest and loves exploring, learning, and sharing his passion for Earth and its history.
Photo Credit: DI/Chris Andersen
FAQs
- Who do I contact if I am running late?
Please plan to arrive on time for your class. We allow a 10-minute grace period for check-in before the class officially departs or begins. If you find that you will not be making it, please notify us in advance via email at desertinstitute@joshuatree.org.
- What if I need to cancel?
Desert Institute will provide a full refund if we are notified more than 7 days in advance. We are unable to process refunds for any cancellations less than 7 days in advance.
- Does Desert Institute cancel activities for weather or low enrollment?
If we do not meet our minimum of 10 registered participants for any given activity, we will likely cancel the activity with at least 48+ hours’ notice. Desert Institute runs classes rain or shine, except for astrophotography classes, which require mostly clear skies to be successful. If weather poses a safety risk, the class will be cancelled or postponed. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance, as we are unable to reimburse for expenses you incur due to a canceled class, such as airfare and hotel.
- What if I forgot something I need?
Our visitor centers and park stores are stocked with amazing essentials for your adventure. Preview or purchase items from our online shop; we carry hats, shirts, bandanas, water bottles, notebooks, maps, books. And more!
- Can I bring my kids? My Spouse? Pets?
Only registered participants may attend Desert Institute activities (unless noted in the activity description). If this is a kid-friendly activity, please make sure your child(ren) are registered and meet the age requirements. As much as we love pets, we don’t allow them in the field with any of our activities.
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