Step back in time and discover the prehistoric wonders of Joshua Tree National Park with vertebrate paleontologist and Western Science Center Collections Manager, Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg. This immersive course explores the fascinating fossil record of the region, revealing the ancient landscapes that once supported colossal creatures like ground sloths, mammoths, and other Ice Age animals.

Through engaging discussion and storytelling, participants will gain insight into how scientists' piece together the park’s paleontological history and what these discoveries reveal about long-term climate and ecosystem changes in the Mojave Desert. The program concludes with a guided hike, where participants will explore the park’s geology firsthand, connecting ancient fossils to the rocks and formations that preserve Joshua Tree’s deep past.

The lecture portion of this class takes place at Joshua Tree National Park Headquarters in Twentynine Palms.
The outdoor portion takes place at Keys View in Joshua Tree National Park.
Anyone may attend! No expertise or experience is required.
Entry to Joshua Tree National Park is not included in the cost of enrollment. Please purchase your park pass ahead of time by visiting the NPS website.
No meals or equipment are provided.
Participants are responsible for their own transportation; carpooling with other participants is encouraged.

This class is leisurely. It requires less than 2 miles of walking with limited elevation gain on somewhat variable terrain and/or more than one hour outdoors in the elements.

Required Items:

Water (1 - 2 liters per person)
Appropriate hiking attire
Food and snacks
Closed-toe athletic shoes
Sun protection: A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended
Daypack
Binoculars (recommended)
Camera (optional)
Field notebook (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: Brittney Elizabeth Stoneburg is a vertebrate paleontologist and the Collections & Marketing Manager for the Western Science Center, a natural history museum in Hemet, CA. She holds a master's degree in Environmental Science from California State University, Fullerton, and her research focuses on fossil mammals from Southern California, particularly mastodons and horses. She has conducted scientific fieldwork across the United States, including right here in Joshua Tree National Park.

Photo Credit: DI/Cindi Anderson

Contact the host of Paleontology of Joshua Tree Field Experience