This year, Geology department field frolickers braved the windy fall weather in and around Joshua Tree National Park to explore intrusive rocks, enormous faults, and old gold mines! Led by Robinson Cecil, Dick Heermance and Adam Brackman with special guest expertise provided by Stephanie Dudash from the United States Geological Survey.

A big thank you to all the students, staff, faculty, alumni, and friends who attended and made it such a memorable trip!

Read the full field guide HERE.

Day 1: Mission Creek and Pioneertown Mountain Preserve

This year’s field frolic kicked off with a great hike where we explored the Mission Creek Strand of the San Andreas Fault and discussed the geologic evidence for the abandonment of this strand of the fault.

The Mission Creek wash flooded to a depth of several feet during Hurricane Hilary in August, 2023. All the light colored material in the photos was recently deposited.

Day 2: 49 Palms Oasis and Indian Cove

After spending the night camping at Pioneertown Preserve, the group headed out to the 49 Palms Oasis near the town of Twentynine Palms. We hiked through the 1+ billion year old Pinto Gneiss, which forms much of the basement of Joshua Tree National Park, and also saw Triassic through Cretaceous granitoids.

Saturday was a cold and windy night at our beautiful group campground at Indian Cove, which was our home for the rest of the weekend.

Day 3: Joshua Tree National Park

The group spent Sunday exploring Joshua Tree National Park, stopping at the Hall of Horrors slot canyons, Keys View Overlook, and taking a hike out to the famous Lost Horse Mine.

Day 4: Pinto Mountain Fault and Back to CSUN

On Monday, we met up with Stephanie Dudash, from the United States Geologic Survey, and explored some of the pop-up structures along the Pinto Mountain Fault. A big thank you to Stephanie for taking the time to share her work with us!

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in this years Fall Field Frolic – we hope to see you again next year!