Full Title: FT26CN401. Black Hills and Badlands: A Synopsis of Geological Time
Price: US$665 for non-members; US$555 for professional members; US$335 for student members; US$465 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Spencer Cody; Jill Cody
CEUs: 2.4
Date(s): Thu.–Sat., 8–10 Oct. 2026
Departure Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time (first day): 5:30 a.m.
End Time (last day): 8 p.m.
Description: Join us on an exciting three-day adventure in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota on our GSA Denver Conference field trip. During those three days, we will cover a remarkable array of Earth's prehistory through highlighting the stunning rock formations of the Black Hills and Badlands paired with some of the most amazing paleontological finds in the world.
On day one, we will travel from Denver to the Northern Black Hills to explore the uplift that formed the Black Hills at Bear Butte, a stunning laccolith formation. We will continue our day by traveling back in time as we progress deeper into the Black Hills via Spearfish Canyon, revealing the remarkable geological record preserved in sedimentary rock. Arriving in Lead at the Lead Dome complex, we will tour what was once one of the world’s largest producers of gold, the Homestake Gold Mine, while learning about the cutting-edge science currently being conducted in what is now a world-class underground laboratory.
The next day, we will explore the remarkable pegmatite granite spires of the Needles in Custer State Park and the pegmatite dike formations of Mount Rushmore National Monument. We will examine karst topography and formations through visits to Jewel Cave National Monument, the Mammoth Site, and Wind Cave National Park. Once we have finished our exploration of karst features, we will travel onto the plains to learn about the sedimentary deposits and fossils of Badlands National Park.
All admission fees, passes, meals, snacks, and hotel lodging are included.
Considerations: This field trip will strive to include all interested participants as much as possible regardless of ability. However, some components of this field trip may be difficult for participants with mobility challenges.
This field trip includes a tour of Jewel Cave National Monument, which involves more than 700 steps over the course of a two-hour tour. Participants may choose to remain at the visitor center and exhibits instead. The tour of Wind Cave National Park includes 200–300 stairs, depending on the selected tour, and participants will likewise have the option to stay at the visitor center.
No additional hiking or walking is expected, as a 15-passenger van will transport participants as close to points of interest as practical and safe. Water, snacks, and restroom breaks will be provided throughout all three days.
Cost includes lodging, ground transportation, all meals, and park entrance fees.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip. This field trip is in conjunction with GSA Connects 2026. Learn more here.
For member-type discounts, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Students and Early Career Professionals can apply for funding here.
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
● Field Safety Policy & Procedures
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Product Code: FT26CN401
Product Category: FTRIP
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.