Full Title: FT26CN414. Field trip dedicated to the life and contributions of Dr. Martin Lockley to understanding Front Range Geology and Paleontology: Selected Special Metropolitan Denver, Colorado area World Class Geologic Heritage Sites (Post-Meeting).
Price: US$85 for non-members; US$70 for professional members; US$45 for student members; US$60 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Tim Connors
Endorser(s): GSA History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage Division; GSA Geoscience Education Division; Colorado Scientific Society
Industry Track(s): Engineering Geology
CEUs: 0.90
Date(s): Thu., 15 Oct. 2026
Departing Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 5 p.m.
Description: This trip will visit a selected suite of world-class geologic heritage sites that can be easily explored in a single-day field trip, including Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre NHL (National Historic Landmark), Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas NNL (National Natural Landmarks; also known as Dinosaur Ridge and Fossil Trace Golf Course/Triceratops Trail), the Jurassic Morrison Formation type section, the Interstate 70 roadcut, Table Mountain lava flows, and a uranium roll-front deposit along Colorado Highway 470 and US 285.
Dr. Martin Lockley was instrumental in expanding the Morrison Fossil Area NNL to include additional sites, resulting in the designation of the Morrison-Golden Fossil Areas NNL in 2011. Field guides will be provided, along with numerous online resources related to each site. Local National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and academic geologists will “tag-team” to discuss the observed geologic features, processes, and issues.
Rocks, fossils, mineral deposits, landforms, and structural features spanning ages from the Precambrian to the Cenozoic are represented, from the Great Unconformity—where Precambrian rocks are overlain by the Pennsylvanian Fountain Formation at Red Rocks Park—to well-exposed Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic strata of varying lithologies and structural orientations.
As part of the Dinosaur Ridge stop, participants will visit the Martin G. Lockley Discovery Center to explore the “Deep Time Detour” exhibits, which serve as a living tribute to his legacy in promoting geologic and paleontologic heritage in Colorado’s Front Range, for whom this field trip is dedicated. This trip is supported by sponsorship from the Friends of Dinosaur Ridge and the Colorado Scientific Society.
Considerations: Accessibility at most stops is very good, with extensive paved surfaces at locations such as Red Rocks Park and Dinosaur Ridge. Well-maintained walking trails are available at Fossil Trace/Triceratops Trail and the I-70 roadcut. The first stop, Red Rocks Park, is approximately a 15-mile drive from the Colorado Convention Center, with shorter driving segments between subsequent stops.
Restrooms are available at Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge (main Visitor Center and Lockley Discovery Center), with portable restrooms likely available at Triceratops Trail. Lunch is expected to take place around noon at the Lockley Discovery Center in Morrison.
The morning will include a walk along Alameda Parkway at Dinosaur Ridge (approximately 2 miles round trip, with some uphill and downhill sections, all on paved surfaces). Transportation is anticipated to be via GSA-rented vans, with coolers in each vehicle stocked with iced beverages, consistent with previous years. Boxed lunches are expected to be provided by GSA.
Cost includes ground transportation, lunch, snacks, and water.
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.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Product Code: FT26CN414
Product Category: FTRIP
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