Full Title: An Educator's Look at West Texas Geology
Endorsed by: NAGT (Geo2YC), GSA’s Structural Geology and Tectonics, Geoscience Education, Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology, Environmental and Engineering Geology Divisions
Led by: Joshua Villalobos, Callan Bentley
Date: Thu–Sat. 16–18 Oct 2025
Time: 12 p.m. (first day), 9 a.m. (last day)
Location: El Paso, Texas, USA
CEUs: 1.6
This tour highlights the geological wonders between El Paso and San Antonio, emphasizing the Franklin Mountains, Guadalupe Mountains, and Carlsbad Caverns. Participants will explore tectonic, sedimentary, and karst landscapes. We plan a day and a half in the field exploring these sites as well as “meta” level discussions about field trip organization and facilitation. We hope for vibrant and rich discussions set in some of the most mind-blowing geological sites of west Texas. Cost includes transportation (mini vans), two nights at the Hilton Garden Inn El Paso (double occupancy), meals, snacks, and water.
This field trip starts and ends in El Paso, Texas and will cross into Carlsbad, New Mexico. There is one Border Patrol Check point leaving El Paso County, where only non-US citizens may need to show a passport. October is conducive to mild temperatures in the region rarely falling below 65°F or exceeding 91°F so please bring appropriate outdoor gear. The climate is typically very dry year around so hydrational is essential for outdoor activities. Almost all field trip stops will be park-and-walk with one short non-strenuous hike and the trip down to Carlsbad Caverns. Water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hiking boots are highly recommended. The dry climate of the southwest is also conducive to high pollen counts and allergies, please plan accordingly. Sample collecting is permitted at all stops so bring your rock hammer and collecting bags, though there is no collecting in Carlsbad National Park. Restroom availability will be intermittent but accessible if needed.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat on an in-person geological field trip.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
Learn more about this and other GSA Connects 2025 events.
For additional information, please contact Rebecca Taormina, rtaormina@geosociety.org, GSA Field Trip and Short Program Coordinator.
Product Code: FT25CN401
Product Category: FTRIP