Full Title: Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks: An Exploration of Capitan's Permian Fossil Reef
Endorsed by: GSA’s History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage, Geochronology Divisions
Led by: Spencer Cody, Jill Cody
Date: Thu–Sat. 16–18 Oct. 2025
Time: 6:30 a.m. (first day) - 4 p.m. (last day)
CEUs: 2.4
Join us on an exciting three-day adventure as we explore the remarkable limestone formations of the Permian Capitan Reef. Day one will begin at the convention center on our way to Guadalupe Mountains NP with stunning views of Guadalupe Peak and El Capitan staying in Carlsbad both nights. Day two will be below ground with a natural cave entrance tour of Carlsbad Caverns and of the remarkable Big Room, while spending the afternoon exploring the Salt Basin Dunes. Day three we will return attendees to the San Antonio convention center. All lodging, meals, and fees are covered for the three days. Cost includes transportation (15-passenger van), two nights at the Sleep Inn Carlsbad, New Mexico (double occupancy), meals, snacks, and water.
This field trip starts and ends at the convention center in San Antonio, Texas. As a special courtesy to our field trip guests, we will drop off any attendees not going directly to the convention center at any major hotel in downtown San Antonio. All meals and snacks are provided during the field trip through a stipend of $120 (Thursday: breakfast $10, lunch $15, supper $30, and snack $5; Friday: breakfast provided by hotel, lunch $15, supper $30, and snack $5; Saturday: breakfast provided by hotel and lunch $15). This field trip requires a diversity of clothing … comfortable layers for riding in a 15-passenger van and field stops and exploring Carlsbad Caverns for several hours. Mornings and evenings may be cool and afternoons could be warm. Carlsbad Caverns is 56 F throughout the year, which may require a jacket for some people. How much hiking you do is up to you; however, comfortable footwear suitable for hiking are recommended. Each of our stops will begin with a brief introduction to the geology and related interests, and then the group will have the option to explore the location and/or interpretive site at their own leisure. We will take great measures to accommodate all levels of mobility. The most taxing portion of the field trip is our stop at Carlsbad Caverns. Field trip attendees will have two options for touring Carlsbad Caverns (both covered). They can either take the elevator directly down to the Big Room from the visitor’s center or hike the Natural Entrance Route into the Big Room. The Natural Entrance Route is a winding, paved path that descends 750 into the cave for 1.25 miles and ends in the Big Room. This trail is only recommended for visitors in good health. The Big Room Trail is also 1.25 miles long but is paved and nearly flat the entire way. Restrooms are found at the lunchroom at the beginning of the Big Room Trail and end of the Natural Entrance Route. Lodging will be at the Sleep Inn in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Lodging is included with the field trip at double occupancy. If a single room is desired, one will be procured for you, but it may be at an additional fee. For packing please try to pack into soft luggage containers, if possible. Large, hard luggage will be difficult to fit into the 15-passenger van. If you have any other questions, please reach out to the trip leader, Spencer Cody, for additional questions at Spencer.Cody@k12.sd.us We will do our best to accommodate your needs.
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: FT25CN410
Product Category: FTRIP