Full Title: Roadside Geology Central Texas & Hill Country Field Trip
Led by: Rebecca Taormina
Date: Sat.-Sun., 11-12 April 2026
Location: Waco, Texas, USA
CEUs: 1.4
Description: This two-day field trip explores the geology of Central Texas and the Hill Country through a flexible, roadside-based itinerary inspired by the latest edition of Roadside Geology of Texas. Traveling by passenger van from Waco to the Hill Country and back, participants will examine how stratigraphy, structure, surface processes, and groundwater interact to shape one of the most geologically diverse regions in the state.
The trip emphasizes observation and interpretation from roadside exposures, overlooks, and short walks, allowing the itinerary to remain adaptable to weather, group interests, and on-the-ground conditions. In addition to planned stops at well-known parks and geologic sites, informal roadside stops will be made along major travel corridors, including portions of I-35, when exposures and features provide opportunities for discussion.
Key themes include Quaternary environments and vertebrate paleontology, river incision and fault-controlled landscapes, granitic intrusions of the Llano Uplift, karst development and cave formation in Edwards Group limestones, and Cretaceous depositional environments preserved in dinosaur trackways. Together, these sites tell a coherent story of landscape evolution across Central Texas from deep time to the recent past.
The trip cost includes road transportation, lunches, snacks, water, hotel on 11 April, and Roadside Geology of Texas, Third Addition.
Considerations: The field trip begins and ends at Waco Regional Airport, with pickup coordinated to accommodate morning arrivals and return in time for evening departures. Travel will be by passenger van, with most geologic discussion occurring at roadside pullouts, visitor centers, and short, well-maintained paths. Walking is minimal overall, though some stops involve uneven terrain, and full wheelchair accessibility cannot be guaranteed. Bathroom availability is generally good at state parks and major sites but may be limited during informal roadside stops.
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.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.
Product Code: FT26NM01
Product Category: FTRIP