Geology and Geomorphology of Death Valley (Geology X 453, 2 units)

In this below-sea-level basin, steady drought and record summer heat make Death Valley a land of extremes. Yet, each extreme has a striking contrast. Towering peaks are frosted with winter snow, but the valley bottom can reach almost 130°F in summer. While rainstorms maybe uncommon, they bring many dramatic changes to the landscape. Join instructor Alessandro Grippo in the exploration of the geology and landscape of Death Valley.  This course takes the students through the geologic highlights of Death Valley National Park. The class meets at Furnace Creek Visitor Center on Friday morning and, after an introduction to the geology of the Basin and Range desert and its natural physical processes, students will travel south by car to hike the Natural Bridge trail. They will then head back to the valley bottom to explore the playa lake at Badwater, with further stops during the day at Devils Golf Course and Artists Palette. On Saturday the class will visit Devils Cornfield and then wander through the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. After lunch at Stovepipe Wells, students will hike and explore Mosaic Canyon. Finally, on Sunday the class will drive to the westernmost part of the park by entering the Panamint Valley and later go for an easy hike at Darwin’s falls to complete their exploration.

Please note that the registration does not include accommodations or meals. We have reserved campsites in Death Valley for this class for those who wish to camp.

This class earns 2 college units from University of California, Riverside Extension.

Click to download the course outline: Geology and Geomorphology of Death Valley Fall 2020

If you are a member of JTNPA you will get a $10 discount off every Desert Institute class. If you are not a member you can become one here.

Before registering, please take the time to review our General Class Information and download the Enrollment Attachments, that contain pertinent information about your class and Joshua Tree National Park. Camping reservations must be made through recreation.gov

Please print and fill out the PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT.  You can bring the completed form to the class.

Cancellation Policy: Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we have eliminated the cancellation fee. If you feel ill prior to any class, please cancel to protect our instructors, volunteers and the other participants of Desert Institute classes.