Date: 2 March 2024, 9 am to about 4 pm.

Meeting Point: Rudys BBQ, I-10 at Artcraft

This field excursion is focused on a relatively young (<1 mya) explosive volcano that is only about 30 miles from El Paso and part of the Potrillo Volcanic Field.  The “maar” volcano straddles the US/Mexico border with the border wall bisecting it, so we will walk through only the north side of the shallow crater where we can explore the multitude of rock types spewed out of the violent eruption.  The reference to Kilbourne hole is made as Potrillo maar is similar in age and is part of a line of several maar volcanos in located in the Potrillo Volcanic field.  If there is time and interest, we will also be able to visit and hike to the top of a nearby cinder cone volcano. 

With stunning panoramic views in all directions, the trip is designed to give participants an overview of this region and how the various geologic events create the landforms you see on the surface.  We will observe landscapes, vegetation, and geology across wide areas including Franklin Mountains, Organ Mountains, Las Uvas Mountains, Cooks Range, Florida Mountains, and Sierra Juarez.  

We will meet in the parking lot on north side of Rudys at the Artcraft Rd and I-10 intersection.  (address: 6401 S Desert Blvd) leaving there at 0900 sharp, so please arrive by 0845.  We will caravan out Artcraft and turn west on Hwy 9 just before the Santa Theresa border crossing.  The field trip involves moderate walking and hill climbing plus driving on several miles of rough gravel and rock roads.  4WD cars with high clearance are recommended.  Those with any mobility constraints can still enjoy the trip with little to no walking.  

Please also note that water, sunscreen, hiking shoes, hats and warm clothing are recommended.  It is also a good idea to bring lunch, camera, rock hammers and other usual rock collecting kit.