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Oct
20
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Grand Tour of El Paso Geology Part 2

Take a 5-6 hours drive-and-stop tour of the highlights of El Paso Geology. The tour will be led by Dr. Phil Goodell, the founder of Celebration of Our Mountains. “El Paso is an unusual geologic setting with rocks of diverse ages, mountains of diverse origin and form, and a variety of mineral resources nearby. Seas and lakes, deserts and glaciers, volcanoes and igneous intrusions, faulting and folding, erosion and deposition all have left their marks on the geology and landscape of this region.” (William C. Cornell)

Meet at the entrance to the Archaeology Museum on Transmountain Road by 8:45 AM for a short orientation and the car trip to start at 9:00. Due to limited parking space at the stops along the tour, we must limit the number of vehicles to 10. You can reserve your vehicle spot by emailing the Brian at the address below. For more information, contact Brian Gillis at com.915mountains@gmail.com

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Oct
20
7:30 AM07:30
Earth

Aden Crater

Aden Crater is an Icelandic-type shield volcano northwest of El Paso and is located at the center of the Potrillo volcanic field. The massive lava flow where NASA astronauts trained during the 1960s is also used today as a test site for future instruments and techniques that will be used in upcoming space exploration missions. This is a perfect environment to take some amazing photos and learn about our local geologic history. Bring plenty of water and dress for rough terrain. The hike is easy to moderate. Bring sturdy, durable hiking shoes. A walking stick, binoculars or camera are also highly recommended. High-clearance vehicles are a must due to the rough and rocky road (Doesn’t need to be 4x4, only high clearance). The drive is approximately 1.5 hours to the crater from El Paso. Make sure to have a full tank of gas. The walk is roughly 2 hours round trip. Trip leader is geologist Paul Galvan.

7:30 AM meeting time, Depart at 8:00 AM. Meet at the Rudy’s on Artcraft and S Desert Blvd (https://maps.app.goo.gl/fnD92yqx6xeVKMPx5). Approximate length of the round trip is 5 hours. Trip capacity is 20 people. For more information: Contact trip leader Paul Galvan at georocks30@gmail.com.

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Oct
13
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Grand Tour of El Paso Geology Part 1

  • 900 Rim Road El Paso, TX, 79902 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Take a 5-6 hours drive-and-stop tour of the highlights of El Paso Geology. The tour will be led by Dr. Phil Goodell, the founder of Celebration of Our Mountains. “El Paso is an unusual geologic setting with rocks of diverse ages, mountains of diverse origin and form, and a variety of mineral resources nearby. Seas and lakes, deserts and glaciers, volcanoes and igneous intrusions, faulting and folding, erosion and deposition all have left their marks on the geology and landscape of this region.” (William C. Cornell)

Meet at Tom Lee Upper Park on Rim Road by 8:45 AM for a short orientation and the car trip to start at 9:00. Due to limited parking space at the stops along the tour, we must limit the number of vehicles to 10. You can reserve your vehicle spot by emailing the Brian at the address below. For more information, contact Brian Gillis at com.915mountains@gmail.com

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Oct
6
8:00 AM08:00
Earth

Hike Tonuco Mountain

Tonuco Mountain

See petroglyphs and explore an old barite mine as you hike Tonuco Mountain. You will also see a stunning canyon with colorful rocks and a superb view of the region from the top of the mountain. This is a moderate to difficult loop hike of around six miles with about 1000 feet of elevation gain. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended to make the last mile of the trip through a soft and sandy riverbed to get to the trailhead. Either plan to ride with someone that has a 4-wheel drive vehicle or make arrangements to ride along at the morning meeting place.

Meet at 8 AM for caravaning in the Dairy Queen parking lot on Transmountain road and I-10. The group will leave promptly at 8:15 AM. Bring 3-4 liters of water, snacks, a sack lunch to eat on top and a mask. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and wear a hat and/or use sunscreen. Bring a mask. Please observe social distancing as best as you can.

The drive from the meet-up/carpooling location to the trailhead is an hour’s drive. It may be 9:30 before you start hiking. Plan on the hike lasting 5 to 5.5-hours long including stops and a lunch break.

Contact person: Brian Gillis 915-861-2990

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Oct
5
9:00 AM09:00
Earth

Edible Plants in Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

  • 5000 Calle Del Norte Las Cruces, NM, 88005 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This will be a tour of the Mesilla Velly Bosque State Park, that will highlight the edible and useful plants of our Chihuahuan Desert landscape; which includes this lovely state park that is a refuge for much wildlife in a riparian ecosystem along the Rio Grande. We will start at their garden area to tour the many native plants that have identifications and have our guides available to try and answer any of your questions. They also have a lovely visitor center that includes information about the park, and the local area’s historic and current natural resources. There are also have a few trails that span the park that have many great viewing areas with shade and sitting structures.

Meeting location: At the parking lot at Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park

5000 Calle Del Norte, Las Cruces, NM 88005

( parking fee required per vehicle (minimum of $5 for day use fee)

Note: The google maps may take you the wrong direction but once you turn on Calle del Norte, you will cross the Rio Grande, and immediately turn left into the state park.

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, preserving a riverside forest along the Rio Grande. The park is located near Las Cruces and just west of Mesilla. The park itself encompasses approximately 305 acres, at an elevation of 3,900 feet.

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