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Geology Rim To Rim-to-Rim: Geology Backpack September 17-22, 2020 with Marjorie ‘Slim’ Woodruff CLASS INFORMATION AND SYLLABUS Principles of stratigraphy Introduction to Grand Canyon's rock This class is designed for those who have backpacked before formations. and are ready for the ultimate canyon hike -- North Rim Sedimentary rocks: their formation, to South Rim. Starting in the North Rim’s aspen, fir, reflected in texture, color, and and spruce forest, we will descend into the depths of the composition canyon where we will explore some of the most geologically Fossils and ancient environments significant areas of the canyon, with views and access to points that are exceptional illustrations of varied geologic The Grand Canyon region in the late principles and processes. Paleozoic: a time of shifting seas and rolling sands We will have an opportunity to explore everything: from the Introduction to regional geologic history very ancient inner-canyon basement rocks to recent sands and silts deposited by the Colorado River and her DAY 2 tributaries. This route also affords views of some rock layers that are visible in only a very few places in the We head the short distance to the North Kaibab canyon. Trailhead and begin our 7-mile hike to Cottonwood Campground. Along the way we will The North Kaibab Trail descent, Day Hikes to access the stop near Roaring Springs for lunch. We will hike Tonto Platform, and Bright Angel Trail ascent take us on slowly, stopping occasionally to discuss the rock a journey from basic geologic principles to more complex layers through which we are passing. We will ones, all the while leading us to some incredibly beautiful focus on the top four or five strata of Paleozoic places! rocks, which range in age from about 270 million to 350 million years old. You will learn how to DAY 1 identify and interpret sedimentary strata based on the structures and fossils found within the rocks. We meet at the Community Building at 8:00 a.m. (MST) sharp on the South Rim. The morning is Cottonwood Campground is a breezy oasis along devoted to an equipment check, class overview, Bright Angel Creek on the canyon floor. As with and orientation. After an early lunch, we embark the remaining campground we will stay at during to the North Rim on a noon shuttle to spend the our journey, we will have fresh drinking water, night in the campground on the rim. A final picnic tables and toilets nearby. equipment check and fitting session during the The Grand Canyon Supergroup: the evening will get us prepared for the hike. missing years Hydrological processes and the canyon’s Note: Please bring all your gear with you at ‘plumbing system’ the start of the day. DAY 3 A geographic overview of the region The three rock families: how they form Seven more, lightly downhill miles takes us down and how this is reflected in texture, color, to the Colorado River and Bright Angel and composition Campground, our camp for the night. After setting up camp, we will visit historic Phantom Ranch, which is the destination for overnight mule riders from the South Rim. Be sure to bring money if you wish to purchase cold drinks or T-shirts at Phantom Ranch. There are RECOMMENDED READING prehistoric pueblo dwellings near the river to explore as well. Beus, Stanley S. and Michael Morales. Grand Introduction to metamorphic and igneous Canyon Geology. rocks: how they form and what they reveal Billingsley, George, et al. Quest for the Pillar of Geologic time: deep time, lost time, and Gold: The Mines and Miners of the Grand unconformities Canyon. The early Paleozoic at Grand Canyon: life in the ocean, life on an island Price, Greer. An Introduction to Grand Canyon Geology. DAY 4 Ranney, Wayne. Carving Grand Canyon Today will be a layover day which should not only allow our muscles to recover, but will also allow Ron Blakey and Wayne Ranney. Ancient far greater investigation of the geology found at Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau the very heart of Grand Canyon. Sadler, Christa. Life in Stone. After a leisurely breakfast we will go over the previous day’s information once again before Whitney, Stephen R. A Field Guide to the Grand heading out for a day hike on the Clear Creek Canyon Trail. This historic trail constructed by the CCC is steep in places but supplies breath-taking views Most of these books and other interpretive aids and remarkable geologic exposures. can be purchased at Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstores on the north and south rims, online at Our final sunset below the rim is spent at the www.grandcanyon.org, or by calling 800-858- Colorado River. It is a fantastic spot for a final 2808. GCC members receive a 15% discount. geology talk and to wrap-up our canyon experience. ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR Grand Canyon Geomorphology: shapes and forms on the landscape Marjorie 'Slim' Woodruff, Ph.D., was born in Arizona. Growing up in primeval desert, she DAY 5 became comfortable with things that crawl, sting, bite, and gnaw, which served her well when she We cross the Colorado River and ascend 1500 feet started working with adolescents. in five miles to our final campsite on the trip, Indian Garden Campground. This lushly At Northern Arizona University, she spent much vegetated stopover is roughly half way out of the of her free time exploring the Grand canyon along the Bright Angel Trail . Our final Canyon. After graduation she lead backpacking sunset below the rim is spent at Plateau Point, a trips, taught cross-country skiing, drove a tour cliff overlooking the billion-year-old Vishnu Schist bus, and otherwise participated in outdoor and much younger Colorado River. It is a education and recreation. fantastic spot for a final geology talk and to wrap- up of our canyon experience. In her spare time she achieved a PhD in Canyon formation: ideas and Computer Based Education. Slim is a technology controversies coach at the Grand Canyon school, and maintains several websites. DAY 6 She still spends as much time as possible exploring Getting an early start, we hike out to the rim. The the Grand Canyon, having found that no matter distance is 4.5 miles with an elevation gain of how many times one visits the Canyon, there is about 3,200 feet. We should be out of the canyon always something new going on. by lunchtime or shortly thereafter. .
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