Program Overview: Remarkable rock formations — including sheer cliffs, polished domes, and soaring peaks — are among Yosemite’s most recognizable landforms. These rocks are one of the many reasons the park is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this two-day Yosemite Field School course, you’ll explore geologic features in the Tuolumne Meadows area with the ultimate rock guide: Greg Stock, Yosemite’s Park Geologist.
During an afternoon lecture on Friday and day hikes on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll get the inside (and ancient) story of Yosemite’s geologic history — beginning with plate tectonics, granite formation, and mountain uplift. Learn how glaciation has shaped the Sierra Nevada landscape, from the jagged nunataks that jutted out above the ice to the erratic boulders left behind when the glaciers melted. Bring your scientific curiosity and rock-related questions!
Can’t wait to learn about Yosemite geology? Check out the “Granite” and “Glaciers” episodes of Yosemite Nature Notes and read our blog about the park’s geoheritage.
Know Before You Go:
- Program dates: Friday, August 22, afternoon presentation 3–4:30 pm at Parsons Lodge in Tuolumne Meadows. Day Hike and instruction Saturday–Sunday, August 23-24, 8:30 am–4:30 pm each day.
- Program location: Tuolumne Meadows Area
- What’s included: An afternoon program and two full days of guided instruction by a Park Geologist Doctor Greg Stock; park entry (as needed); park entry (as needed); and shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered). There is no discount if you choose not to use the included gate pass or campsite.
- Camping dates: Participants can arrive on August 22 after 12 pm and depart on August 25 by 11 am. There are three shared campsites among all the participants. We guarantee tent camping only. If you choose to bring a recreational vehicle, we cannot guarantee you will have a parking spot. Please be prepared to tent camp. A picnic table, bear locker, and firepit are provided at each site. Campsites fit six people per site.
- Campground Location: Tuolumne Meadows. Please note that if the campground is not open for some reason, then camping will be provided at the best alternative location available.
- Lodging: Upgrade to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for an additional fee. Lodging dates match camping dates. Lodging blocks expire 30 days prior to the program. Details on using our Group Code will be emailed to you immediately after you register.
- Experience level: Experience hiking at high elevations is recommended. These are physically demanding day hikes traveling at high elevations over 9,000′ on rocky trails. Must be physically fit and have good balance to attend.
What’s not included:
- Gear or meals during your program.
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites.
- Transportation.
