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 our blog about geoheritage.
Know Before You Go:
- Program date: Afternoon meeting on Friday, August 20, from 3:30–5 pm, followed by programs on Saturday, August 21, and Sunday, August 22, from 8:30 am–3 pm each day.
- Program location: High Country, Tuolumne
- What’s Included
- Guided instruction with Yosemite National Park geologist, Greg Stock
- Park entry pass (valid for program dates only)
- Shared tent camping (camping dates cannot be altered)
- No discount is available if you choose not to use the gate pass or campsite.
- Camping Information: Arrive Friday, August 20, after 12 pm. Depart Monday, August 23, by 11 am. Campsites are shared between all participants. Each site includes a picnic table, bear locker, and fire pit. Within two weeks of registration, select “Camping” or “Not Camping” in your online portal to reserve your spot in a shared campsite. Spaces are limited and are available on a first come, first served basis. Access your portal through your confirmation email, and check your spam folder if needed.
- Camping Location: Tuolumne Meadows Campground
- Important Notes: Due to the shared nature of the campsites, we cannot accommodate RVs, campers, or car camping. If you would like a private campsite, have an RV/camper, or plan to sleep in your car, you’ll need to make your own reservation. Please note that camping is reserved for program participants only.
- Lodging Upgrade: Upgrade to Tuolumne Meadows Lodge for an additional cost using our dedicated room block. A limited number of rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, so we recommend booking early. The room block expires 30 days before the program, at which point any remaining rooms are released for public booking. Lodging dates match the camping dates. Upgrade instructions will be included in your confirmation email after registration. Booking for Tuolumne Meadows Lodge depends on the concessionaire’s opening date, which is determined by winter conditions and road access. Reservations are generally released in early summer, around May or June.
What’s Not Included
- Gear or meals during your program
- Camping gear or meals in the shared campsites
- Transportation
Experience Level: All levels welcome!
