The Grand Canyon, Zion, and Bryce: A Geologic Tour of the Grand Staircase

Join geologist Kirt Kempter on a geologic exploration of three iconic national parks situated on the Colorado Plateau. Begin at the Grand Canyon, where a mile-thick package of sedimentary rocks from the Paleozoic Era are strikingly exposed from the canyon’s rim to bottom. Each layer has a story to tell, revealing ancient oceans, rivers, and sand dunes that reflect drastically changing environments through geologic time.

From there, head north to Zion and Bryce National Parks, traveling through progressively younger strata that are referred to as the Grand Staircase, a geologic stepladder of colored cliffs with intervening vegetated plateaus. Kempter includes maps, field photos, and Google Earth flyovers to enhance the experience and illustrate geologic concepts and interpretations as he leads a journey that examines how the spectacular landscapes seen by today’s vistors in the Colorado Plateau were shaped across time.

Patron Information

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