Red Rocks Amphitheater and Dinosaur Ridge Tour

~ Sunday, August 3rd, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ~

Where: Bus departs and drops off on CSM campus (exact location to be determined)

Cost: $40/person

Registration Limit: 20 

This event is open to all conference delegates and accompanying people. Come learn about the geologic history of Colorado and walk where the dinosaurs walked! You will see the famous iconic Red Rocks amphitheater, walk the trail to see dinosaur tracks, stop at the Dinosaur Visitor Center, and finish the day on the Triceratops Trail where you will see more dinosaur tracks, sedimentary features, with a wrap-up discussion on Colorado geologic history. The Red Rocks-Dinosaur Ridge Tour will involve moderate exertion at altitudes around 5800-6400 ft (1770-1950 m). Bring water and sack lunch. No rock hammers.

DREGS Sponsored Night at the csm museum

~ Tuesday, August 5 , 6:30 – 8:30 PM ~

Take in over 15,000 square feet of rocks, minerals, fossils and other fascinating Earth Science-related objects while enjoying catered food and drinks with your fellow geologists! The museum at the Colorado School of Mines Campus serves as the state repository for Colorado’s mineral heritage and showcases the most extensive public collection of minerals from Colorado. Highlights of the displays include an indoor cave to discover minerals that glow, the sparkling Miss Colorado Crown containing over 600 gemstones and 21 diamonds, and the ability to learn about Golden’s geologic past. The museum is located a short 5 minute walk from the Conference venue, so don’t miss this!

This event was made possible by the Denver Region Exploration Geologists’ Society (DREGS). We appreciate their support to make this a memorable evening. Thank you, DREGS!

Bob Weimer Geology Trail Tour

~ Thursday, August 7, 4:30 – 5:30 PM ~

Where: Colorado School of Mines Campus

Cost: Free

Limited to 50 – 100 People

This event is open to all conference delegates and accompanying people. Please join CSM professor Dr. Steve Sonnenberg for a guided tour along the Bob Weimer Geology Trail. Emeritus professor Bob Weimer created the trail in 2004 to enable teaching and research that leverages the geological evolution of the Front Range in Golden, which is preserved on the CSM Campus. This walking tour visits a series of representative outcrops that record the sedimentary and paleoenvironmental evolution of the region that culminated in eventual uplift and deformation as part of the Laramide Orogeny. On the approximately 1-hour tour attendees be able to see over 75 million years of Front Range geological history! Sneakers or trail shoes will be sufficient, and dress for the weather.

Gold Panning on Clear Creek

~ Thursday, August 7, 4:30 – 7:30 PM ~

Cost: Free

Where: Parking Lot, 3862 Youngfield Service Rd Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Limited to 12 People

This event is open to all conference delegates and accompanying people. Come join Steve Smith (Emeritus, USGS) and learn how to pan for gold on Clear Creek at Arapahoe Bar, the site of one of the first placer strikes in Colorado. This was the location of Arapahoe City, a boom town that once boasted having over 700 men. Arapahoe City was also the base camp for prospectors that worked their way upstream to discover gold veins in Russell Gulch (Central City/Blackhawk) and at Gregory Diggings (Idaho Springs). Instruction and all necessary equipment will be provided to pan for gold and other heavy minerals. Come prepared with sandals or water shoes to wade in Clear Creek, plus a hat and sunscreen.