A journey to the Grand Canyon has long served as a geologic pilgrimage of sorts for scientists from the world over. However, even the layman has much to glean from the open book of the Grand Canyon’s cliffs and slopes. In plain view one can find many of the rock strata that form the building blocks of the North American continent itself. Equally compelling is evidence of the geologic processes such as deposition and erosion that exist at the Grand Canyon on a massive scale.

The network of trails that negotiate the stretch from Red Canyon to the Grandview area lead the hardy hiker through a veritable showcase of these geologic marvels. Ancient fault lines, fossils and geologic features combine with thundering white-water rapids, verdant springs and a labyrinthine limestone cave to tell the story of the canyon’s rich history and dynamic present. After a thorough orientation this class will descend into Red Canyon on the historic New Hance Trail, spend several days camped beside the Colorado River, then continue downcanyon to Hance Creek, Horseshoe Mesa and an eventual exit via the Grandview Trail.