Geology of Rattlesnake Canyon
| Date/Time: | Saturday, October 31, 9 am - 4 pm |
| Meet at: | Indian Cove Picnic Area |
| Fee: | $60 ($50 JTNPA/PINE members) |
| Instructor: | Bruce Bridenbecker, M. S., Geosciences |
| Professor, Earth Sciences, Copper Mtn. College | |
| Hike Level: | Moderate, Extreme |
Explore one of the most breathtaking canyons in Joshua Tree National Park with geologist, Bruce Bridenbecker. Rattlesnake Canyon is a rock lover’s paradise with dramatic displays of two different types of quartz monzogranite, as well as unique features such as megacrystic rocks. Megacrystic rocks are a geologic oddity where pink feldspar crystals called megacrysts are enclosed by countless smaller mineral grains. These large crystals can be found up to a few inches in length! Bridenbecker, a geology teacher for the last 20 years and currently a professor at Copper Mountain College, will explain how prehistoric forces created this geologically stunning canyon in this all-day field class. Participants will hike approximately six miles, scrambling up, over, and around boulders to discover the secrets of this canyon!
Photograph by David Chappell
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