SUNDAY | April 12, 2026
Geology & Paleontology of the
San Rafael Swell
Led by paleontologist Joshua Lively
People come from near and far to visit "The Swell" for its opportunities for outdoor recreation, but did you know it preserves a deep geologic history? Join Dr. Joshua Lively for a geologic tour of the San Rafael Swell, traversing over 170 million years of geologic time across I-70 and through Buckhorn Draw.
We'll start our day in Green River and end in Castle Dale, making stops to cover the Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous time periods. Learn the geologic stories behind The Swell's iconic scenery, and see a few fossils along the way!
This full-day trip is excellent for anyone who loves scenic dirt road driving. Expect short hikes to outcrops of interest and a full day of learning!
See below for important trip information.
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Participants must drive their own vehicles.
Due to possible patches of rough road, the trip leader discourages vehicles with ultra-low clearance. (Think Toya Prius or Honda Fit)
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A full tank of gas.
Lunch, water, sturdy shoes, binoculars, camera, and snacks.
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Josh Lively, PhD
PaleontologistJoshua Lively, PhD, is the Curator of Paleontology at the Prehistoric Museum in Price, Utah. He earned his master's from the University of Utah where he studied Cretaceous turtles, and a PhD from The University of Texas at Austin, where he focused on mosasaurs and other Cretaceous marine life.
