Saturday & Sunday | April 11 & 12, 2026

Temple Mountain

Led by geologist Benjamin Burger

Join us on an exciting field trip to Temple Mountain, where we'll embark on a geological adventure spanning a remarkable period in Earth’s history. Our journey will take us through the end-Permian mass extinction period, as we explore the rocks and collect fossils that hold clues to Earth's ancient history.

Along the way, we'll also visit historical uranium camps, including the very mine that supplied Marie Curie with the ore she used in her groundbreaking experiments on radioactive elements, and won her two Nobel Prizes.

Our first stop will be at the early Triassic Sinbad Limestone, where we'll have the chance to collect invertebrate fossils, giving us a glimpse into marine life recovering from Earth’s Worst Mass Extinction. Next, we'll visit the late Permian Kaibab Limestone, offering us insights into what life was like before the extinction, in the late Permian.

This full-day trip is excellent for anyone who loves rugged, backcountry driving and enjoys fascinating, roving lectures. Participants must be able to undertake a few steep hikes to important rock outcrops along the route.

See below for important trip information.

  • Participants must drive their own cars.

    The route requires high-clearance vehicles with 4WD.

    It may be possible to arrange parking for 2WD vehicles at the Temple Mountain campground if other participants are willing to carpool.

    In case of inclement weather rendering roads impassable, we have an exciting alternative plan to explore the remarkable features of Goblin Valley State Park a few miles to the south and delve into the mysteries of Jurassic sedimentary rock formations. A visitor fee is required at Goblin Valley.

  • A full tank of gas.

    Lunch, water, sturdy shoes, binoculars, camera, and snacks.

  • Benjamin Burger
    Associate Professor of Geology at Utah State University

    Benjamin currently works at Utah State University’s Uintah Basin campus in Vernal Utah teaching classes in paleontology and geology. He also maintains a YouTube channel on the geology of Utah. His active research centers on ancient climate change in deep time, and the geological history of the intermountain west. Previously he has worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and earned graduate degrees at Stony Brook University in New York and the University of Colorado in Boulder.

How to Sign Up

An old uranium mining structure on its last legs. Temple Mountain rises in the background. Photo by Alison Jean Cole.