Date & Time: Saturday, April 11, 2026 · 09:45 AM – ~1:00 PM

Meet-up Location: Thunderbird Trailhead, 1110 Thunderbird Dr., El Paso, TX 79912

This trip is offered in collaboration with the UTEP Department of Earth, Environmental, and Resource Sciences (DEERS) and is designed for adults and students interested in Earth history and geologic processes. During this guided hike, participants will examine large-scale breccia deposits formed when portions of the Franklin Mountains were uplifted out of the sea during Cambrian–Ordovician time, approximately 500 million years ago. Discussions will focus on depositional environments of the time, tectonic uplifting, and the nature of the great unconformity.

The route follows an arroyo and involves hiking on uneven, bouldery terrain. Along the way, participants will stop frequently to observe outcrops, interpret rock relationships, and connect visible features to broader regional geologic history. The emphasis is on careful observation, scientific interpretation, and understanding how the Franklin Mountains fit into the larger geologic story of the Southwest.

Distance: ~2 miles round trip

Duration: ~3 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Best for: Adults and students comfortable on uneven terrain

Bring: Sturdy hiking shoes, water, sun protection, snacks, and a small backpack

Important: Terrain includes loose rock, boulders, and uneven surfaces, and note there is an $8 per day, per vehicle park fee, or free street parking nearby.

Trip Lead: Dr. Jay Chapman, Coordinator: Lance Robert (hlswrob@yahoo.com)