Arizona Field Camp

December 27, 2026 – January 12, 2027 – Three credits

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December 27, 2026 – January 17, 2027 – Four credits

Register Online

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

PROGRAM DETAILS

Course

Arizona Field Camp

Credits

Three Semester Credits
Four Semester Credits

Dates

December 27, 2026 - January 12, 2027 - Three Credits

December 27, 2026 - January 17, 2027 - Four Credits

Location

Bullhead City, AZ.

Start

December 27, 2026 at 2:00PM
Las Vegas

End

January 12 - Three Credits
January 17 - Four Credits
Drop off in Las Vegas before 11:00AM

Cost (3 CRedits)

$3,995.00

Cost (4 Credits)

$4,995.00

Deposit

$300 is due at registration

Application Deadline

June 30, 2026

Enrollment Cap

Limited to 20 students

Camping

No Camping

Cost:

$3,995 – Three credits and $4,995 – four credits. Deposit $300 (required upon registration). Cost includes tuition, fees, food, lodging and daily transportation to the sites. Cost does not include airfare to Las Vegas. Each session limited to 20 students.

Important Dates:

Students will be picked up in Las Vegas at 2:00PM on December 27 and drive to Bullhead City. We will drop off in Las Vegas before 11:00 AM on January 12 – 3 credits and Jan. 17 – 4 credits.

Introduction:

This camp, based in Bullhead City, AZ. Students will map map variety of geological environments ranging from easy sedimentary strata to igneous and metamorphic complexes. Students will: make geologic observations and maps, measure stratigraphic sections, collect structural data and conduct simple structural analyses;  construct geologic cross sections; interpret geologic history from both local and regional geologic relations. Mapping techniques will utilize both topographic base maps and GPS.

Prerequisites:

Physical geology, mineralogy and/or petrology required; structural geology helpful but not required.

Physical Demands:

Field work will involve working in rugged and steep terrain.  Some projects may include demanding hikes of considerable length and elevation gain. Students are expected to be physically and mentally prepared to work in these conditions.

Facilities:

We will be staying in motel style housing in Bullhead City, AZ. No camping.

Climate:

Weather around Bullhead City in January is unpredictable. Days can be warm pleasant, but cold weather is not that uncommon, and nights are cold. The average January high is 67˚F; the average low is 40˚F. Students should expect variable conditions with the potential for cold, windy, and perhaps even wet weather.

Textbooks:

Geology in the Field, 1985, Robert R. Compton. (Note: This text is now out of print, so please try to find one online if you don’t have it already).

Field Equipment:

Field clothing:

Field Camp Photos

Group photo
Section measurement near Taskesti
Group photo with local soccer players

For more information contact:

Dr. Umit Yildiz, Arizona Camp Coordinator
umit.yildiz@sdsmt.edu

Dr. Nuri Uzunlar, Director, Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station 

Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering Department

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Office Phone: (605) 394 – 2494 ; Cell: (605) 431-1275

Nuri.Uzunlar@sdsmt.edu