Register online

Application Deadline: Camp FULL contact nuri.uzunlar@sdsmt.edu to be waitlisted

Cost: $5,695.00. Deposit $300 (required upon registration). Cost includes tuition, fees, food, lodging and transportation to field sites and from Bozeman to Dillon and back to Bozeman. Cost does not include airfare to Bozeman.

Projects: Get ready for an immersive geologic field experience like no other! Over the course of this field program, students will develop critical skills in geologic field observations, map construction, stratigraphic section measurements, and structural analysis. You’ll interpret geologic history through both stratigraphic and structural relationships examined in the field.

Most projects will focus on mapping using topographic base maps at various scales, with all data compiled directly in the field.

Mapping Highlights: Our fieldwork will include in-depth studies of formations spanning the Archean, Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic eras. Key topics include:

• Mesozoic folds and thrusts deforming these formations, along with Cretaceous sills and stocks intruding them.
• Interference structures between thrust faults and uplifted Precambrian basement rocks.
• Deformed Quaternary-Neogene strata and volcanogenic deposits, recording dynamic depositional, volcanic, and tectonic histories in the Montana Rockies at the Yellowstone hotspot boundary.

Epic Road Trip to Geological Wonders! For one week, we’ll embark on an unforgettable geology-focused road trip exploring some of the most spectacular geological sites in the country:

• Yellowstone National Park – Witness the power of the Yellowstone hotspot and its hydrothermal features.
• Craters of the Moon – Experience firsthand the remnants of recent volcanic eruptions.
• Grand Tetons – Study breathtaking tectonic uplift and faulting in real time.

This road trip will be more than just sightseeing! Students will be responsible for completing deliverables along the way, including:

• Presentations on key geological features
• One exam covering material from field observations
• Detailed field notebooks including stratigraphic columns and illustrative cross-sections

Physical Demands: Prepare for rigorous fieldwork! You’ll be traversing rugged, steep terrain, including demanding hikes with significant elevation gain. Students should be both physically and mentally ready to work in these challenging conditions.

Facilities: Lodging will be at the University of Montana Western dormitories in Dillon, Montana. Students will typically stay in double-occupancy rooms (depending on availability). Amenities include bedding, cafeteria food services, laundry facilities, cell service, Wi-Fi, and local shopping.

Climate: Springtime in the Montana Rockies is highly unpredictable. Expect a mix of warm, pleasant days and sudden cold, windy, or wet conditions. About half of our fieldwork will take place at higher elevations (~7,000 feet), where solar radiation is intense. Average temperatures range from low 60s to high 70s°F during the day and mid-30s to mid-40s°F at night. Bring layers!

Textbooks:

• Highly Recommended: Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country by William J. Fritz & Robert C. Thomas. This is an essential guide to the geologic wonders we’ll be exploring.
• Optional: Geology in the Field (1985) by Robert R. Compton – Though out of print, this remains one of the best field manuals available. Try to find a copy online if you don’t already own one.
• Optional : Roadside geology of Montana

This will be an unforgettable field experience that blends adventure with hands-on learning in some of the most geologically rich regions of North America. Get ready for an incredible journey!

Field Equipment: (items can be purchased on campus at UMW if necessary)

a.      Geologic rock hammer and hammer holder

b.     Hand lens (10x)

c.      Mechanical and colored pencils (#2 lead (or harder) and variety of colors),

d.     (2) Pilot extra fine (0.5, 1.0) black RT pens

e.      Weatherproof geological field notebook(s) (gridded recommended)

f.       Protractor, ruler (English and Metric units)

g.      Daypack and/or field vest for carrying field supplies

h.     Clipboard or map case with a clear plexiglass cover (see brunton website)

i.        H2O bottles or hydration-pack

j.        Pocket knife (good for a lot of things as well as a scratch test tool)

k.      Grain-size chart (optional)

l.        Safety glasses (not necessary if you use any other type of glasses)

m.   Calculator

n.    Laptop computer

o.     Sunscreen

p.     Lip balm

q.       Sunglasses

r. Color pencils I recommend these inexpensive ones (box of 72) here

Field clothing:

a.      Sturdy hiking boots (mandatory) and a secondary pair of shoes just in case your primary gets wet.

b.     Rain jacket (make sure is impermeable, hypothermia due to getting wet in cold weather is real)

c.      Fleece jacket (idea is to dress in thin, light, and breathable layers that can be added or subtracted according to conditions)

d.     Light-weight leather work gloves,

e.   Field hat (full brim).

f. belt

g. sandals

h. warm jacket to keep you warm in 40 degree weather

i. beanie

j. Towel

Camping (during road trip only)

1. Tent (it’s best to share to minimize our footprint in campgrounds). If you do not have a tent, please try to borrow one or contact me to ask if I have any available to borrow, first come, first served.
2. Sleeping bag (I recommend one rated for 20 degrees)
3. Sleeping pad ( I recommend an insulated one if possible, this will keep you warmer)
4. Headlamp or flashlight (small one is enough)
5. Camping mug
6. Spoon and bowl

During camping, we will bring stoves to share and form cooking teams with similar food restrictions.

 Group photo

For more information contact:

Dr. Nuri Uzunlar

Director, Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station 

Professor, Geology and Geological Engineering Department

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

 Phone:  (605) 431-1275