Journey Through Deep Time: Eastern Sierra Nevada Geology Tour

Discover 500 Million Years of Earth's History Along Highway 395

Thursday, October 16 - Sunday, October 19, 2025

Trip Highlights | Trip Details | Naturalists/Presenters | Accommodations

Experience one of America's most spectacular geological corridors on our expertly guided tour along California's legendary Highway 395. From ancient volcanic calderas to towering granite spires, this unforgettable journey reveals the dramatic forces that sculpted one of the world's most geologically diverse landscapes.

Book Your Geological Adventure

Transform your Eastern Sierra visit from sightseeing into genuine discovery.
Space is limited to 20 guests to ensure a high-quality educational experience.

Register today to reserve your journey through deep time along one of America's most geologically spectacular highways.

$350 for General Admission, $298 for Ironwood members, and $262 for Island Fox members

The tour is available to everyone. You don’t have to be a CIR member to join us.
Please contact John Ziegler at john@cirweb.org or 805.448.1501 for questions and information regarding this event.

What Makes This Tour Extraordinary

The Eastern Sierra Nevada Escarpment rises nearly 11,000 feet from the Owens Valley floor—one of the steepest mountain faces in North America. This isn't just scenery; it's a textbook of geological processes written in stone, accessible from your vehicle.

Geological Highlights You'll Explore

 
 

Long Valley Caldera

Stand on the rim of a massive volcanic crater formed 760,000 years ago in one of the largest eruptions in Earth's recent history. Learn how this "supervolcano" continues to shape the region today through geothermal activity and ongoing ground deformation. Visit the beautiful and dramatic Hot Creek geological site, gorgeous Convict Lake, see the fault scarp at McGee Creek and the view of Crawley Lake.

Panum Crater

Step into a volcanic time machine and journey to one of North America's youngest volcanic formations where 650 years ago, the earth split open in a spectacular display of nature's raw power. This isn't just sightseeing – it's time travel to witness the incredible forces that continue to shape our planet. Enjoy the panoramic views from this plug dome volcano with an outer rim and a jagged core.

Mono Lake's Tufa Towers

Marvel at these otherworldly limestone spires rising from an ancient alkaline lake. Discover how these natural sculptures formed underwater and what they reveal about climate changes over thousands of years.


Ellery Lake Lookout 

Experience the breathtaking beauty of one of California's most spectacular alpine destinations Depending on seasonal closures, we will visit the very scenic overlook at Ellery Lake. Nestled along Tioga Road at an elevation of approximately 9,500 feet, in the Eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, Ellery Lake offers an unforgettable journey into pristine wilderness. Our visit takes you to one of the region's most photographed locations, where crystal-clear waters mirror towering granite peaks and endless skies.

Obsidian Dome

Journey to Nature's Most Spectacular Volcanic Glass Formation and step into a world where ancient fire meets timeless beauty. The Obsidian Dome, rising majestically from California's Eastern Sierra landscape, offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into the raw power and artistry of volcanic forces that shaped our planet over 600 years ago.

Alabama Hills

Explore rounded granite formations that contrast dramatically with the jagged Sierra peaks behind them. Understand how different erosion patterns create such diverse landscapes from similar rock types.

Whitney Portal & the Sierra Nevada Batholith

Journey to the base of Mount Whitney while learning about the massive granite intrusion that forms the Sierra Nevada's backbone—a story spanning 100 million years of mountain building.

Owens Valley Fault Zone

Walk along one of California's most active earthquake faults and understand how tectonic forces continue to shape this landscape. See evidence of recent seismic activity and learn about ongoing geological monitoring.

Fossil Falls

Escape the ordinary and step into an otherworldly landscape that feels like something from another planet. Fossil Falls is an extraordinary geological wonder offering visitors a breathtaking glimpse into Earth's ancient volcanic past. Thousands of years ago, the powerful Owens River carved dramatic channels through volcanic rock, creating a stunning "dry waterfall" that showcases nature's incredible sculpting power. After a short hike you'll come to this area were the river used to run were columns of rock go down in some very interesting shapes.

Tour Details

 
 

Expert Interpretation Makes the Difference:

Sabina Thomas, our geologist guide doesn’t just point out formations—she brings the landscape to life with engaging stories of:

  • Volcanic eruptions that reshaped entire ecosystems

  • Ice age glaciers that carved iconic valleys

  • Tectonic forces that continue building mountains today

  • Ancient ocean floors now perched at 14,000 feet

  • The ongoing geological processes you can witness firsthand

Perfect For:

  • Nature enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding

  • Students and educators exploring earth sciences

  • Photographers wanting expert location guidance

  • Travelers who appreciate expert interpretation

  • Anyone curious about the forces that shape our planet

Lodging Options: https://bishopvisitor.com/lodging/

Camping Options: https://bishopvisitor.com/camping/​

Duration: Four days (2 half days and two full days)
Group Size: Limited to 20 participants for personalized attention
Difficulty: Easy to moderate walking on well-maintained trails

What is included:

  • Professional geological interpretation, field guide handouts, and all entrance fees

  • Expert logistical organization skills to enhance the group experience

  • Loaned a hand-held radio so guests can ask questions during drives and coordinate logistics

What is not included:

  • You provide your own transportation (carpooling is highly encouraged). Travel will mostly be on paved roads with occasional short trips on well-graded dirt roads suitable for low-clearance vehicles

  • You provide your own lodging at moderately priced, conveniently located hotels

  • You provide your own food at conveniently located restaurants and delis (we will share one group meal)

The trip leaders:

Sabina Thomas, Ph.D. - Geology

Sabina Thomas grew up in Germany where she received her PhD in Geology. She left Berlin for the U.S. in 1989 and taught at colleges and universities in Texas and Ohio until she moved to Santa Barbara in 2010. Starting out as a naturalist, she later worked as the Nature Education Manager at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History until 2023. In 2023, she worked as a Backcountry Ranger at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and also as Nature Educator. Sabina also teaches earth-science courses at Santa Barbara City College and Ventura College, and has led five-day field trips for students as well as adult learners through the Eastern Sierra and White Mountains and Death Valley. She took several courses in Botany, earned the California Naturalist Certificate in 2019, the Climate Stewardship Certificate in 2022, and loves going on field trips.

Ken Owen, Executive Director

Ken has been the Executive Director of Channel Islands Restoration for 23 years. He has led nearly 200 group trips to the Channel Islands, White Mountains, Death Valley, and many other locations, educating the public and restoring habitat. He facilitates a fun and adventurous learning atmosphere while emphasizing smooth logistics and safety. Ken was born in Ojai, CA, and was raised in Ventura County until the age of 15, when his family moved to Santa Barbara, where he resides.

If you have any questions about the trip, please get in touch with John Ziegler by email at john@cirweb.org or by phone at (805) 448-1501.