Geological Time in the Black Rock Desert: June 12-14, 2026

* This trip requires a vehicle that has all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive. See below.*

Join Alison on a weekend exploration of the mountainous wilds that surround Nevada's infamous Black Rock Desert.

We'll travel through geological time together, visiting outcrops of Paleozoic seafloor, laid down long before the dinosaurs, as well as the basements of long-gone volcanic arcs that invaded the crust much later, around the time dinosaurs went extinct. Most notably, we'll visit the young volcanic rocks of the metropolis-sized High Rock Caldera, which exploded just 16 million years back. Rock and fossil treasures abound throughout the entire Black Rock-High Rock region.

We'll dry camp both nights on the Black Rock playa. Our camp chef will prepare a delicious camp dinner each night. Bring your own breakfasts and lunches and prepare to pack out all waste. Playa conditions permitting, we may be able to visit some of the eastern hot springs, too.

Schedule: The group will meet in Gerlach, Nevada, on the morning of Friday June 12th. Participants can expect to head home by midday Sunday, June 14th.

Participant requirements: Adults 18 and older who *enjoy* dirt road driving, spending a day on their feet out in the elements, and are down to camp in all kinds of weather. All genders welcome. No pets.

Vehicles: All-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive required.
We will be covering a lot of ground on dirt roads and playa surface. Anticipate spending a few hours driving per day during this trip. Most dirt roads on the itinerary are well-graded, however, in the event of precipitation, we may need more traction. For example, vehicles like Outbacks and CRVs will do well. Trucks and vans welcome, too.

Gerlach, NV weather: Trip runs rain or shine. Average early June high is 84°F with an average overnight low of 52°F. The chance that it could rain on this trip is 25%. Wild weather is always possible. Prepare for potential hot days and possible cold nights.

Cancellation policy: A full refund will be given if a participant cancels 30 days or more before the start date of the trip. Cancellation made after the 30 day window will be given full credit towards a future trip, but no monetary refunds will be made. *Please consider this before signing up.*

Alison reserves the right to postpone and cancel trips in the event of wildfires, smoke, severe weather, extreme temperatures, and other occurrences that jeopardize group safety. In this scenario, all trip members will be given full credit towards a future trip. *No refunds will be made.*

Alison is a licensed and bonded outfitter guide. This trip is permitted by the BLM Winnemucca Office. Rock collection limits set by the BLM and federal laws regarding artifacts are strictly adhered to.