Sunstones & Petroglyphs at Hart Mountain: October 11-13, 2025
Join Alison on a weekend exploration of the Warner Basin and Hart Mountain in southeast Oregon. Come explore a part of the world where the Earth is expanding under our feet - causing great rifts and cracks that expose over 25 million years of volcanic history.
On Day 1 we'll explore the epic lava floods of the Rabbit Basin for feldspar crystals known famously as "Oregon Sunstones." On Day 2 we'll visit the broad dry lakes atop Hart Mountain and learn to identify archaeological material, which is spectacularly abundant. We'll also visit special rock art sites nearby.
The group will camp both nights at Hart Mountain (which sits within the newly designated Oregon Outback Dark Sky Sanctuary!) There will be plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the nearby hot springs and skirt out to the Warner Lakes for bird watching.
Location: The group will meet here: 42.410772, -119.903408 in Plush, Oregon, at 10am on Saturday October 11th. Prepare to head home around lunchtime on Monday, October 13th.
Requirements: Trip participants should be adults who enjoy dirt road driving, spending a day on their feet out in the elements and are down to camp through all kinds of weather. Teens 14 and up are also welcome with a guardian in tow.
- Though any car can make the trip, we'll be doing a few hours of dirt road driving, so your tires must be in good shape.
- We'll be traversing broad, flat desert on foot, and participants should anticipate doing a few miles of walking each day. Additionally, anticipate short sections of bouldery terrain to reach rock art sites.
- All genders welcome.
- Trip runs rain or shine!
- No pets.
Meals: I've got a great camp chef lined up who will dish up delicious camp dinner each night. All diets accommodated. Participants will need to provide their own breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and beverages.
Possible weather forecast: average October daily highs of 63°F and nightly lows of 39°F. The probability that it could rain or snow on this trip is one in seven.
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 if hazards such as wildfire, smoke, severe weather, or flooding jeopardizes group safety. In this scenario, all trip members will be given full credit towards a future trip. Alison does her best to schedule trips outside of wildfire season.
Alison is a licensed and bonded Outfitter Guide in the state of Oregon. This trip is permitted by USFWS and the BLM. Rock collection limits set by each agency and federal laws regarding artifacts and fossils are strictly adhered to.