GeoHistory Inc. runs a one day field course to the Mt. Stephen Burgess Shale Fossil Beds in Yoho National Park. The hike to the Trilobite beds is facilitated by the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation or Parks Canada.
Located above the town of Field, British Columbia, the Mt. Stephen Trilobite Beds lie within a restricted UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yoho National Park. Designed for groups of 11 to 22, this field course is highlighted by an exclusive group hike to the Trilobite Fossil Beds. On route, participants are versed on the natural history of the area including the structural geology, glacial geology and stratigraphy of the Alberta foothills, front ranges and main ranges of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. The cultural history of the Rockies and Alberta foothills is included in this discussion. On site, participants will view hundreds of fossils representative of the Cambrian Burgess Shale, fossils that date back approximately 530 million years - making them some of the oldest fossils on Earth!
Recent GeoHistory sponsored research into the Field Lanslide - discovered by GeoHistory's founder in the 1990's - is slowly rewriting both the Cambrian and structural history of the area, solving the century old geological puzzle of the Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds and challenging the widely accepted, published Burgess depositional models and Main Range structural models. The first published article summarizing the forthcoming technical papers from this research is available for viewing via this link: Geology of the Mount Stephen Trilobite Beds and Adjacent Strata. The Trilobite Beds also offer a spectacular view of the Kicking Horse River Valley and of the surrounding mountains. This day trip makes a great team builder or social club activity.
Reaching the Trilobite Beds is a challenge for some, with an elevation gain of 780 metres and a return hiking distance of approximately 6 kilometres. The hike starts in Field BC, proceeds up a mountain trail and stops at the Trilobite Beds on the open slope of Mt. Stephen. The trail is relatively steep from the start, but ends in mountain goat country! The hike is not recommended for individuals who have a significant fear of heights, joint issues or any other medical problems that may affect their well being, or for children under the age of twelve.
" Found the tour extremely educational and interesting. "
" Best field trip I've ever been a part of. "
" Well organized, well guided. "
" Extremely informative and fascinating. Challenging hike but worth every moment."
" Excellent overall, a great experience! "
" Incredible day... very worthwhile and fascinating. "
" I finally understand mountain building. "
" Very enjoyable and educational trip. I really enjoyed myself, and what awesome fossils. "
| COURSE DATES | PRICE | PAST PARTICIPANT PRICE | COURSE STATUS | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Demand | $485.00 plus GST | $390.00 plus GST ** | Registration Closed |
** Special GeoHistory Anniversary Existing Client Appreciation Rate, continued**
Buses depart from the Aspen Landing parking lot directly west of Shoppers Drug Mart, 210 Aspen Glen Landing SW, Calgary, AB T3H 0N5, at 7:30 am and returns by 7:30 pm. The cost of this field course includes lunch, the Parks Canada hike fee, Yoho Park day pass and return luxury coach transportation to Calgary. The season in Yoho is short - from mid June until late September.
