Little Tesuque Creek Geology Tour
Thursday, August 11 • 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Half-day tour in Santa Fe, NM
$150 per person
Registration Now Open
Email for registration link
Join geologist Kirt Kempter for a geologic hike up Little Tesuque Creek, exploring the geology of the Sangre de Cristo foothills. There is approximately 600 feet of elevation gain/loss during the hike. En route we will observe and discuss the main geologic units on the north side of Santa Fe, including early Rio Grande Rift sediments, ancient granites and metamorphic rocks, and faults related to the eastern margin of the Española Basin. We will also observe local exposures of the Great Unconformity and possible site of an ancient asteroid impact. Bring appropriate hiking gear, and water. Hiking poles recommended.
Kirt Kempter
Kirt Kempter is a Fulbright Fellow and Ph.D. graduate from the University of Texas at Austin, now living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A volcanologist and field geologist, Kirt has conducted extensive field research in Costa Rica, Mexico, and New Mexico, and has worked with the NASA astronaut training program, providing field geologic training to astronaut candidates. His interest in global geologic processes has allowed him to lead field-oriented expeditions to destinations such as Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, and Antarctica. Kirt has led educational tours for Smithsonian Journeys and National Geographic Expeditions since 1993, and greatly enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge of geology with tour participants. On the side, Kirt particularly enjoys photography, cooking, and tennis.
