Hike the scenic Point Reyes headlands to the lighthouse and Chimney Rock. Learn about the park's unique geology and coastal processes.
Fri, April 21, 2023, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM PDT
Tickets: $70 members, $80 non-members
About this event
Explore the Point Reyes headlands on two scenic geology hikes during the same day to the lighthouse and Chimney Rock. Learn about the unique history of the older granitic rocks and younger sedimentary rocks.
The granitic rocks cooled in a magma chamber about 82 million years ago in southern California and have been displaced to the Bay Area on the Pacific Plate by movement on the San Andreas Fault. The Point Reyes Conglomerate at the lighthouse was deposited in a submarine canyon about 50 million years ago and is like the rocks at Point Lobos State Reserve. The Point Reyes Conglomerate has also been displaced by about 110 miles by movement on the San Gregorio Fault System from south of Monterey.
In addition, learn about ice age climate cycles and sea-level changes as well as coastal processes.
Total hike distance will be about 4 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain on 2 trails to Point Reyes lighthouse and Chimney Rock.
John Karachewski has conducted geology and environmental projects from Colorado to Alaska to Midway Island and throughout California. John has led over 50 geology hikes for PRNSA. Doris Sloan and John collaborated on a popular book “Geology of the San Francisco Bay Region.” John enjoys biking, hiking, and photographing landscapes.
Questions? Contact the PRNSA Field Institute fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org.