JONATHAN COOLEY

Jonathan Cooley studied geology and paleontology at the University of Colorado and at Montana State University, where he completed his thesis on the world-famous and fossiliferous Morrison Formation. Jonathan developed a field techniques course for the Museum of the Rockies paleontology field school at Egg Mountain. In addition to leading educational expeditions in the American West, Jonathan has led numerous groups to fossil localities in Alaska, Mongolia, Argentina, and Mexico, and he has led family programs and camps in the American West for six years.

Day 1 Grand Junction
Arrive in Grand Junction, Colorado, and gather for a welcome dinner and orientation.
Holiday Inn Grand Junction (D)

Day 2 Split Rock Dinosaur Area
Spend the morning hiking the "bone yard" at the Split Rock dinosaur area. Learn to distinguish bone from rock in this prehistoric landscape. Enjoy lunch at the Museum of Western Colorado's Dinosaur Journey Museum, and spend the afternoon encountering its life-size robotic dinosaurs, discovering the museum's paleontology lab, and exploring hands-on exhibits. Finally, tour the spectacular red-rock canyons of the Colorado National Monument before returning to the hotel.
(B,L)

Day 3 Grand Valley/Unaweep Canyon
Ride horseback to the base of the sandstone cliffs forming the edge of the 9,000-foot Uncompahgre Plateau. Visit a dinosaur track site where you will make track rubbings and learn about dinosaur locomotion. Picnic on the banks of West Creek in Unaweep Canyon, and afterward enjoy a swim in the creek's cool, flowing waters. Later, stop at the "bone boulder" to see perfect molds of bones from another species of dinosaur.
(B,L)

Day 4 Douglas Pass
This morning tour a professional fossil lab and learn how to cast dinosaur bones and teeth. Later, depart the Grand Valley and journey up the 9,000-foot Douglas Pass. Hunt for plant and animal fossils in a high alpine forest.
(B,L)

Day 5 Mygatt-Moore Quarry
Excavate with paleontologists in the Mygatt-Moore Quarry, where eight distinct species of dinosaurs have been discovered. Then hike the "trail through time," in which we'll identify large fragments of dinosaur skeletons, embedded in place for more than 145 million years.
(B,L)

Day 6 Ruby and Horsethief Canyons
Raft the Colorado River as it twists and turns through the red-rock country of Ruby and Horsethief Canyons. A festive farewell dinner is served by the river to celebrate prehistoric adventure and new friends.
(B,L,D)

Day 7 Grand Junction
Depart Grand Junction for your return flight home.
(B)

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