Tim Elam: A History of Red Rock Canyon

A History of Red Rock Canyon March 23, 2024

1:30 PM

Red Rock Canyon, in northeastern Kern County, is a stunning example of layers of rock exposed by erosion. Pink, red, orange, and other colored volcanic and sedimentary rocks contrast with black volcanic rocks erupted millions of years ago. Easily-eroded rocks contrast with hard-to-erode rocks, revealing spires, cliffs, plateaus and other distinctive landforms.

Awesome and colorful, this isolated canyon through the El Paso Mountains in Kern County has drawn Native Americans, explorers, miners, tourists, artists, and fortune-hunters for many years. You have probably seen Red Rock Canyon on television or in movies such as Jurassic Park. Red Rock Canyon has been a California State Park since 1968, and in 1994, the park tripled in size.

But there is much more to the Red Rock Canyon story than beautifully stark scenery. Now part of the desert, Red Rock Canyon was once inhabited by animals and plants that lived in an area with abundant water. Fossils of horses, giraffe-like camels, small mammals and palm and locust trees make Red Rock Canyon a significant paleontological location. Gold was found in the area in the 1800’s, inspiring Burro Schmidt to create a nearby tunnel through the El Paso Mountains. Opals were also mined there in the past.

How did Red Rock Canyon form? Why is it there? What events have shaped the rich cultural and geological history of Red Rock Canyon?

Join geologist Tim Elam as he takes you on a rich photographic tour of the geology and history of the Red Rock Canyon.

The presentation will be informal, and questions and discussion are encouraged. No geologic background is necessary to enjoy the event.

There will be no extra charge for attending this event…just the normal museum entrance fee.