Tim Elam: A History of Red Rock Canyon

A History of Red Rock Canyon

November 21, 2026

1:30 PM

Have you ever wondered how or why Red Rock Canyon, in northeastern Kern County, formed? It is not only a geological and biological wonder, but a historic location of transportation, resource extraction, and artistic endeavors. It has been the location of dozens of movies, TV shows, and even a Beyonce video. It is recognizable in opening scenes from the 1993 movie Jurassic Park.

Red Rock Canyon, 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. 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 today’s 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 mammoths, horses, giraffe-like camels, and palm trees make Red Rock Canyon a significant paleontological location. More recently, 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.

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

The presentation will be informal, and 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.