Museum Day Trip to Barstow Fossil Beds

Curators from the San Bernardino County Museum’s Division of Geological Sciences will lead a full-day trip to Barstow, California, to see the world-famous Barstow Fossil Beds. The trip, open to the public with pre-registration, will leave the museum at 7:00 a.m. and return at 6:00 p.m. The cost of $60 per person ($50 for members of the Museum Association) includes transportation from the museum, coffee and muffins, lunch, snacks, and water.

The Barstow Fossil Beds are a treasure trove of vertebrate and invertebrate fossils dating back to the middle Miocene Epoch, 16 million – 13 million years ago. The site is renowned for the abundance and excellent preservation of the fossils found therein. Fossils from this site include giant carnivorous “bear-dogs”, saber-toothed cats, three-toed horses, and several kinds of camels.

“These fossils are so important that the Barstow Fossil Beds have been designated the type locality for the Barstovian North American Land Mammal Age, a period of geologic time recognized throughout North America,” said Kathleen Springer, senior curator of the museum’s division of geological sciences.

Field trip leaders Springer, Curator of Paleontology Eric Scott, and Curator of Geology J. Chris Sagebiel will lead trip participants through the spectacular Rainbow Basin National Natural Landmark and surrounding areas. The curators will discuss the fossils, their importance, and the colorful rocks that hold them, emphasizing the importance of relating fossils to their geologic context. “The Barstow Fossil Beds are a unique resource,” said Springer. “The abundance and diversity of fossils, as well as the ability to date them precisely, make this site truly extraordinary.”

Pre-registration is required for this day trip, and space is limited. Reservations will be taken in order of receipt but no later than February 20. For more information and a registration form, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call the San Bernardino County Museum Association at (909) 307-2669 ext. 225. Registration forms are also available at the museum.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $6 (adult), $5 (student or senior), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TTD/TTY) 909-792-1462.