Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit: Full Schedule

Sign-ups will officially open on June 28th at 9 PDT/ 11 CDT/ 12 EDT. Activities without signup limits are available now. Need help? The Summit Handbook and our pick a hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation.

7:30am MDT

Geology of the Black Hills

Limited spots

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Take a field trip around the area to view geologic features associated with the uplift of the Black Hills of South Dakota. You will learn about the regional geology and the importance of pegmatites as we tour. We will see a variety of rock types and geologic structures, and finish our trip at two former mines where you will have the opportunity to collect your own keepsake specimens. We will drive up to most locations. One location has a short walk along level terrain. The former mines are close to the road but will have short walks on uneven, wooded terrain.

Faculty

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty

Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Geology, Difficulty- Easy

7:30am MDT

Geology of the Black Hills

Limited spots

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Faculty

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty

Monday August 3, 2026 7:30am - 12:00pm MDT

Geology, Difficulty- Easy

4:30pm MDT

Family Rockhouding

Limited spots

Tuesday August 4, 2026 4:30pm - 6:30pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This will be an opportunity to meet up with others at the end of a day to travel to some former mines in the Custer area to rockhound and collect. You can keep what you find. Quartz, rose quartz, feldspars, mica, and tourmalines are abundant along the surface and in loose dirt. We will park close to the mines, but there is a short walk and uneven, wooded terrain. Bring something to carry your select specimens. Open to all ages.

Faculty