Elephant Rocks State Park

he Elephant Rocks are part of the Fish Canyon Tuff; volcanic ash welded together over time and has been determined to be at least 28 million years old. While the origin of the Wagon tracks is still greatly debated, it is believed that these tracks were cut into the soft volcanic tuff by the action of conastoga wagon wheels.Our Geology-based Earthwatch Expedition spent a lot a time in this area, including parts of the Masonic Park Tuff that revealed itself as we traveled farther in. We had a great time drilling holes (with permit), orienting, using a Schmit Hammer to measure rebound (rock hardness), and collecting samples. This also involved a great deal of hiking at high altitude, which by the end of the trip, put me in really good physical shape. The high desert scenery was also stunning and introspective. I may never pass this way again, but I'll never forget my experience.