BISBEE HIKING FIELD GUIDE
Hunt Ancient Shorelines: Fossils and the Sonorasaurus in the Whetstone Mountains
A seven-hour field expedition from Bisbee that combines surface fossil hunting in the Whetstone Mountains with a personal tour of the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology.
Hunt Ancient Shorelines: Fossils and the Sonorasaurus in the Whetstone Mountains.
Set against the scrub-and-slate backdrop of the Whetstone Mountains north of Sierra Vista, this guided expedition walks participants across ground littered with the geological record — exposed marine fossils, petrified wood and the route to the historic sonorasaurus discovery — then finishes with a hands-on museum visit at the Sierra Vista Mall.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Surface Fossils in the Whetstone Mountains
The Whetstone slopes expose abundant evidence of an ancient seascape: fossilized marine life and petrified wood available at surface level for close inspection and guided interpretation.
Where the Sonorasaurus Was Found
During the outing the guide will point out the location tied to the world’s first and only sonorasaurus find, the relatively complete skeleton discovered in these mountains in November 1994.
Hands-on Museum Tour at Sierra Vista Mall
On the return to Bisbee, participants receive a personal tour of the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology, where regional fossils are displayed and may be handled under supervision.
What the day feels like
What the Day Feels Like
This is a deliberate, instructional field day: a guided walk into the Whetstone Mountains to observe and dig for surface fossils, with the guide directing attention to notable finds and to the site associated with the sonorasaurus discovery; the afternoon concludes with a museum visit at the Sierra Vista Mall where participants can examine local specimens up close.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this expedition — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Plan for a seven-hour outing.
Meet at The Grassy Park in old town Bisbee before departing for the Whetstone Mountains.
Hiking shoes and long pants are required. Sunscreen and gloves are recommended.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The excursion lasts seven hours.
Where do we meet to start the outing?
Participants meet at The Grassy Park in old town Bisbee.
What kinds of fossils will we see?
The expedition focuses on ancient marine fossils and petrified wood found on the surface of the Whetstone Mountains; the guide will also point out the site associated with the sonorasaurus discovery.
Is this suitable for children?
The program is advertised as for all ages.
What should I wear and bring?
Hiking shoes and long pants are required; sunscreen and gloves are recommended.
Will we visit a museum?
Yes — on the return the group receives a personal tour of the Southern Arizona Museum of Science and Technology at the Sierra Vista Mall, where participants can also get lunch at the food court on their own.