Shoofly Oolites: Landscape of Mars

Oolites are rocks made up of small round calcium carbonate deposits (not sand) which look like tiny (BB-size) eggs. The Shoofly Oolite area is a geologic wonderland located about 70 miles away from Boise near Grand View Idaho. It's probably the closest you can come to hiking on the surface of Mars. The hike is 2-3 Miles in length and of moderate difficulty.

This is a BLM site and includes a few signs and a small parking area and lots of weird rock formations, caves, holes, arches, and bathtub features which are interesting to everyone. Steve will begin with a short geologic presentation at Shoofly.

We will meet at 9:45am, for a 10 am departure, in the Albertson’s Shopping Center parking lot near McDonald's Restaurant, 6574 S Federal Way, near the intersection of I-84 and Hwy 21 . We will car-caravan to our destination. Please carpool as much as possible. Paved roads the entire way.

Bring lunch and beverage. No restrooms at Shoofly but sagebrush is big. Dress for the weather, including proper shoes or boots, and be prepared for light wind. The hike is about 2.5 miles total and of moderate difficulty involving "Uneven Ground, Loose Sand, and travel over rock ledges, and loose sandy slopes". Return to Boise around 3pm.

No dogs, please. The area is fragile and we want to treat it with a light touch. Event will be cancelled if there is measurable snow, rain or high winds. You will receive a full refund if the IMMG cancels the event. Please check your email late the day before because that's how you'll learn if the field trip is canceled. Be sure your email address is functioning.

Everyone must pre-register.

Locate this interesting wonder on Google Maps: • GPS location is 42.837128 / -116.121980

About Steven Sawyer:

Originally from the UK, Steven holds a degree in Geosciences from the University of Oxford and a Ph.D. in Petroleum Geology from the University of Edinburgh. After 15 years working as an Exploration Geologist in the Oil and Gas industry, Steven relocated to Boise in 2021. He is enthusiastic about the Mountain West's remarkable geology and its opportunities for discovery. In leading field excursions, Steven is eager to share his knowledge of Earth's processes with his love for teaching and exploration. Steven has been an active volunteer with the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology since 2023.

The Shoofly Oolite field trip is sponsored by the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, next to the Old Pen in East Boise.

This adventure requires a waiver. By signing up for this Shoofly Oolite Field trip you agree to the following: The registered individual accepts and does hereby assume any and all risks for himself and those on his ticket, for possible dangers and hazards involved in connection with the field trip designated above, offered by the IDAHO MUSEUM OF MINING AND GEOLOGY (IMMG), and does hereby SAVE AND HOLD HARMLESS the trip leader(s), IMMG and all officers and representatives of IMMG from any and all claims, losses, or damages, including attorney’s fees and costs because of said claims, on account of injury, death, property damage, and inconvenience or loss of money due to delay or other cause that may rise, by reason of my participation in the field trip. I understand that my use of alcohol or drugs would impair my judgment and coordination, and will hold IMMG harmless from any claims arising from my use of either. I understand I am responsible for carrying my own automobile, life, and health insurance.

Please contact operations@idahomuseum.org if you have questions.

More about the museum at www.idahomuseum.org