Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to explore in Eastern Sierra on a field trip for UC Santa Barbara’s Earth 18 class. Over the course of four days and three nights, we visited iconic sites like the Alabama Hills and its famous Mobius Arch, took in the towering peaks of Mount Whitney, walked along the shore of Mono Lake near Yosemite, explored the dry Fossil Falls, and learned about countless other fascinating geological features — all under the guidance of Professor Alex Simms.

Though the class is primarily a requirement for Earth science students, there were several of us on the trip who joined simply for the adventure and to experience learning in a more hands-on way. Each day, we visited unique geological sites where Professor Simms introduced us to features like calderas, moraines, and basalt and obsidian deposits. Through these outdoor “lectures,” we learned how to better interpret and appreciate the landscapes before us. At night, we camped beneath starlit skies and mountain ranges — a surreal experience and a welcome escape from our usual surroundings in Santa Barbara.

While the trip hasn’t quite convinced me to take on an additional Earth science major or minor (though I might if I had more time at UCSB), this experience has given me a new appreciation for geology and the all hidden wonders in our landscape. Earth 18 only spans four days and awards just one unit, yet it’s made a lasting impact on me and will undoubtedly go down as a highlight of my time at UCSB.