Cool Rocks, Epic Adventures: Your Ultimate Geotourism Guide
- Jess Scanlan
- Aug 25
- 7 min read
Have you ever walked past a rock and wondered what story it's trying to tell? Every stone beneath your feet has witnessed millions—sometimes billions—of years of Earth's history. These are the ultimate time capsules, and once you learn to read them, the whole world becomes your adventure playground!
That's where geotourism comes in. It's not just about visiting pretty places (though trust me, they're stunning). It's about connecting with the incredible stories written in stone and discovering the fascinating processes that shaped our planet.
And honestly? There's nothing quite like standing in front of a 200-million-year-old rock formation and realizing you're looking at Earth's ancient diary entry.
Why Geotourism Matters (And Why It's Amazing)
Most people rush to the same overcrowded tourist spots without realizing that some of the coolest geological wonders are hiding in plain sight, often just a short drive from home.
While everyone's fighting for the perfect Instagram shot at the popular destinations, you could be discovering rainbow-colored hoodoos, underground salt palaces, or ancient granite gorges that tell stories more epic than any Hollywood blockbuster.
Geotourism isn't just about satisfying your curiosity (though it definitely will). It's about:
Spreading the love beyond tourist traps. When we highlight lesser-known geological gems, we're helping reduce the pressure on overvisited places while giving smaller communities a chance to share their incredible natural heritage.
Becoming Earth's detective. Once you start understanding the clues rocks leave behind, every hike becomes a mystery to solve. Why are these rocks red? How did this canyon form? What created these weird bubble-like formations?
Supporting science education. The more people fall in love with geology, the more we inspire the next generation of earth scientists! We desperately need more people who understand how our planet works.
Practicing responsible exploration. Geotourism teaches us to appreciate and protect these natural wonders for future generations to discover and enjoy.
Your Adventure Maps: Three Ways to Explore Earth's Stories
Over the past few years, I've been curating three Google Maps collections that have become my go-to resources for planning geological adventures.
These aren't static lists—I'm constantly adding new discoveries from my own adventures, research for my YouTube channel The Rock Record, textbook references, online finds, and recommendations from friends and colleagues. I update these at least weekly, so definitely check back often for new places to explore!
Each collection offers a different flavor of earth science exploration:
This is where the magic happens. From famous geological landmarks to hidden gems that locals don't even know about, this map covers it all: interesting rock formations, mineral museums, scenic hikes with geological significance, and places where you can witness active earth processes in action.
A few highlights:
Flume Gorge, New Hampshire: 800 feet of granite walls rising 70-90 feet high, carved by water and time. Nearly 200 million years ago, this Conway granite was molten rock deep underground. Vertical fractures formed as it cooled, and later, basalt was forced up through those cracks under immense pressure. The softer basalt eventually eroded away, leaving this spectacular natural hallway that you can actually walk through.
Siccar Point, Scotland: This rocky coast holds one of geology's most famous "aha!" moments. In 1788, James Hutton stood here and realized he was looking at proof that Earth was far older than anyone imagined. The rock layers tell a story of ancient landscapes being tilted, eroded, and buried under new sediments—a concept that revolutionized our understanding of deep time.
The Bungle Bungles, Australia: These beehive-shaped rock formations took 360 million years to create. The striking orange and gray bands you see are alternating layers of sandstone and algae, telling the story of ancient river systems and changing climates in what's now the Australian outback.
Mining has shaped civilizations, sparked gold rushes, and built entire cities. This map takes you into the industrial heart of our modern world (& sometimes underneath it!), showcasing active operations, historic sites, ghost towns, and museums that tell the story of how we extract the materials that power our daily lives.
Some of the experiences:
Nemocón Salt Mine, Colombia: Descend into an underground cathedral carved entirely from salt deposits dating to the 1800s. The guided tours reveal not just the mining techniques, but the lives of the people who worked in these crystalline chambers.
Carrara Marble Quarries, Italy: This is where Michelangelo sourced the marble for "David." These quarries have been operating for over 2,000 years, and the tours show you the massive scale of marble extraction that continues today. (Fair warning: I've tried to visit three times and keep getting rained out—but that just makes me want to go back even more!)
Kennecott Visitor Center, Utah: Standing at the edge of one of the world's largest open-pit copper mines is absolutely mind-blowing. The scale is almost impossible to comprehend, and the visitor center helps you understand the massive engineering feat that happens here daily.
This is my newest project and admittedly where I need the most help... I may be a geologist, but I'm honestly a pretty terrible rockhound! This map focuses on places where you can actually collect specimens, from fee-dig sites to public collecting areas.
Fossicking hotspots:
Oceanview & Pala Chief Gem Mines, California: These fee-dig sites are located in San Diego County's famous tourmaline district. You're literally digging in the same area that produced world-renowned specimens for over a century. The colorful tourmalines you might find formed in pegmatite veins created by the last stages of granite formation.
Glitter Mountain, Nevada: Near Las Vegas and Zion, this fee-dig site lets you collect selenite crystals. Selenite forms when mineral-rich water evaporates, leaving behind these gorgeous, translucent gypsum crystals that literally seem to glow.
How to Be a Responsible Rock Explorer
Before you start planning your geological adventures, let's talk about doing this right. These places are natural treasures, and it's our job to make sure they stay amazing for the next person who discovers them.
Leave No Trace, Take Only Pictures. Unless you're at a designated collecting site or fee-dig area, leave the rocks where you found them. Take photos, make sketches, but let the next visitor experience the same wonder you did.
Respect Private Property and Closures. Many cool geological sites are on private land or temporarily closed for safety reasons. Always check current access rules and respect posted signs. Trust me, trespassing charges aren't worth it.
Share Responsibly. While I love seeing your adventures (tag me @minelifemediallc!), be thoughtful about geotagging locations. Most places on my lists are relatively safe to share, but I may have accidentally included some sensitive areas, so always do your own research before posting exact locations online. Some places can't handle increased foot traffic without being damaged. If you'd like to know more about how I handle geotagging as a geoscience content creator, stay tuned—I'm working on a dedicated blog post about that!
Mining Sites: Stay Out, Stay Alive. This is serious—old mines can contain deadly gases, unstable structures, hidden shafts, and contaminated water. Never enter abandoned mines or mining structures. Stick to official tours, visitor centers, and designated viewing areas. The same goes for active mining operations—respect all posted boundaries and safety zones.
Rockhounding Research is Essential. Regulations change constantly, some locations become unsafe or are closed off, and private property boundaries shift. What was accessible last year might not be this year. Always verify current conditions, permits required, and collecting rules before you dig.
Do Your Homework. A little research about what you're going to see makes the experience infinitely richer. Understanding the geological story transforms a pile of rocks into an epic tale of ancient seas, volcanic eruptions, and crushing tectonic forces.
Start Your Adventure
Ready to become an earth detective? Here's how to make your geological adventure both safe and amazing:
Basic Prep Work:
Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back
Check if it's a guided tour or popular hike—follow their specific recommendations for gear and preparation
Research the geological story beforehand so those rocks don't just look like...rocks
Verify current access, hours, and any fees or permits required
Pack the Essentials:
Plenty of water (geological sites often involve more walking than you expect)
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip
Sun protection and weather-appropriate layers
Offline maps downloaded to your phone (cell service can be spotty)
Camera or phone for documenting your discoveries
First aid basics
Headlamp or flashlight if there's any chance you'll be out past daylight
Make the Most of It:
Take time to really observe—look for patterns, colors, textures that tell the story
Don't just take selfies; document the geology itself
Ask questions if there are guides or interpreters available
Connect with fellow visitors—some of the best recommendations come from other rock enthusiasts
Join the Geotourism Community
Every person who discovers the incredible stories in stone becomes part of a growing community of earth explorers.
You can follow my adventures and get more geological guides on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube (The Rock Record), where I regularly share new discoveries and dive deep into the stories these places tell.
When you visit these incredible locations, tag me on any of those platforms so I can see your adventures! I love experiencing these places through your eyes and hearing about your discoveries. Plus, you might just inspire my next Rock Record episode.
And if you know of amazing geological sites that should be on these maps, especially international rockhounding locations, send me your suggestions! This is a community effort, and the best discoveries often come from locals who know their landscape's hidden secrets.
The coolest part about geotourism is that once you start seeing the stories in stone, you can't unsee them. Every road cut becomes a window into the past. Every pebble on the beach has traveled an epic journey. Every mountain tells a tale of massive forces and incredible time.
So whether you're planning a family vacation, looking for a weekend adventure, or just want to see your hometown through new eyes, these maps will help you discover that the most amazing stories aren't in books—they're written in the rocks beneath your feet.
Now get out there and start exploring! And don't forget to tag me in your adventures—I love seeing the world through your eyes and hearing about the incredible places these maps lead you.
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