Shoofly Sand Pit (Fossils): Geologic Field Trip at Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology – Boise, ID

Join Tom Frey for a geological field trip to the Shoofly Sand Pit located about 70 miles from Boise. The sand pit contains abundant small fossils from Lake Idaho deposits and petrified wood that you collect off the surface just by walking around. The field trip will also include archeological shaker tables that people can use as a group to sift sand for fossils (Kids love doing this!). NOTE: The sand pit is a public site located 4 miles west of the Shoofly Oolites (sand castles) location that you could visit after the trip if you wanted to go on your own.

Please bring a long-handled garden shovel, if possible.

We will meet at the Albertsons parking lot, 6574 S. Federal Way, on Hwy 21 and Federal Way at 9:45 AM (near McDonalds) for a 10am departure. Tom will arrange carpools at this location. The roads are paved except for the last 1.7 miles, which is a good-quality dirt road suitable for most (but not all) vehicles. We will return to the carpool location in Boise at ~3 PM.

No dogs please. Bring lunch and beverages and dress for the weather.

Pre-registration required for this event. This trip and all of our 5 or 6 different field trips are FREE for museum members and children so please join or renew your individual or family membership for 2026. www.idahomuseum.org/membership

We seldom cancel, but if we do, we need a functioning email from you. The one you used to register on Eventbrite will be used. A full refund is given if the Museum cancels the field trip.

Contact: operations@idahomuseum.org with any questions.

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Tom Frey is a long-time member of the IMMG and an informed and motivated guide for interesting geologic sites near Boise. He has lead numerous tours at the museum and on the nearby hillside.

This Geologic Field Trip is sponsored by the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd, next to the Old Pen in East Boise.

This adventure requires a waiver. By signing up for this Geologic 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.

www.idahomuseum.org