Field Camp for Earth Science Studies

It has been my great privilege to provide a basecamp for education and research for the international earth science community for:

• Geology field camps – over a 20-year tradition at Cynthia’s.
• Fieldwork for advanced academic degrees.
• Earth science research, in particular for global warming and planetary science.

Some of the institutions we currently serve and have served in the past:

• Columbia University
• Royal Halloway University of London
• Dartmouth College
• New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
• Brooklyn College
• Texas A&M
• NASA
• Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, England
• University of Oregon
• University of Hawaii
• The California Institute of Technology(Caltech)

Interested in bringing your field program to the Amargosa Basin? Submit an inquiry.

GEOLOGIC SETTING

Few places offer such immediate access to diverse and instructive geology. From Basecamp, multiple world-class field sites are accessible within minutes.

Within 5 miles:

• China Ranch — 12-million-year-old lakebeds eroding into dramatic badlands, with surrounding alluvial fan systems

• Emigrant Pass — Lower Paleozoic sedimentary sequences, ideal for mapping exercises

• Tecopa Lake Beds — Extensive lacustrine deposits stretching from Tecopa to Shoshone

Within 15 miles:

• Resting Spring Pass — 10-million-year-old ash flow tuff, normal faults, and a large slide block

• The Southern Ibex Hills (Death Valley National Park) — exposures of the Pahrump Group, Saratoga Spring, and dune systems

• Southern entrance to Death Valley National Park — immediate access to one of the most studied desert landscapes on Earth

• Amargosa Canyon near Dumont Dunes — Proterozoic glacial deposits associated with “Snowball Earth”

Let’s design a field experience around your curriculum and research goals. Request a quote.

THE BOOKING PROCESS

Field camp programs are designed and quoted individually based on duration, group size, and selected support services.

How to Book:

• Field camp programs are tailored to each institution based on group size, duration, and support needs. We aim to make planning straightforward and responsive from the start.

  How to Book:

  • Submit an enquiry, email, or call Cynthia to begin

  • We’ll discuss your program goals, field sites, and logistical needs

  • A detailed, itemized quote will be prepared for faculty review

  • Upon approval, an invoice will be issued and coordinated with your institution

  Cynthia’s is already registered with many universities and can accommodate standard institutional payment processes.

  Reservations are confirmed upon receipt of payment.

We’re happy to walk you through the process and tailor a program for your group.
Start Planning Your Field Camp

LODGING

Cynthia’s Basecamp accommodates up to 30 participants in a flexible, field-ready layout designed for both comfort and function.

• 9 rooms | 19 beds total
  (1 king, 4 queens, 6 singles, 4 double bunk beds)

• 6 bathrooms

• Configurations can be adjusted for group structure and faculty needs

Faculty Housing
A private apartment is reserved for professors and lead staff. This self-contained unit includes:

• Queen bedroom

• Full bathroom

• Kitchenette

• Living area with convertible couch

Bunkhouse (Multi-Use Structure – 450 sq ft)
A flexible space that can be configured as:

• Sleeping bag cabin

• Lecture hall

• Study/work space

Audio-visual equipment is available for instruction and presentations.

FOOD & FIELD SUPPORT

Catered Option (Most Common)
Cynthia provides dinner and breakfast with pre-set menus prepared on site. Meals can accommodate dietary restrictions including vegan, allergies, and medical needs.

• Indoor prep space for cold field lunches

• Refrigeration and food storage included

Field Kitchen Setup (Optional)
Groups may set up their own field kitchen if preferred.

• Potable water provided at no charge

• Rates adjusted based on group size and setup needs

Important Note
We do not provide a full self-catering kitchen or cooking appliances.
Refrigeration and indoor prep space are available for cold food preparation (breakfasts, lunches, snacks).

THINGS TO KNOW

• WiFi is available, but bandwidth is limited due to the remote location

• There is no reliable cell service within a 40-mile radius

• Local amenities include small restaurants and a gas station with convenience store

• Pahrump, NV (40 minutes) offers full services including grocery stores, Walmart, and medical facilities