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 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 info@discovercynthias.com , or call Cynthia to begin 702-370-0007

• 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)

• Additional capacity or overflow sleeping arrangements may be available by prior agreement for programs for additional participants.

• 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. This is often used as an office to meet with students and staff during the field camp.

FOOD & FIELD SUPPORT

Hosted Meal Support

Food and beverage service can be arranged as part of the hosted field-camp experience. This may include breakfasts, group dinners, coffee service, snacks, cold field-lunch staging, and other hospitality support agreed to in advance.

Menus, timing, staffing, and service style are designed individually for each program based on group size, schedule, dietary needs, and field logistics.

Field Lunch & Food Storage Support

Indoor prep space is available for cold field lunches, snacks, and grab-and-go food staging.

Refrigeration and food storage are included as part of the group setup.

Potable water is provided at no charge.

Field Kitchen Setup 

Groups may set up their own field kitchen if preferred, by prior agreement.

Rates are adjusted based on group size, meals prepared, staffing needs, and overall setup.

Important Note

Cynthia’s Basecamp does not provide a full self-catering kitchen or guest cooking appliances.

Refrigeration and indoor prep space are available for cold food preparation, including breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and field-day staging.

For academic and institutional groups, food service, group logistics, insurance requirements, and any Additional Insured documentation are handled as part of the written agreement.

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