An ordinary looking Nevada mountainside reveals extraordinary geology and beauty.

Special thanks to my geologist friend Robert Clayton for informing me of this area. Visit his geology website @ www.rocdoctravel.com
Thanks to my longtime friend Mallory Winters for his photos of Valley of Fire State Park. You can see more of his photos @ mallorywintersphotography.com
field geology, Nevada geology, Valley of Fire State Park geology, Las Vegas Geology, Spring Mountains Geology, Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Geology, Aztec Sandstone, Navajo Sandstone,
#geology #myroncook #wyoming

[@saltpony]

I had a terrible childhood. My immigrant father made us get out at roadside rock cuts on Sunday drives and identify its strata. While my friends took vacations to Disneyland and Hawaii, we drove to Moon Rock Nat’l Park and Mount St Helen’s ~a year after it erupted. I was not impressed. It was the 70s; the end of Elvis and the beginning of disco when I got a rock hammer for my 13th birthday. (I’m a girl…) Now I’m 60, and I still stop at rock cuts. I plan my vacations around geological features. I love that I have a deep curiosity about geology and nature all taught to me by my father. Thanks for the videos Myron. It’s like being back with my dad while he explains the landscape to me. All I need is a caraway cheese on rye bread sandwich washed down with warm buttermilk to complete the experience - haha. Please keep making videos. They are wonderful.

[@myroncook]

Thank you for sharing, saltpony.

[@jonkaminsky8382]

My dad was much like yours. I got a little misty-eyed reading your comment because it reminded me of how my father would point out geological features and formations around the Columbia River Gorge when I was a young boy, and explain how these features were formed. Growing up in the Northwest during the 70’s and 80’s and witnessing the eruption of Mt St Helens was an amazing time and place to be, but it wouldn’t have been the same without our Dads being there to ignite our interest in geology and nature at such an important age.

[@myroncook]

An astute follower, Avana Vana, noticed that I had the age of the overthrusting wrong. I misspoke and said it was 180 million years old and should have said it occurred about 95 million years ago during the Sevier Orogeny. Thank you, Avana!

[@AmyB1961]

It may have been 98 million, but who was there to count a million years or two?

[@brianforman6093]

Looks like its biological remains of dead mud fossils

[@mongrelhalfbreedobern]

Avanavana and moe syslak host Springfield geology tour

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

Watch out for Avana-he's a monster! :0)

[@Brommear]

@@toughenupfluffy7294 I could have sworn it was 96 million years ago. Maybe that's where I left my glasses...

[@Perfect1583]

Good lord... Sir, you are a plethora of knowledge. I could sit, listen, and learn from you all day long. Thank you for sharing such insights!

[@myroncook]

Wow, thanks

[@johnmccormack4183]

Absolutely !

[@toughenupfluffy7294]

"Do you know what a 'plethora' is, Jefe?"

[@xavierpaquin]

No human creation comes close to the beauty of Nature, one of life's greatest gifts

[@sgmckean]

....then you haven't seen ballet :-)

[@xavierpaquin]

@@sgmckean oh yes I have 😬

[@SeahamV2]

humans can create life.

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@SeahamV2 Nature created humans...

[@kevt6151]

Beauty created by massive cataclysms like a world flood that created all limestone and sand stone geological features today we call mountain ranges etc thus the vastly expedited timing of petrification or turning to stone which is about the water and highly mineralised voila there was no greater example thus so much we find fossilised in stone lime and sand to be exact. thats why mass creature deaths are logged as in a big flood you find everything in the valleys its not rocket science so NASA should understand it also!

[@PACstove]

Those kids are really lucky to have an archeologist uncle. Good times and good memory's being made there as well as education. Great work.

[@BikingVikingHH]

Another rocksolid, heavy hitter from the Baron of Beds, the Sultan of Strata, the Fuhrer of Faultlines, the Alpha of Anticlines, the Senator of Synclines, the Pope of Plutons, the Saint of Sediments, the Emperor of Erosion, the Mæstro of Metamorphics… I’d like to send you a sincere thank you from the rolling Franciscan melánge of Marin County. I am in a difficult state in my life, going through some hard changes, and recently watching you wander through the your hills, expressing your passion and wonder for the natural world reminded me of being a kid and walking around my own hills, the only place I found peace, picking up rocks or looking at the landscape and wondering how it all came to be… Id get books at the library, read them through, then go hiking with my dog. Through my imagination and knowledge, geology made sense when few things in life did. Watching your channel has been the most heartwarming experience. I just signed up at the local community college for a geology course, it’s the first thing I’ve looked forward too in years. Thank you for reminding me how beautiful the world is Mr Cook. Skål

[@myroncook]

I don't know what to say, Biking Viking. I am overwhelmed that somehow I have been part of making your life more enjoyable. I hope you love your geology course and find solace in learning about our planet. I know this helps me tremendously when difficult times come. All the best, Myron.

[@khajiitkitten5679]

I vote for Maestro of Metamorphics! And I'm glad you are starting to enjoy the world again. Be sure to adopt a dog to go hiking with you again, too.

[@MrJohnnyDistortion]

Rock - On 😜

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

​@@khajiitkitten5679 Sultan of Strata was my favorite! Likely because it reminded me of one of my favorite movies as a kid. "He's the Sultan of Swat.."

[@BikingVikingHH]

@@khajiitkitten5679 oh I am a pound dog guy for life. Grew up with Weimer Reiner‘s as family dogs, but when I first moved to college in San Diego I got my 1st pound dog, named him Chevy Chase… he was the most magnificent animal and the best companion. When he passed I was devastated, and thought about getting a puppy of the same breed that he was, but I realized he wasn’t a particular breed that made him special, he was a pound dog; that’s what made him special. So naturally, when the grieving period was over, I took myself up to The shadows of Mount Shasta to the pound up there, and got ᛋaxon, he’s my best friend 😁

[@doctorwu1303]

Another winner! PBS should give you your own show…

[@Iwonttellyoumyhandle]

Myron, you're a wonderful storyteller. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and love of geology.

[@tothesummit5864]

Great geology lesson on my native stomping grounds. I've been hiking and exploring all over these mountains around my hometown of Las Vegas for over 40 years. This was great insight on some of the interesting geology I see every day here. Everyone here spends time at Redrock but few have ever ventured out around the Muddy mountains. But I was just out there last weekend myself while everyone else was watching football. I love exploring these areas that are not commonly visited by most others. Thanks for a great video!

[@myroncook]

It's a wonderful region. I would love to spend more time there.

[@Eyes0penNoFear]

I'm on the other side of the gorge from you, and part of the reason I love places like this is *because* there aren't a lot of people there.

[@kellyjakus3133]

I used to live in Vegas…went all over the countryside…I miss it so much…enjoy it

[@blucheer8743]

I lived at blue diamond use to mountain bike and rock climb there… love the spring mountains-red rocks area… awesome explanation of its formation!

[@wyominggal010]

I could listen to you for days. You make me feel so much more confident when I go out with my little pickaxe looking for rocks! Hubby is a nature photographer and we frequent all over Wyoming, Nevada and Utah...while he takes photos, I rockhound ❤️

[@myroncook]

Rock on!

[@mbvoelker8448]

I enjoy the way you explain how geologists think and how you explore alternate models to explain the observations you're sharing with us.

[@myroncook]

Glad you like them!

[@kinexkid]

I have fallen back in love with geology. It was my third choice going into college for my major. Your videos and Milo's from Miniminuteman rekindled my love for rocks ❤

[@1mmickk]

We were so poor as kids, we lived off mud pies and all we had to play with was rocks, but when you are young, you have good eyes and nature is a wonder.

[@keithrelyea7997]

You are an excellent teacher.

[@Anne5440_]

I'm slowly watching geology videos, and each one teaches me more. I've bought 3 geology textbooks. I will soon be reading them more formally. I have found 3 other geologists doing teaching videos. I've been hit and miss learning for 18 months. Last fall, I started the Baja to BC series, I'm sure you may have heard of it. That finished this last weekend. During that series, I decided to become more organized in my learning. That is the reason I searched out books and geologists making videos. In my life, I have traveled and / or lived in the Rockies and the PNW. Now, as a retired teacher, I am making myself get organized in my studies. Dr. Cook, you are not only covering the Rockies, but you are also teaching me how to look at a landscape to analyze what I am seeing. And also teaching me how to ask myself questions about the features. I now have more resources to then go learn about the geology of the features I see. I'm fairly stuck in a recliner because of age and health. You and these resources are allowing me to learn and travel virtually while I learn. I thank you so very much for your virtual teaching.

[@myroncook]

Thank you for your feedback! I wish you the best in your learning venture.

[@collinmc90]

Check out Nick Zentner if you haven't already.

[@Anne5440_]

@Roachdogg Jr. smiles, I'm a long standing Zentnerd. I live one valley north of him, grins. I really enjoyed Baja to BC. I really enjoy Shawn Willsey because he has made me appreciate Southern Idaho in a new way. I thought it a boring drive. I simply had no idea how much wonderful geology is along that route. I also watch Myron Cook, Geo Girl and Valitin Troll.

[@primages45]

Watch Roger Spurr Mudfossil University

[@williamrainford4614]

Ancient Landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. Look up that video. It’s from 2015. But those 2 geologist speaking are awesome. I started a similar journey you’re in right now. That one has been my favorite.

[@terrygoyan3022]

Amazing story! Geologists are like detectives. Pulling together incongruous clues, going back to where they know what's happening and adding it all together to find the perpetrators! Subscribed and looking forward to more exciting tales.....

[@myroncook]

Thank you, Terry!

[@hillwalker8741]

glad you made it to my hiking grounds - adding to the awe I experience daily - I am also in awe of geologists who can spot similar limestone layers many miles apart

[@YewtBoot]

I so enjoy your puzzle solving technique in your episodes. This area is one I feel fortunate to have wandered through on foot, on bicycle, in an automobile, and flying above in a plane. Since it's so arid and there is so little plant life, the geology is right out where you can see it and solve the puzzles. You put together a lot of the history of this area. Thanks.

[@BigTallLankyDude]

I really enjoy these histories coming from the ordinary land shapes we take for granted. If only there was a Myron Cook for Australian formations!

[@johnderatt3168]

+1 there mate

[@ericv738]

For most Americans, Wyoming is as foreign as Australia is.

[@weaksause6878]

I have found a similar one for New Zealand, but that's no help to you.

[@jamesraymond1158]

Richard Smiths Australia, the first billion years is excellent.

[@meofamily4]

Just clicking on "like" does not do justice to the delightful, extensive lesson provided here. The rare quality of an expert discussing his specialty with the attitude of speaking to a peer is part of the attraction, as is the enthusiasm with which the teacher presents his findings. I am honored to be the student of such a gifted teacher.

[@myroncook]

Thank you!

[@borghorsa1902]

You are extremely good at explaining geology, you found a way to mix emotions and information in one good bundle👍

[@JohnLeePettimoreIII]

even after all the years i have been interested in, and learning about geology, it is difficult for me to relate to the sheer magnitude of the time spans involved. i understand them on an intellectual (and mathematical) level. but to relate to them as a living being... not happening. it's a real mind-blower and makes the topic even more amazing to me.

[@myroncook]

I can't get my head around it either!

[@nitahill6951]

It is hard to express my appreciation for your (and your nieces) efforts to bring us such incredible content. You are still the very best!

[@myroncook]

You are so kind

[@nitahill6951]

@@myroncook You are so generous with your time and knowledge!

[@josecarloscassiano1846]

Professor, thank you very much for this fantastic class. Here in Brazil I'm learning a lot about US geology and also general geological theories. I'm doing a project on fossils from the Colorado Plateau and this class helped me a lot. Congratulations.

[@myroncook]

Wonderful!

[@calvinallen9508]

Yet another fantastic presentation Mr Cook. Thanks for all your hard work. It'll be great being out and about armed with a more informed understanding of how our beautiful world was created. As always I'm looking forward to your next installment. Take good care!

[@inyobill]

surely, "Dr. Cook"?

[@patriciamurray5189]

That is amazing color banding in the sandstone! Thank you for teaching me! Watch out for snakes and be safe!

[@myroncook]

Thank you, I will

[@rhohoho]

Delighted to see a new video from you this evening, and another mind bender! Fascinating as always, thanks you!

[@ericl3568]

I was hiking up Indian Head Mountain in Borrego Spring Ca and I looked down and yelled, conglamorate! I couldnt believe what I was seeing at 2300' up the mountain. Thank you for making geology fun and interesting. 33°17'16.82"N 116°26'6.79"W

[@shay_box]

I love your videos Myron! Thank you for taking the time to make these.

[@IDNHANTU2day]

Mr Cook. Always a pleasure to sit in on your lectures. You answer many questions I have when enjoying geological nature.

[@TheScientificDuo]

Half way through and I am thinking it is volcanic. Can't wait to find out and thank you Mr. Cook for the great storytelling on your channel. You make it easy to understand with examples.

[@TheScientificDuo]

Do geologist attach GPS to these thrust sheets to see if they are still moving?

[@Dragrath1]

@@TheScientificDuo I don't know about these now discombobulated thrust sheets but the whole Basin and Range and really everything west of the Rio Grande Rift Valley is currently getting rotated clockwise in a regular interval (actually involves a brief relaxation slip before continuing the offset). There does appear to be some form of translation on the order of 1,000 Kilometers in at least parts of the American Cordillera since the late Cretaceous. Also if you consider the nascent deep plate tectonics model emerging thanks to Seismic Tomography revealing discontinuities in the mantle, then it appears that at least some plates continue down below the asthenosphere into the deep solid mantle below and at least one of these mantle plate boundary faults is the East Pacific Rise/Juan De Fuca Ridge then its quite probable that everything on the other side of this ridge line is technically overthrust onto the Pacific plate. The boundary where the deep Pacific appears to extend below North America starts along the East Pacific Rise cutting under North America along the gulf of California before diving under Arizona and New Mexico where it divides the Colorado plateau from the rest of the North American craton via the Rio Grande rift and continuing north up to Yellowstone Wyoming, which appears to be the corner Junction, then heading west into Idaho continuing into southeastern Oregon and northern California where it eventually joins up with the Juan de Fuca ridge. This involves a ridge like lower density or slow wave zone which separates some kind of compositional discontinuity that goes deep down into the planet. Additionally on the northeastern side we also have the good old Farallon plate in the upper mantle which is eventually sinking down into the lower mantle as a vast slab wall. Everything to the west is based on GPS data slowly getting rotated clockwise resulting in extension in the Basin and range and compression to the north of the boundary connecting Yellowstone to the Juan de Fuca ridge i.e. the Cascades so it sure looks like there is some form of catchment or astenospheric weak layer effect going on here but its also way more complicated than that as the ridge appears to be blowtorching the overlying continental crust causing uplift and upwelling thought to be due to a process known as mantle drip which induces magmatic intrusions that can lead to volcanism. And indeed if you plot the zones of more buoyant mantle you find that the volcanism of the Basin and Range lies on top of the ridge.

[@myroncook]

Possibly somewhere. These have been inactive for a very long time.

[@laurah1020]

@The Scientific Duo EXACTLY what I was thinking!! Loving Mr. Cook (Dr.?)'s style of "teaching"!!!

[@dtsosie5836]

I can listen to this all day every day. Thank you for educating us about landscapes that surrounds us. I travel through this area from time to time and never give it a second thought. Now I'll be better aware of what went on and is going on.

[@chriskelvin248]

Man I love to kick back and watch Myron Cook’s geology tours. Fascinating and at the same time relaxing. Keep it up Myron, you have a wonderful thing going on here.

[@JhonDiamond2021]

it's a very amazing sight, the mountain has many beautiful layers

[@billiondollardan]

The sandstone is so pretty. I love southern Utah but I've never crossed the border into southern Nevada. I need to go visit!

[@dustman96]

Fascinating, thanks! I'm starting to realize Nevada has more cool places than one would think.

[@kellyjakus3133]

Many cool places all over state

[@susanjane4784]

From the 60s and the way up to the mid-80s, I visited this greater area and marveled at the geology and geography. Wonderful to hear about the forces that created all of it. Also witnessed Las Vegas go from what was virtually a town to a vast eye sore -- ah, progress... or something.

[@marcandrewhoffman]

You're the bob ross of geology!! I could listen to you explain our world forever. Thanks for single-handedly changing my perspective about the ground beneath my feet!

[@saimaleon7115]

The Bob Ross of geology; I love it. Myron does have a very soothing voice and does paint a picture when he explains geology.

[@SeventhSamurai72]

Great video, thank you Myron

[@ivanthemisunderstood6940]

Kudos to your nieces for helping you with this vid and kudos to you for giving them the opportunity to see their world through your eyes.

[@silva7493]

Wow. So much going on!! It really is stunningly beautiful, and what a coincidence that many of us happen to come with the ability to see and appreciate beauty.. what if we weren't able to recognize it? If no one was wired to noticed all of the beauty we get to see? I guess it would be wasted on us... Another lovely video. How nice that the nieces could get involved!

[@myroncook]

So true!

[@primarytrainer1]

Awesome! I live out by Red Rock but I love Valley of Fire. Great to see this video. There are few things in the world more beautiful than the Aztec/Navajo sandstone :)

[@bethbartlett5692]

YES! Finally, a Nevada Geological Information Share! I lived there 17 years and I have such a fondness for the State and Geography. Thank You! More Nevada Please. Beth a Sociologist/ Behavioralist and Historian

[@myroncook]

Thank you for your interest!

[@felipericketts]

That was really nice to hear about and even understand it a little. Probably more complicated than you had time to explain. There are powerful forces at work and a lot of time for them to do their work in. Thanks! 🙂

[@bigviper64]

Excellent Observations from one of the Best instructors on the Internet! You do such a grat job of teaching us, Thank You!

[@Kadath_Gaming]

I'm really appreciating the clear presentation of the geological processes at play in your videos. Big fan, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience 🙏🏻

[@myroncook]

Many thanks!

[@tlnguyen9098]

I am very glad to find you, Sir. Thanks for educating and sharing !

[@KevinRCarr]

I didn't realize that I was this interesting in geology until I started watching these. Thank you again, Myron.

[@jimonthecoast3234]

your videos make me want to be a Geologist.. I've never had a Geology Course, but just the normal Geography / Science Classes that touch on the subject.. I love seeing the geology of the Pacific Plate, and the Sierra Nevade Mountains.. Morro Rock, Moro Rock. Pinnacles Nattional Monument, Yosemite, the whole park. El Capitan. Half Dome. included.. Kings Canyon, thanks so much for your videos that I can't help but watch to the end.

[@jakebrookesactor]

Mystery and traveling back in time keeps me glued to Myron Cooks KZbin series.

[@myroncook]

Thank you, James.

[@TrailBlazer5280]

I really enjoy your lectures since you're on the spot showing us how it really looks

[@helenquinn9444]

Thank you and your nieces Myron. Could you share with us more on rock colours, patterns as you did on the beautiful patterned sand stone, it's so fascinating. 🙏

[@lindarocco9974]

@Myron Cook, Thank you for this great class. I loved the colors of the Aztec sandstone. Also I like that you are teaching your Granddaughters as you record for us. I RoccoMend this.

[@pieyedapple]

Nature...coolest artist and best builder, ever! Thank you for a fascinating trip!

[@giuseppefornari5777]

Bravo Myron!

[@joelmanthis9523]

Awesome. So Vegas lies in a basin between mountains of old rock sitting on top of younger layers. Holy cow.

[@sunnybnny]

Thank you so much for explaining the processes that made this beautiful landscape!

[@Boneless_Chuck]

Great video! Such an intriguing detective story in southern Nevada. I hope you do a video someday on that extension in the basin and range province.

[@mawi1172]

That banding in the sandstone on top! 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯. Sooo beautiful!

[@luzr6613]

You rock! All the best from New Zealand.

[@nicevideomancanada]

What an Amazing Channel. I have watched a few and I share them with some of my friends and hope to take my Grandchildren out into these wild places in the near future. Simply Spectacular Scenery. I live in Calgary Canada now, but when I was in Grade 6 & 7 I lived in The USA and have been to many places and saw so much when we lived there in 1976 to 1978 although the land is Timeless now. Please keep them coming Sir.

[@myroncook]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Gevedon]

So awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@chrisfriel2003]

Who knew how much I would love geology? Fascinating. Thank you Myron, you are the best. We cottage every year on the Canadian Shield, it is going to be a season of rock formation hunting.

[@lawrieflowers8314]

Just astonishing! And so so interesting - thanks so much for posting...

[@TheRobsterUK]

Hello Myron I found your videos by accident and don't have any specific interest in geology (other than just being interested in science in general) but I have to say I love your videos. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and presenting style make them a pleasure to watch. Keep up the good work and all the best! :-)

[@johnmccormack4183]

Love bringing back in history. Thank you.

[@ricoreyes6044]

Really cool to learn some new things about the Vegas area. I work at Nellis AFB, right next to Frenchman Mountain. I always thought the visible layering was really interesting. Now I can look at it again with a new perspective, so thanks! I also visited red rock and valley of fire and thought they were beautiful parks, but now that I know a bit more about their story I can go back there with new eyes.

[@jonsonnenschein1253]

Thank you for such a great geology lesson.

[@cdineaglecollapsecenter4672]

Great video! I've read about the Sevier orogeny but I love seeing it on the ground. Your explanations are so clear and helpful.

[@keithwhittington1322]

What a great way to start my day! Thanks, Myron.

[@Seanyboy209]

Thank you for another GREAT video Myron!!!

[@Aino66]

Wonderful!! Thank you!

[@patsyw26]

The color banding in the sandstone had me exclaiming WOW when I saw it. Our planet is AMAZING! Again, thanks for teaching an old lady, that has longed wanted to learn about the layers of this big blue marble, more cool stuff!

[@myroncook]

Wonderful!

[@douglassimpson8006]

Geology is a subject that the ordinary layman may not find interesting. But you are such a great storyteller and you cover your material with such enthusiasm and I really enjoy your videos.

[@myroncook]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dougkahl8124]

Fantastic video! The quality is great, and it's so interesting. Special thanks to your nieces who I assume did the long shots on location. Just wonderful, literally.

[@SmallWonda]

Nice lesson & field trip - thanks for the correction. Super landscapes. Thanks, Myron & nieces.

[@nw5524]

Thank you for the clear and informative video!

[@duncan94019]

Thank you Myron! I love your videos.

[@Maxmumspida]

I love your videos! So happy to see a new one!

[@nowthisnamestaken]

KZbin did me a solid by recommending this channel.

[@crustycobs2669]

Intrinsically interesting and great presentation. Appreciate your curiosity and ability to communicate.

[@myroncook]

Thank you kindly!

[@jedver242]

Thank you Mr. Cook. This is fantastic. So fascinating!

[@cbhirsch]

Another great interesting & educational video. Thank You!

[@lemonpepperdry5818]

Very interesting. Thank you for sharing.

[@ianhorsham7751]

Thanks again Myron. Another puzzle solved and a lesson learned.

[@overdoneone]

Thank you Myron for another great presentation.

[@leonardbakers]

Thanks for taking us there, and your nieces for getting you and all the camera stuff there too.

[@ultrametric9317]

Thanks! What fun!

[@pchabanowich]

Such a massive wonder beautifully understood and shared. Thank you.🙏

[@jacotacomorocco]

Thank you for another great video!

[@Brommear]

Great story! Thank you.

[@amyhayutin1738]

Thank you for the enjoyable video!

[@favoriteblueshirt]

Excellent stuff. Love it Myron.

[@billroberts9182]

Thank you for your efforts!

[@Jimmysidecarr]

WOW! Amazing video! My love of geology just grew even more.

[@michaelallison2262]

Thanks for another great educational and entertaining video.

[@peterskove3476]

Wow, once again I have stumbled onto such a treasure! Thank you so much for these vids. I’m the kind of guy who brings rocks to a party when I heard about a geologist being there…just started watching and soon I’ll be ready to retrace my steps of the last 62 yrs ….

[@cowboygeologist7772]

Excellent video; thanks for posting.

[@johnhudson7357]

Always educational ,Thank you for the lesson.

[@dianespears6057]

Many thanks.

[@RoccoRodrigo]

Fascinating