I got this announcement in yesterdays eSkeptic newsletter:

Utah or Bust!
Dinosaurs, Trilobites & Geology Galore

June 8–13, 2009

• EXCLUSIVE: visit some of the richest dinosaur-bearing deposits in the world. These fossil quarries are usually open only to the scientists working there.
• Tour the geologic wonders of southern Utah, including Zion, Bryce, and Capitol Reef National Parks.
• Along the way we will stop frequently to learn about the rocks beneath our feet, or gaze over breathtaking scenic vistas that tell a remarkable story. On site lectures by renowned geologist and paleontologist Dr. Donald Prothero.
• Dig your own trilobite fossils at a quarry famous for quantity and quality specimens.
• Included in the fee: charter bus, and hotels, breakfast, lunch, snacks, lectures, museums, park fees, fossil collecting, and a guide booklet.
• Seats are limited, so make your reservations soon!

This is definitely a whirlwind geo-tour of Utah:

• Day 1: Valley of Fire State Park
• Day 2: Zion National Park, Bryce National Park
• Day 3: Capitol Reef National Park
• Day 4: Fruita Dinosaur Beds, Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry
• Day 5: U-Dig Fossils

The tour is open to members and non-members of the Skeptics Society, however the prices go up substantially if you’re not a member:

• Skeptics Society members: (single room) @ $1329
• Skeptics Society members: (shared room) @ $999
• nonmembers: (single room) @ $1429
• nonmembers: (shared room) @ $1099

The good news is that you can sign up for the Skeptics Society for $25 when you register and still get the member discount. A $300 deposit is due by April 15, and $200 of that goes to the Skeptic Society as a nonrefundable donation. If you need to cancel, you’ll get some or all of the remaining $100 if it’s before May 25.

The trip will be by bus (you’ll have to get yourself to LA to catch it) and the accommodations appear to be mostly of the motel variety, so don’t bother bringing a tent. But if all that roughing it through Mormon Utah gets to be too much, you’ll have a chance to unwind on the final night at the Las Vegas Treasure Island.

For more information and to sign up for the trip, download the registration form or call 626/794-3119.