Fossils Just Behind My Backyard! Need Help Finding For Sites!

[Trilobiting]

I read this old post just awhile ago, and realized those foothills are actually behind my backyard: http://www.thefossilforum.com/index.php?/topic/37632-jaw-bone-with-tooth-found-in-highland-ca/

I couldn't believe it, there actually might be fossils that are nearer to me!

One question though, what do fossilferous sites look like? (I'm looking on Google Maps.)

Any help will be appreciated.

[Fossildude19]

Um... the only way to tell is to go and look.

There is no right or wrong area, until you get the lay of the land.

For starters, try hiking through dry gulleys, or creek beds. Also, you can look for exposed rock.

Basically anywhere where erosion or water can work to dislodge fossils from their interment.

Regards,

[Trilobiting]

Thanks.

[Troodon]

Check to see if there are local fossil clubs, great source of information.

[JohnBrewer]

Google maps isn't going to be much help. You need a geological formation map. Try googling United States Geological Survey (usgs.gov) maps for your area. This might help http://pubs.usgs.gov/pp/0222/report.pdf but I'm on an iPad with public wifi so can't check for you.

[caldigger]

If you do live in the city of Highland (just above San Bernadino), you are likely to not find anything. All the foothills below the San Gabriel's are about 1000 feet thick of wash rock, which is granite and other metamorphic rock. You might have better luck taking the 15 up around north of Wrightwood into the high desert. Although, I have heard of some Pleistocene fossils being found down around south Riverside area where there has been some erosion in the riverbed.