Start Geology for Beginners at Francis Sinclair's cabin northwest of Strawberry in Chapter 2. Follow the route from Owanjila to Mount Hagen; Francis gives you no map or location list. The route crosses West Elizabeth, New Hanover and Ambarino.
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Big Valley
Owanjila and Mount Shann start the route in West Elizabeth. Cross into New Hanover after Mount Shann.
Heartlands
Limpany sits between the West Elizabeth carvings and the first Ambarino stop on the loop.
Grizzlies
These carvings are in Ambarino and spread across the loop. Moonstone Pond comes early, while Whinyard Strait and Mount Hagen close it out.
Roanoke Ridge
Elysian Pool and Deer Cottage come straight after Moonstone Pond, so this is where the loop returns to New Hanover.
Cumberland Forest
Bacchus Station and the Dakota River carving close out the New Hanover stretch before the loop heads back to Ambarino for Whinyard Strait.
Route is the stop number on one practical loop through the map, not a fastest-route claim. State is the in-game area each carving sits in: West Elizabeth, New Hanover or Ambarino. Region is the section heading, so Ambarino carvings group under Grizzlies, and one state can appear under more than one heading.
Starting Geology for Beginners
Geology for Beginners is one of the stranger missions. Start it like this:
- Reach Chapter 2, then head to Francis Sinclair's cabin northwest of Strawberry.
- Talk to Francis to start the mission.
Red Dead Redemption 2 Rock Carving Locations
Start from the landmark each site is tied to, then walk the rock face slowly until the game shows the Inspect / Rock Carving prompt. Several carvings sit on a ledge partway down a cliff rather than at the top, so if you can't spot one from above, look a level down before you move on.
Mailing the Coordinates
Each carving gives you a set of coordinates. Mail them from any post office, and the mail milestones pay out:
- Mail one coordinate set: Kentucky Bourbon and $10.
- Mail five: a Rock Statue worth $50.
- Mail the whole set in one go: both the one-set and five-set rewards together.
If you mail the whole set at once, return to the post office to collect both milestone rewards. Leave, wait about two in-game days, then return for Francis's invitation and read it before heading back to the cabin.
Spoiler: The Cabin Scene and the Old Brass Compass
After the scene, go back inside the cabin and pick up the Old Brass Compass from the table before you leave. It is missable. Take it to a Fence to craft the Raven Claw Talisman.
More Story Mode Collectibles
Keep going with Dreamcatchers, Dinosaur Bones or Graves.
FAQ
Can I still find the carvings after the story ends?
Yes. The carvings stay available after the story, so you can finish the hunt whenever it suits you.
Do I have to follow the route order?
No. The carvings can be collected in any order. The route order is one practical loop, not the fastest way around the map.
Is Geology for Beginners part of Red Dead Online?
No. It's a Story Mode mission, so the carvings belong to the Story Mode campaign only.
What does the Raven Claw Talisman do?
It slows weapon degradation by 20 percent, so your weapons hold up longer.