Red Dead Redemption 2: Geology for Beginners – All Rock Carvings and Rewards

Somewhere near Strawberry, a man with a truly unforgettable haircut sits on a porch and waits. That man is Francis Sinclair, and he has a very odd request. In Red Dead Redemption 2, Geology for Beginners is one of the earliest stranger missions available after Chapter 2 begins. Even in 2026, it still confuses players who just wanted a quiet ride to Lake Owanjila.

Finding Francis Sinclair

Francis Sinclair lives just past the quaint town of Strawberry, near the road that leads to Lake Owanjila. A player only needs to greet him. The first cutscene is an absolute fever dream. Sinclair asks Arthur to track down 10 bizarre rock carvings, but he refuses to explain why. Arthur, being the polite outlaw he sometimes is, agrees.

After each carving, Arthur scribbles coordinates into his journal. He also draws a little X inside a bottomless pentagon on the world map. This is handy. It means players can check progress without riding back across half the country. Near an undiscovered carving, Eagle Vision makes the carving glow. That is a lifesaver.

The 10 Rock Carvings

1. Across Lake Owanjila – The closest carving to Francis's house. A sensible starting point. Ride around the lake and look for the glowing rock.

2. Near Lenora View – This one hides near the same spot as the Giant Skeleton. It sits high on a cliff wall. A player should use Eagle Vision and curse the climbing mechanics.

3. Mount Hagen path – Head up the path where the Morion Helmet can be found. Unlike the helmet, the carving is directly on the path. No random mountain wandering needed.

4. South of Window Rock – Near a corner of Cumberland Forest where it meets the Dakota River. The waypoint often puts Arthur above the carving. Prepare to jump down or find the long way around.

5. Near Bacchus Station – This carving hugs the middle of a cliff. There is a skinny footpath. One wrong step and Arthur takes an unplanned swim.

6. Near Limpany – Annoyingly far from the others. The carving sits away from the road. Beware the cliff above; falling is not a fun shortcut.

7. Whinyard Strait – Hidden on the cliffside connected to the creek. Do not ride on the path above. The carving is below, and standing directly on it does not count.

8. South of Moonstone Pond – Arthur must navigate a series of hills. The carving sits on a hill in the middle. He slides down slight inclines like they are covered in butter.

9. Beside Elysian Pool – One of the easier ones. It can be seen from the road because the trees are too small to hide it.

10. Deer Cottage in Roanoke Ridge – The final stop. A remote and moody area. Perfect for finishing a wild scavenger hunt.

Mailing the Coordinates

Francis does not accept text messages. Arthur must mail the coordinates from any post office. Players can send all 10 at once or mail them in batches. Sending them one at a time might feel theatrical. Sending all at once is efficient. Either way, the post office clerk remains unimpressed.

Rewards and the Missable Compass

Rewards depend on how many coordinates are sent. The first three are straightforward:

The bourbon and money need no explanation. The Rock Statue is a unique item with exactly one purpose: selling to a fence. Of course, collectors may keep it forever and tell their horse about its sentimental value.

After all 10 coordinates are mailed, Francis sends an invitation to visit him again. A quest marker appears for anyone with a bad memory. The final cutscene is confusing. Many fans think the mystery is easier to solve than some others, but that is not saying much.

Here is the cruel part. After the cutscene, Arthur leaves Francis's mother's house. If a player rides off immediately, they will miss the Old Brass Compass. The game may not let them back in later. Turn around. Reenter the house. Grab the compass. This little trinket is the only ingredient for the Raven Claw Talisman, which slows weapon degradation. That means less Gun Oil and more shooting.