Statistical analyses of pre-test and post-test results, as well as qualitative insight obtained by essays, compared introductory physical geography college students who learned desert geomorphology only virtually, in the field and both ways. With the exception of establishing geographic context, the virtual field trip was statistically indistinguishable from real field trips in establishing basic knowledge about desert geomorphology. However, qualitative results reveal the deepest personal ownership of knowledge among field trip participants. These findings should not be construed as having validity beyond an introductory course. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)