Geologic areas… Do you know anything about them? To be completely honest, I had never even heard the term until I discovered the virtually unknown Wheeler Geologic Area near Creede, which contains volcanic outcroppings from millions of years ago. Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know about this fascinating area:
Believe it or not, Colorado was once home to volcanoes, including the 30-million-year-old La Garita Caldera, which caused these large fragments.
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Chris
How do these volcanic ash remains stay intact? Since they are merely specs of dust, the shoots are constantly eroding and changing!
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris
Wheeler was designated as Colorado’s first ever National Monument in 1908. However, in 1950, it was decided that since the area was so off-the-grid that funding would be cut and responsibility administered to the Rio Grande National Forest.
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris
The area was named in honor of U.S. Army Captain George M. Wheeler, who originally surveyed the terrain back in the 1870’s.
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris
Access to the area is available via both a 7-mile hike or rugged 14-mile road. For more information on where to go for access, visit the Rio Grande National Forest’s website.
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris Hartman
Have you had the opportunity to see this unique area in person?
Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris
Flickr/Chris Hartman
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