CLAG 2007: Colorado Springs

Field Trip: Geology of the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Leader: George Bolling, Geography and Environmental Studies, CU-Colorado Springs

gbolling@uccs.edu (contact directly for this field trip)

Date: Thursday, May 31, 2007. 2 – 6 pm.

Description:

There is a spectacular display of geologic structures and strata exposed near the Pikes Peak mountain front on the west side of Colorado Springs. Within a ten-mile radius, centered at the junction of north-south Interstate 25 and east-west Highway 24, nearly two billion years of geologic history are exposed. We will look specifically at formations from early Cenozoic to late Paleozoic in age in beautiful exposure in the Garden of the Gods and much older units in Manitou Springs to the west. This area attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year and stimulates the interest of local residents and visitors alike. Bring a water bottle and hiking shoes. The field trip will last approximately 3-4 hours. Limited to 20 people. Approximate Cost: $5