Geology Hike: This Waterfall Rocks
August 7 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Again this year, SJMA in conjunction with the US Forest Service, Pagosa and Bayfield Ranger Districts, is hosting educational geology hikes, free for the public, from May through October. These interpretive hikes, led and presented by geologist Dave Bouquet, will be in an area of the San Juan National Forest rich with evidence of earth’s geologic history from some of the area’s oldest metamorphic rocks, to Cretaceous seaways, to Tertiary volcanoes, to modern glacial deposits.
Rocks, Waterfall and River, Oh My!
One of the easiest, and easily one of the most scenic, waterfall hikes in the area. A short, “relatively” level (remember, this IS the Rocky Mountains), hike through the beautiful ponderosa pine forest the San Juans are famous for, along a tumbling mountain stream, ending at a thundering waterfall, makes this a family favorite. Volunteer geologist Dave Bouquet will explain the rich geologic history of the San Juan Mountains and visitors will view rock left over from a volatile volcanic era in history. The drive to the trailhead is a little long, but the payoff at the end is worth it. Lot’s of reward for little physical effort!
Trail Description: Hike length is 1 mile round trip, with very little elevation gain.
When: August 7, 2025 from 9am – 1pm
Where: Group meet at the Coyote Hill Trailhead, 6 miles north of Pagosa Springs on County Road 600. After a brief introduction, we will caravan to our next stop aprox. 20 miles further up the road.
What to Bring:
- Layers of cool and warm clothing
- Water (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)
- Sturdy, supportive footwear
- Lunch/snacks
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Hiking Daypack
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera
Cost: Free, $10 donation is greatly appreciated!
Please Note: Although pets are allowed in the national forest, we ask that pets be left at home as a courtesy to the other guests in the group.
Registration: Registration is required.