Geology: Marine Fossils at 8000 ft?, Pagosa

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 geologists Dave Bouquet and Scott McAllister, 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.

“Marine Fossils at 8000 ft?” – Coyote Hill Loop Trail

Walk through Ponderous Pine meadows to a beautiful overlook of Pagosa Peak.  During this hike, we’ll go off trail and climb to some ridge-forming limestone outcrops in the Mancos formation that contain marine fossils and numerous calcite crystals.  Learn why this area was covered by an inland sea for 30 million years during the Cretaceous period.

Trail Description: This is an ~5 loop hike with approximately 450 ft of gentle elevation gain.   With stops to discuss the geology of the area, you can expect a time commitment of 4 hours.  Pack a lunch or snack as we will be taking a break from the overview stop.

When: September 17, 2026 from 9am – 1pm

Where: Group will meet at the Coyote Hill Trailhead, ~6 miles north of Pagosa Springs on County Road 600 (Piedra Road).  Note on Google maps and other sites, this is called the Coyote Hill Trailhead (on the right) and not to be confused with the Turkey Springs trailhead just before it on the left.  Note that neither of these trailhead parking lots have a restroom.

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 is required. Spaces limited to 25 attendees.