Geology Hike: Ice Caves Loop
June 12 @ 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.
Fissuring Out the Past
When you hear the term “ice cave”, thoughts of dripping ice-encrusted stalactites clinging to the icy blue ceiling of a glacial cavern may come to mind. This hike is not that, yet it’s fascinating in its own right. Not really caves, these are more like giant cracks; fissures in the underlying Dakota sandstone. Varying in size from one to eight feet wide, up to a hundred feet long and 30 feet deep, these chasms are cool year-round and often hold snow well into the summer. Layers of rock tell a story as old as time. Your guide will briefly explain regional geology and Morrison, Dakota and Mancos stratigraphy (Jurassic/Cretaceous) and also explain theory for the origin of ice caves. Included is a side hike to a stunning clifftop grand vista of the San Juan Mountains in the distance, and deep riparian river valleys below.
This is a loop route, partially off trail, with sustained, moderately difficult inclines/declines, on rocky terrain near high cliffs. Hike time is approximately 4 hours total, 3.5 miles round trip, and about 500 ft. vertical ascent. We will finish at the parking lot just after noon, and there is a picnic area nearby if you wish to bring your own lunch to eat after the hike.
Trail Information: This is an out and back, moderate level hike, approximately 6.5 miles round trip with about 600ft of elevation gain. The hike has some relatively safe cliff edge exposure in a few spots – maybe a consideration for those with a fear of heights. Depending on water levels, there may be an easy side creek crossing (stepping stones and logs) just before the turn around point. The group will hike to the first bridge, have lunch (pack some lightweight trail chow) and return. With information stops and lunch, the hike is expected to take 3 to 4 hours.
When: June 12, 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.