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DTSTART;TZID=America/Denver:20260716T090000
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DTSTAMP:20260714T143613Z
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UID:17038-1784192400-1784206800@sjma.org
SUMMARY:Geology Hike: Ancient Rocks of the Vallecito Valley
DESCRIPTION: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. \n“Trail as Old as Time” – Ancient Rocks of the Vallecito Valley Geology Hike \nThe Spanish name Vallecito (“Via-seeto”)\, meaing “Little Valley” is an apt name for this valley hike\, yet the views along the way are anything but little. Following Vallecito Creek\, the trail begins easy\, flat and meadering\, then begins to climb through a deep canyon with ponderosa pines\, aspens\, and conifers. \nDuring the hike\, volunteer geologist Dave Bouquet will explain the rich geologic history of the area\, and guests will view some of the oldest rocks in the San Juans. You will discover a unique rock called the Vallecito Creek Metaconglomerate\, which is nearly 2 billion years old. Your guide will briefly explain the regional geology of the area and explain how metamorphic rocks form. This area was glaciated during the last ice age and we’ll encounter some evidence of that. It is common to encounter the crimson columbine (aquilegia Formosa) along the trail\, as well as a variety of bird species. \nTrail Information: This is an out and back\, moderate level hike\, approximately 5 miles round trip with about 500ft 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). The group will hike to a picturesque spot adjacent to a small waterfall\, have lunch (pack some lightweight trail chow) and return. With information stops and lunch\, the hike is expected to take ~4 hours. \nWhen: July 16\, 2025 from 9am – 1pm \nWhere: Vallecito Creek Trailhead (near the public restrooms in the Vallecito Creek Campground). From Bayfield\, drive north on Colorado 501 for ~18 miles\, then turn left onto Colorado 500\, in ~3 miles you will arrive at the TH parking lot (on the left\, adjacent to the public restrooms). \nWhat to Bring: \n\nLayers of cool and warm clothing\nWater (1/2 to 1 liter per hour)\nSturdy\, supportive footwear\nLunch/snacks\nRain jacket or poncho\nHiking Daypack\nSunscreen and sunglasses\nCamera\n\nCost: Free\, $10 donation is greatly appreciated! \nPlease 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. \nRegistration is full. If you are still interest\, feel free to fill out our waitlist. \n[vc_btn title=”WAITLIST” color=”green” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fsjma.app.neoncrm.com%2Fnp%2Fclients%2Fsjma%2FeventRegistration.jsp%3Fevent%3D4893%26||target:%20_blank|”]\n 
URL:https://sjma.org/event/geology-vallecito-2026-07/
CATEGORIES:Durango Area,Interpretive Programs
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://sjma.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/VallecitoCreekTrail_DaveBouquet-16x9-1.jpg
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