GeoHeritage
Exploring the Region's Geology
The Geoheritage Project is a partnership between La Veta Trails and the University of Colorado Thermochronology Research and Instrumentation Laboratory (CU TRaIL), uniting scientific research with community engagement to deepen our sense of place and encourage environmental stewardship through educational trail experiences. This project uses public trails, geologic narratives, culture, and history to connect us more deeply to the land, and one another. We invite you to hike these trails, learn from the land, and help protect the region’s rich geoheritage for generations to come.
Header and photo left credits: Abbott and Cook
Explore
Colorado
Journey through Colorado’s geologic history from the formation of the state’s first continental crust 1700 million years ago right up to today.
Origins of the Spanish Peaks
Why are the Spanish Peaks (and High Plains) weird and amazing?
Geologic Guide to the West Peak Trail
How to Create a Mountain from a Magma Chamber: West Spanish Peak Trail takes hikers through beautiful meadows with impressive views of the mountain itself, plus the option to take the steep climb to its peak to get a look at the geology that resides in its shadows.
Geologic Guide to the Dike Trail
Cuchara By the Sea: The Dikes Trail zigzags its way up the flank of a rock fin above the town of Cuchara and traverses its crest, affording hikers impressive views of the town below and of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range to the west.
Geologic Guide to the Bartlett Trail
Where the High Plains Meet the Rocky Mountains: The Bartlett is a 10.4-mile trail that climbs 3,400 feet up the east side of Greenhorn Mountain. This trail guide only describes the first 1.75 miles, with a 1,000-foot ascent to a ridgetop with a nice view west into the wilderness.