This week, Sharon revisits two of her old field camp stomping grounds, including Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Tag along for her Colorado adventure!
My husband, Bob, and I met at geology field camp, near Colorado Springs, more than a few years ago. Our first date was a drive to the summit of Pikes Peak. This week we’ll revisit two of our old field camp stomping grounds. 🥾🌄
Sharon Lyon
Editor, GeoLifestyle
Pikes Peak, Colorado
Sharon and Bob Lyon at the summit of Pikes Peak
Pikes Peak stands at 14,115 feet, making it one of Colorado’s 58 fourteeners. Driving to the top via Pikes Peak Highway, with its multitude of switchbacks and no guardrails, is a white-knuckle experience, but the view from the summit is worth the ride.
Geology: The mountain is composed of Precambrian-age Pikes Peak Granite, a beautiful pink, coarse-grained granite formed 1.08 billion years ago.
The batholith was uplifted during the Laramide Orogeny, 70–40 million years ago, along with the entire Colorado Front Range.
Erosion of the granite and carving by Pleistocene glaciers have transformed the mountain into its current rugged shape.
The Summit: Be prepared for cold temperatures and low oxygen. When we recently visited in the summer, it was 38°F on top and the wind was howling.
The view from the summit of Pikes Peak is spectacular:
To the east, the land extends into the Great Plains.
From the west and north are views of the Rocky Mountains, including other fourteeners like Mount Evans and Mount Bierstadt.
Nearly 8,000 feet below lies the city of Colorado Springs. We could see Garden of the Gods and the Air Force Academy from the summit.
The Donuts: Sample the donuts at the summit visitors center; frying at the high elevation requires a special recipeadapted to cook in the thin air. They are yummy!
The Descent: What goes up must come down. The drive downhilldrops over 4,700 vertical feet in 19 miles.
About 2/3 of the way down, there’s a required brake check station. If your brakes are too hot, you must pull over and let them cool before continuing.
Ride the Cog: Instead of driving, ride the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world’s highest cog railroad. The 3.5 hour round-trip journey takes you to the summit for a 40-minute stay, then back down to Manitou Springs.
The harrowing course has 156 turns over a 12.42-mile course, beginning at 9,300 feet and ending at the summit of 14,115 feet. Because of the rapidly changing weather, the race has earned the name “The Race to the Clouds.”
Not to be outdone, cyclists compete in the Broadmoor Cycle to the Summit, a 12.5 mile course. This year’s race is August 9.
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Known for its dramatic and colorful rock fins and spires, Garden of the Gods was our first mapping project back in our field camp days. This National Natural Landmark is a must-see geo-site if you are in the Colorado Springs area.
Geology: The towering fins of sedimentary rock are composed of material eroded from the Ancestral Rocky Mountains. The main formations are:
The coarse red sandstone and conglomerate of the Fountain Formation, dating from the Pennsylvanian period, 200 million years old, which formed as part of vast river systems.
The Lyons Sandstone, 300–260 million years old, which today forms the largest red and white outcrops, was deposited in an arid, dune environment.
Dolomite and shale of the Lykins Formation dating from the Permian-Triassic periods, 260–250 million years old, were deposited in a tidal flat or lagoon.
Tectonics: Uplift and tilting during the Laramide Orogeny formed the vertical orientation of the rock layers. Faulting contributed to the uplift and exposure of the rocks.
Erosion: Wind, water, and freeze-thaw eroded and sculpted the rock layers, a process that continues today.
Visiting Tips: Located at the edge of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods is easily accessible and free.
In the summer, arrive early to park. Start at the Visitor and Nature Center to view the educational exhibits and see the short movie.
There are hiking trails for everyone — the 1.5-mile Perkins Central Garden Trail is paved and wheelchair friendly, and leads to the Kissing Camels landform.
The easy .5-mile Siamese Twins trail leads to an iconic rock window through which you can view Pikes Peak.
There are longer and more difficult hikes throughout the park. Bring water and be prepared for the altitude.
Climbing: Technical rock climbing is available, but a permit is required. Bouldering is allowed in certain areas.
For History Lovers: The Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site, located adjacent to Garden of the Gods, is a living history museum showcasing the history of the Colorado Springs area.
The site includes a Native American interpretive area, a homestead cabin, the 19th century Rock Ledge house, a blacksmith shop, and the early 20th century Orchard House.
Where to Eat: Enjoy bison burgers or the bison chili at the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, which has a nice outdoor eating area. In nearby Old Colorado City, stop for a brew at OCC Brewing.
Another cool stop: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention The Michael Garman Museum and Gallery in Old Colorado City. We stumbled across this gem.
The museum features an entire city constructed in miniature, including scenes done with mirrors and video. Visitors complete a scavenger hunt, so you observe all the tiny details.
Next week, I’ll continue with my Colorado Springs geo-recommendations!
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