Colorado’s geological history is a story of immense forces, from ancient seabeds and volcanic eruptions to powerful erosion. The result is a landscape dotted with some of the most bizarre and beautiful rock formations in the country. While some require a grueling hike or a rough drive, the views they offer are truly worth the effort.
Here are 9 outlandish Colorado rock formations worth every mile of hiking and rough driving:
The Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (Mosca): While technically made of sand, the dunes themselves are a geological marvel. Towering up to 750 feet tall, they are the tallest dunes in North America and a surreal sight in a state known for its mountains. The sand is composed of tiny rock particles carried by ancient rivers and wind, and the “dune field” itself is an outlandish, out-of-place natural wonder that is a must-see.
Wheeler Geologic Area (Creede): Often called the “Ghost City of the San Juans,” this is arguably one of Colorado’s most remote and surreal geological wonders. It’s a vast field of volcanic tuff—hardened volcanic ash—that has been eroded by rain and wind into an otherworldly landscape of spires, pinnacles, and hoodoos. Getting there is a journey in itself, requiring a high-clearance 4×4 vehicle and a bumpy ride, followed by a hike, but it will make you feel like you’ve landed on another planet.
The Flatirons (Boulder): While not exactly a hidden gem, the Flatirons are a must-see for their sheer drama. These massive, slanted slabs of red sandstone lean precariously against the foothills of Boulder’s Front Range. Formed by ancient sand and gravel deposits that were later pushed upward and tilted, they are an iconic part of Colorado’s skyline and a popular destination for hikers and rock climbers.
The Paint Mines Interpretive Park (Calhan): Located on the plains east of Colorado Springs, the Paint Mines are a surprising and colorful wonderland. Centuries of erosion have carved the sandstone and clay into a labyrinth of spires and hoodoos, all streaked with vibrant colors—pinks, yellows, purples, and reds—from various minerals. The colors were used by Native Americans for paint and pottery for centuries. The easy hiking trails make this a surreal and accessible destination.
Rattlesnake Canyon Arches (Fruita): Found in the Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, this area has the second-highest concentration of natural arches in the country, after Arches National Park. The hike to get there is challenging, but the reward is a spectacular view of stunning arches, spires, and alcoves. The trail is remote and unmarked in some areas, so a sense of adventure and good navigational skills are required.
Pancake Rocks (Divide): The Pancake Rocks Trail is a challenging but popular hike that leads to a bizarre collection of rock formations. True to their name, these rocks look like gigantic, stacked pancakes, with layers of rock resting precariously on top of each other. The hike is steep and long, but the views of the formations and the surrounding landscape make it a rewarding trek.
Pawnee Buttes (Nunn): In the middle of the Great Plains in northeast Colorado, the Pawnee Buttes rise dramatically from the otherwise flat prairie. These two massive, flat-topped buttes were formed by layers of sedimentary rock that have resisted erosion. They are an important landmark for both their geological significance and as a nesting site for a variety of birds of prey. The hike to the buttes is relatively easy and offers a striking view of this environmental juxtaposition.
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs): This National Natural Landmark is a geological marvel. Towering red rock formations, including “Balanced Rock” and “Kissing Camels,” jut out of the ground at incredible angles. The park is a testament to the dramatic forces of the Pikes Peak region, with the striking red sandstone cliffs contrasting beautifully with the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Its accessibility makes it a very popular stop for visitors.
The Spanish Peaks (Walsenburg): Known for their impressive dikes, the Spanish Peaks are a stunning geological feature in southern Colorado. The dikes are walls of igneous rock that radiate out from the peaks, looking like giant, solidified spokes of a wheel. These were formed when magma intruded into cracks in the sedimentary rock and later hardened. Erosion has since exposed these fascinating formations, which can be seen for miles.
Sources
[1] https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attractions-g28927-Activities-c57-t59-Colorado.html
[2] http://www.gohikecolorado.com/hikes-with-rock-formations.html
[3] https://science.du.edu/news/geology-experts-guide-colorados-coolest-rock-formations
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/coloradohikers/comments/18kle1e/most_uniquecraziest_peaksrock_formations_in/
[5] https://arkansasrivertours.com/top-5-garden-of-the-gods-hikes/
