Needle Rock Natural Area, Geological formation in Crawford, Colorado, US
Needle Rock Natural Area features a monzonite porphyry plug that rises 800 feet above the Smith Fork of the Gunnison River valley floor.
The formation emerged during the Oligocene period, approximately 28 million years ago, when magma pushed through existing sedimentary rocks in the region.
The Bureau of Land Management maintains this natural area, which stands as a testament to Colorado's geological diversity and outdoor recreation heritage.
A moderate 0.8-mile trail leads visitors through juniper and sagebrush vegetation to observation points near the base of the formation.
The rock formation reaches an elevation of 7,797 feet and represents a rare example of an exposed volcanic plug in the West Elk Mountains.
Location: Colorado
GPS coordinates: 38.72459,-107.54977
Latest update: March 17, 2025 20:09
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