Fish Canyon Tuff

Fish Canyon Tuff is a volcanic formation in Colorado made of compacted ash and volcanic rock that spreads across the landscape. The deposits display layered structures and varied textures that reflect the intensity of the original eruption.

This volcanic formation was created about 28 million years ago by a massive eruption from La Garita Caldera. The eruption released enormous volumes of volcanic material that spread across the region and hardened over time.

Scientific researchers and geology students regularly visit the formation to study volcanic processes and collect rock samples for laboratory analysis.

The formation is accessible via marked trails that allow visitors to view the geological structures up close. Spring and fall offer the best conditions with moderate temperatures for extended outdoor exploration.

The tuff layers contain crystals and other minerals that reveal remarkable details about conditions during the eruption when examined closely. These tiny witnesses allow scientists to piece together the intensity and temperature of the original blast.