La Garita Caldera

La Garita Caldera is a supervolcano depression in southwestern Colorado that extends across much of Mineral County. The area today shows rounded hills, open valleys, and rock walls shaped by millions of years of erosion.

The volcano erupted around 28 million years ago in a massive explosion that spread a thick layer of volcanic deposits across what is now the southwestern United States. Geologists recognized the true extent of this structure only in the second half of the 20th century through new mapping techniques.

Native American tribes utilized the surrounding lands for hunting activities before European settlement, leaving artifacts throughout the volcanic region.

The area is most accessible from late spring to early autumn when roads at higher elevations are clear of snow. Local visitor centers nearby offer maps and orientation for hikers exploring the terrain.

The eruption ejected material that can now be seen in places like the Wheeler Geologic Area, where wind and weather carved bizarre towers from hardened ash. These formations look like an abandoned castle made of pale, brittle stone.

Location: Mineral County

GPS coordinates: 37.75639,-106.93417

Latest update: December 4, 2025 23:06