COLORADO ROCKS

"To discover the geologic novelties of the Centennial State, all that is required is a good map, a sense of adventure, and Colorado Rocks, a guide to 50 of the most compelling geologic sites in Colorado. The well-chosen destinations span the state's geologic history from Precambrian rocks of the Black Canyon to the modern shifting landscape of the Great Sand Dunes. Many of these sites are on every geologist's bucket list. The Great Unconformity, a famous geologic feature tucked away in remote locations in other western states, pops up at seven sites and in many cases is not even the site's main focus. The K-Pg boundary that marks the asteroid impact that ended the reign of the dinosaurs is also here, as are insects exquisitely preserved at Florissant Fossil Beds, the pure white marble used in the Lincoln Memorial, mysterious Unaweep Canyon that lacks a river, and colorful mounds of silicious sinter at Pagosa Springs. Rocks are more readily accessible in Colorado than anywhere else in North America because some of the continent's biggest rivers-the Colorado, Rio Grande, Arkansas, and Platte-claim the towering peaks as their headwaters and cut deep canyons through the ancient rocks. In the 1800s prospectors found an abundance of precious metals in the mountains. Their camps soon became towns, and narrow wagon roads became major highways that now permit easy access to Colorado's fascinating geology. With beautiful photographs and informative figures and maps, this guidebook will help you select a destination and head for the door"--