Entry No. 53 — the Durango file — filed under: geyser

Geyser Spring Trail

Colorado's only active geyser sits at the end of a 1.5-mile hike through San Juan National Forest, erupting every 30-40 minutes into a milky turquoise pool — and the carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide venting from the ground means you can't actually get close to it, which is somehow the most honest thing about the place. The trail runs between the small town of Dolores and the ghost-town of Dunton, putting you in the company of hot-spring remnants and old mining-era weirdness the whole way. Watch the pool burp and hiss from a respectful distance while the sulfur smell does the rest of the atmosphere work.

The move: Drive out from Durango on a weekday morning, time your arrival to catch at least one full eruption cycle, and pack lunch to eat at the trailhead before the ghost-town of Dunton tempts you into a detour.

📍 Before you go Trailhead accessed via Forest Road 535 off CO-145 near Dolores; high-clearance vehicle recommended on the forest road. The trail is roughly 1.5 miles one-way with moderate elevation gain. No barriers at the spring itself — stay back from the pool edge due to toxic gas emissions. Snow can close the access road from late fall through spring.

• 📍 Dolores
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.

⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-21