<\/p>\n
A unique geologic and pungent attraction beckons visitors traveling up the West Dolores Road in the San Juan National Forest.<\/p>\n
The newly improved Geyser Spring Trail (No. 648) leads hikers through pine, spruce, and aspen forests for 1.25 miles to a warm sulphur spring. It is located two miles south of Dunton, and 19 miles from Colorado 145.<\/p>\n
The trailhead was recently realigned to better accommodate hikers and a nearby landowner. A new wooden bridge was installed across the Westfork River, and there is an improved parking area.<\/p>\n
\u201cWere really excited about it,\u201d said Toni Kelly, director of visitor services for Dolores Public Lands Center. \u201cWe used to not advertise the trail because it was on a dangerous corner and access was an issue, but now we encourage people to check it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the pavement ends on the West Dolores Road (FS 535), travel eight miles of narrow gravel road to the spacious parking area and the trailhead bridge.<\/p>\n
Follow the smell of the geyser (a little like rotten eggs) along a trail that passes through wildflower meadows and aspen groves, with views of red-rock cliffs of the nearby river valley.<\/p>\n
The trail crosses Geyser Creek twice and switch backs past some old mines. It then drops down to the creek and ends at a burbling pool of milky water surrounded by ferns.<\/p>\n
The hot-tub size spring erupts into a roiling cauldron of sulphur gas about every 40 minutes, and then disipates after 10 minutes. It is reported to be the only naturally occurring geyser in Colorado.<\/p>\n
We\u2019re not talking Old Faithful here by any stretch of the imagination. But it is worth the time and much fly swatting to see the show.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a unique sight to see it erupt and overflow into the creek,\u201d Kelly said.<\/p>\n
Some visitors may choose to soak in the sulphur spring, which has a temperature of 82 degrees and is thought to have healing qualities.<\/p>\n
Forest officials warn hikers to avoid abandoned mines along the trail because of the toxic hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) that has been detected.<\/p>\n
\u201cH2S gas occurs in old mines and can be released in the oil and gas fields as well,\u201d said Chris Bouton, a trails specialist. \u201cIt is toxic to humans, so the old mines should not be approached in that area, or anywhere for that matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Signs warning of the gas, which can be deadly, are posted near the mines.<\/p>\n
Dead rodents and birds have been documented near a mine entrance not far from the Geyser Spring Trail, a sign of H2S.<\/p>\n
The Geyser trail has been a headache for the forest service and the neighboring Griffith Estate. The trail had crossed private land on an established forest service trail easement that utilized a private bridge. But the landowner filed a lawsuit to have the trail moved in 2010.<\/p>\n
The forest service settled out of court and relocated the trail a quarter mile to the south. A new parking lot was built and a rock path was built to cross the river, but it was too dangerous during high water.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a bit perilous to get across, so it was determined that a new bridge would be installed,\u201d said district ranger Derek Padilla.<\/p>\n
The old easement crossing private land will be abandoned, he said. The landowner negotiated a new easement to accommodate for the new parking lot location and also chipped in $10,000 toward the new bridge.<\/p>\n
Construction costs were $95,000, with the bulk of the funds coming from a Go Colorado Recreation Grant.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt came out great,\u201d Padilla said. The wooden bridge is aesthetically pleasing and the new trailhead adds to the area.\u201d<\/p>\n