Dotsero Crater

Dotsero Crater

Dotsero is a 700 meter wide by 400 meter deep maar volcano (broad, low relief crater). Erupting approximately 4200 years ago, it is the youngest volcano in Colorado. It is currently dormant.

This Holocene volcano erupted in the year 2220 BCE, give or take 300 years. When Dotsero blew, it created small scoria cones that were constructed along a NNE-SSW line on either side of the maar. The eruption date is based upon radiocarbon dating of wood found underneath some of the scoria.

It is one of the youngest eruptions in the continental U.S. and it produced an explosion crater, a lahar, and a 3-kilometer (1.9 mi) long lava flow.

Interstate 70 cuts across the lava flow.

Location

Dotsero, Eagle County
Colorado, USA

Getting There

Dotsero Crater is a volcanic crater located in western Colorado, USA. Here are some possible ways to get there:

By car: Dotsero Crater is located off of I-70 between Glenwood Springs and Eagle. Take exit 133 for Dotsero and follow the signs to the crater.

By bus: Greyhound and other bus companies offer service to nearby towns, such as Glenwood Springs and Eagle. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Dotsero Crater.

By plane: The closest airport is Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE), located about 20 miles from Dotsero Crater. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the crater.

By train: Amtrak offers service to Glenwood Springs, which is about 30 miles from Dotsero Crater. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to the crater.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in Colorado that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.