The Geologic Column.

The Geologic Column

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Looking at the Geologic Column, an exposed cliff face showing various strata of colorful rocks, you might say to yourself, "Wow, nature made that so clear and easy to understand!" Except that nature didn't make it; the Geologic Column was built by humans in 1907 as a cliff-face layer cake "calendar" to show other humans just how far back in time Colorado's rocks go.

The Geologic Column was the brainstorm of engineer Edmond van Diest and Colorado College geology professor George Finley, and was designed to appeal to the expertise of local residents, many of whom had come to Colorado Springs as miners. At the bottom is granite, sandstones are the middle, and shale is on the top. It was originally an accessory to the real attraction: a little man-made waterfall in the notch next to it. But the waterfall was turned off in 1956, and now only the Geologic Column remains.

The Geologic Column

Monument Valley Park

Address:: 1900 Culebra Ave., Colorado Springs, CO
Directions:: Monument Valley Park. I-25 exit 145. Turn east onto W. Fillmore St. Drive about one mile. Turn right at the stoplight onto N. Nevada Ave. Drive one mile. Turn right at the stoplight onto Fontanero St. Drive until the street bends sharply left. Park in the spaces on the right. Head down the hill into the park to the left. At the bottom of the hill make a sharp right and you will see it about 100 yards ahead. There are no signs directing you.

Nearby Offbeat Places

Uncle Wilber Fountain, Colorado Springs, CO - 2 mi.

Octo-Maid: Metal Mermaid, Colorado Springs, CO - 2 mi.

Humpty Dumpty Brothers, Colorado Springs, CO - 2 mi.

In the region:

Mechanical Horse Race, Manitou Springs, CO - 5 mi.

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