Full Title: FT26CN412. Proterozoic Metamorphism and Deformation of the Colorado Front Range: Crustal assembly to intracontinental reworking.
Price: US$85 for non-members; US$75 for professional members; US$45 for student members; US$60 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Ian Hillenbrand; Amy Gilmer; Alexander Lusk
Endorser(s): GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division; GSA Geochronology Division; GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division; Colorado Scientific Society
CEUs: 1.0
Date(s): Sat., 10 Oct. 2026
Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 6 p.m.
Description: The Proterozoic rocks of Colorado’s Front Range are a world-class example of accretionary orogenesis and subsequent intracontinental reworking. This one-day pre-meeting trip will examine key exposures that record nearly a billion years of tectonic history, from Paleoproterozoic arc accretion through Mesoproterozoic magmatism and deformation.
Participants will explore evidence for multiple tectonometamorphic events preserved in Front Range rocks and discuss how recent advances in petrochronology and tectonic modeling are reshaping our understanding of Proterozoic crustal assembly. The trip provides field context for the companion technical session “Proterozoic Tectonics of Western Laurentia.”
Departing Denver at approximately 8:00 a.m., we will visit four stops in the Front Range west of the city, highlighting Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks, as well as fabrics and mineral assemblages associated with ca. 1.7 and 1.4 Ga deformation and metamorphism, including shear zones that record polyphase deformation. We will return to Denver by approximately 6:00 p.m.
The trip is designed to be accessible to participants at all career stages, including students, with introductory discussions at each stop to provide context for the complex geologic history. Leaders will provide a field guide for use during the trip.
Considerations: Physical requirements for this trip include moderate activity. Participants should be comfortable standing and walking on uneven, rocky terrain for extended periods (30–60 minutes per stop). Total walking distance is approximately 1–2 miles over the course of the day, with some elevation gain as we travel into the Front Range (up to approximately 8,500 ft). No technical climbing or scrambling is required, but sturdy, closed-toe footwear with good traction is essential.
Stops will include roadside outcrops and short walks on unpaved surfaces, where ground conditions may be uneven, rocky, or sloped, and may involve loose gravel or minor obstacles.
October weather in the Colorado Front Range can be variable, with temperatures ranging from the 30s to 60s °F and conditions that may change rapidly at elevation; layered clothing, rain gear, and sun protection are recommended.
Transportation will be by passenger vans, with approximately 3–4 hours total time in vehicles. Restroom access will be limited, though comfort stops will be made in towns along the route when possible. Participants should bring sufficient water for the day (recommended 2+ liters) and snacks.
Cost includes ground transportation, lunch, snacks, and water.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip. This field trip is in conjunction with GSA Connects 2026. Learn more here.
For member type discounts please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Students and Early Career Professionals can apply for funding here.
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Product Code: FT26CN412
Product Category: FTRIP
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