Full Title: FT26CN415. Diachronous exhumation on Colorado's High Plains and Rocky Mountains.
Price: US$580 for non-members; US$485 for professional members; US$290 for student members; US$405 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Lon D. Abbott; Sabrina Kainz; Taran Renfrow; James R. Metcalf; Rebecca M. Flowers
Endorser(s): GSA Geochronology Division
CEUs: 2.40
Date(s): Thu.–Sat., 15–17 Oct. 2026
Departing Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time (first day): 8 a.m.
End Time (last day): 5 p.m.
Description: On this three-day trip, we will visit locations in Colorado’s High Plains and Rocky Mountains, including the iconic Spanish Peaks and the spectacular Crested Butte area, that experienced exhumation at different times during the Cenozoic, as revealed by low-temperature thermochronometry.
Miocene kilometer-scale exhumation occurred on Colorado’s southeastern High Plains, whereas the northeastern plains were unaffected; the Rockies tell a similar story. The last significant exhumation affecting much of the range occurred in the Eocene, but a 120-km-diameter region between Glenwood Springs and Gunnison experienced 3–4 km of exhumation during the Miocene.
We will examine the evidence for this diachronous exhumation and consider its broader implications. Colorado’s surface uplift history remains especially puzzling, and exhumation histories provide a key tool for testing competing hypotheses for the anomalously high elevation of both the Colorado Rockies and High Plains. We will compare the timing and spatial patterns of surface uplift predicted by these hypotheses with observed exhumation histories to distinguish viable models from those that are less consistent with the data.
Co-led by early-career scientists whose undergraduate research contributed to identifying diachronous exhumation, this trip will begin with visits to Boulder and the Spanish Peaks on Day 1 to contrast northeastern and southeastern High Plains exhumation histories.
We will stay in La Veta, with time available for discussion of local geoheritage initiatives. On Day 2, we will explore the Crested Butte region, examining a 120-km-scale dome of Miocene exhumation, with an overnight stay in Crested Butte. On Day 3, we will return to Denver, observing evidence of Eocene exhumation in the Arkansas Hills east of Salida along the way.
Considerations: This trip will consist primarily of roadside stops, with no significant hiking required. Travel between stops will include several longer drives, including approximately 3 hours from Boulder to La Veta on Day 1, 3.5 hours from La Veta to Crested Butte on Day 2, and 3 hours from near Salida back to Denver on Day 3. Portions of the route will be on well-maintained gravel roads.
Most field stops do not have restroom facilities; however, restroom breaks will be incorporated at regular intervals. Weather in Colorado’s high country in October can be highly variable, even within a single day, so participants should be prepared for a wide range of conditions, from warm, summer-like weather to winter storms.
Cost includes lodging, ground transportation, breakfast, 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: FT26CN415
Product Category: FTRIP
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