Full Title: FT26CN420. Fourmile Creek: Exploring mountain watershed dynamics from Pikes Peak to Cañon City.
Price: US$125 for non-members; US$105 for professional members; US$65 for student members; US$90 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Randy Stotler; Marcia Schulmeister
CEUs: 1.40
Date(s): Thu., 15 Oct. 2026
Departing Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time: 8 a.m.
End Time: 10 p.m.
Description: Water resources in the mountain west are stressed, with reduced snowfall, increasing population, and persistent water quality issues. The Fourmile Creek watershed stretches from the top of Colorado’s Front Range to arid canyons before it exits to the plains, and provides an excellent opportunity to examine these issues.
The field trip will explore the evolution of Fourmile Creek, from its Pikes Peak headwaters to its confluence with the Arkansas River. We will investigate headwater dynamics along part of the Gold Belt Scenic Byway in the Cripple Creek and Victor mining district and explore the legacy of historic underground and modern open-pit/heap-leach mining. Where Cripple Creek joins Fourmile Creek and enters canyon country, we will assess neutral mine drainage effects on water quality and quantity.
We’ll travel along the historic and steep Shelf Road wagon supply route and visit exotic streams, phreatophytes, irrigation systems, and examine the fate of mining-derived and geogenic chemical constituents in surface water and groundwater. Downstream stops will feature academic, cultural, and historic points of interest, such as the University of Kansas Harrison Field Station, markers of early explorers, and the Garden Park fossil area, which is known for the classic Bone Wars of the late nineteenth century. The trip ends at the Arkansas River in Cañon City, with an optional dinner stop at a local Cañon City brewpub.
Considerations: This field trip includes approximately 4 to 5 hours of travel by van, with multiple roadside and short walking stops. Most locations are easily accessible from parking areas, though participants should be prepared for brief walks on uneven terrain, including gravel, dirt paths, and low-relief outcrops. Elevations range from approximately 11,000 to 5,000 feet, and participants should be aware of potential altitude effects.
Weather in Colorado can be variable, with strong sun, wind, or rapid temperature changes possible. Participants should dress in layers, wear sturdy footwear, and bring water, sunscreen, and hats. Restroom facilities will be available at select stops and lunch locations, with additional restroom opportunities available at several locations along the route. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch, but there will be access to a convenient shop at one location. Attendees will be asked to pay for their own dinner at a local restaurant prior to the return trip to Denver.
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: FT26CN420
Product Category: FTRIP
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