San Juan National Forest
Mancos - Dolores Ranger District

ACCESS: Travel 13 mi. north from Dolores on Colo. Hwy 145 and turn northwest (left) onto FS #535 (W. Dolores Rd.). Continue about 23.3 mi. to the trailhead, located about 2.2 mi. south of Dunton. Roadside parking is available just below a private residence to the southeast. The trailhead begins at the parking area.

DIRECTIONS: The trail (marked #648 on the SJNF Recreation Map) crosses the W. Dolores River within 100 yds. of the trailhead. In mid-summer, the river is about 20 ft. wide and 1 ft. deep. Do not cross during high water. The first part of the trail is on private land and difficult to follow. Follow the fenceline to the creek; please do not stray from the path. The trail passes several historic mining ruins, climbing gradually for about 1 mi., ending at the only true geyser in Colorado, located at the intersection of two subterranean faults. The water bubbles for about 15 minutes in a small, oblong pool every half hour, emitting sulfur gasses. The surface temperature is 82 degrees.