Did You Know that Colorado is Home to a Geyser?

The state of Colorado certainly lives up to its reputation as an outdoor playground for numerous reasons, many of which include amazing hikes. However, a handful of these popular hikes have a different, somewhat dangerous allure to them.

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One trip up into the mountains leads to something that could be considered highly dangerous should you approach it incorrectly - a phenomenon that has been given the title of the only real-life geyser in Colorado.

Colorado Hike Leads to the State's Only Geyser

Naturally, when one thinks of geysers in the United States, the first destination that comes to mind is Yellowstone, primarily due to the world-famous Old Faithful.

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However, just outside of the small mountain town of Dolores, Colorado, sits what is considered the only real-life geyser in the state.

The geyser is said to erupt every 30 to 40 minutes, reaching boiling temperatures as frequently as every 12 to 15 minutes.

While beautiful, geysers can be dangerous. In addition to reaching boiling temperatures, these natural phenomena are known to emit potentially dangerous gases such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

In fact, human exposure to these gases via a geyser such as Colorado's could result in serious consequences including loss of consciousness and, in severe cases, even death.

It's because of these dangers that swimming in Colorado's geyser is highly discouraged.

However, the 1.3-mile hike from the parking lot to the sole geyser in Colorado is an unforgettable endeavor when proper caution is exercised.