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Geneva Creek Iron Fens - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

Lake/ River/ Ponds
Outdoors - Other
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About Geneva Creek Iron Fens

The Geneva Creek Iron Fens are a unique ecological feature of the central Rocky Mountains. Formed by the interaction of groundwater with iron-rich rocks, the high iron content gives the fens its distinctive red color. The fens are home to a diverse array of plants and animals. The area is also an important source of drinking water for humans and wildlife.
Address : Dillon, CO 80435, USA

Hotels near Geneva Creek Iron Fens

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Things to Do at Geneva Creek Iron Fens

Geneva Creek Iron Fens is a beautiful place to explore nature. Apart from the iron fens, there are hiking trails, small waterfalls, and a creek to explore here. Visitors can also learn about the iron fens and how they were formed. The place is relatively unknown to most hikers but it is a must-visit due to its otherworldly feel.

The unique geological process and the mineral content create a colorful series of ledges that cut into the creek bed. Colorful mosses, plants, and small waterfalls shape the unique geological formation. They are actually quite massive in size too.

The fens are hidden at the end of a long and difficult dirt road but the hike to the place itself is rather easy. Once you reach the place, the colorful peaks of the Geneva Basin that is in the backdrop add to the charm of the fens. 

The hike starts through the dirt road into a meadow, at the end of which, on a deep slope is Geneva creek which has a deep brown and red colored water. After crossing the creek into an uphill slope, visitors will soon start to see wetlands through the opening in the trees. And at the end of the road is the fens, which is extremely difficult not to notice.


Top Activities Near Geneva Creek Iron Fens

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History of Geneva Creek Iron Fens

Geneva Creek Iron Fens is an area of peat-forming wetlands that receives nutrients from upslope mineral soils and groundwater movement. The geological process forming the fen begins with a spring flowing over highly fractured and mineralized bedrock rich in pyrites, producing extremely mineral-rich water. This process produces limonite(iron saturated peat) ledges and terraces that visitors see in Geneva Creek Iron Fens.


Best Time to Visit Geneva Creek Iron Fens

The Geneva Creek Iron Fens are a natural wonder in Colorado. The fens, which are rare wetland ecosystems, are home to a variety of plant and animal life. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the fens in all their glory, the best time to visit is during the summer months. From June to August, the water level in the fens is at its highest, and the plants are lush and green. During this time of year, you're also likely to see more wildlife.


Tips for Visiting Geneva Creek Iron Fens

  1. Remember that you are visiting a fragile ecosystem, so stick to the established trails.
  2. The Geneva Creek Iron Fens are located in a remote area, so make sure to plan your visit in advance and be prepared for a long drive.
  3. Shoes with good traction - The ground can be slippery, so be sure to wear shoes with good traction.

Interesting Facts and Trivias About Geneva Creek Iron Fens

  1. Iron fens get its name from the high concentration of iron in the soil. This iron gives the area its distinctive brown and red color.

How Much Time Did Visitors Spend at Geneva Creek Iron Fens

For the average person, the Geneva Creek Iron Fens in Colorado is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are plenty of things to see and do, and the scenery is simply stunning. The area is full of hiking trails, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring the area. In addition, the meadows are perfect for a picnic, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy a leisurely meal.


How to Reach Geneva Creek Iron Fens

From Denver, drive in the direction of Bailey and reach Geneva Park Campground to start the hike to the Geneva Creek Iron Fens. From Geneva Park Campground, hike to the Shelf lake trailhead, and then the trail to the fens is further up. You can also cover most of the trail with a good 4-wheel drive vehicle.


Entrance Fee of Geneva Creek Iron Fens

There is no entrance fee for Geneva Creek Iron Fens. However, there are some fees to access the Geneva Park Campground.


Opening Hours of Geneva Creek Iron Fens

There is no entrance fee for Geneva Creek Iron Fens. However, there are some fees to access the Geneva Park Campground.


Attractions Near Geneva Creek Iron Fens

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Webster PassWebster Pass is a high mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The pass is located in the Front Range, south of the town of Breckenridge and north of the town of Alma. It is traversed by State Highway 9. The pass sits at an elevation of 12,095 feet and provides spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The area around Webster Pass is popular for hiking, camping, and fishing. The pass is also popular with skiers and snowboarders in the winter.
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Square Top MountainSquare Top Mountain is the 111th highest peak in Colorado. Situated in Colorado's Front Range, near Guanella Pass, Square Top lies midway between the 14er duos of Evans-Bierstadt and Grays-Torreys. Overshadowed by these loftier neighbors, Square Top attracts relatively little traffic from alpine travelers.
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Argentine PassArgentine Pass is a high mountain pass in Summit County, Colorado. It is the highest paved pass in the Rockies. The pass provides access to the valley of the Blue River from the west. The pass was used by Native Americans and early settlers as a shortcut between the Platte and Arkansas rivers. Today, the pass is popular with hikers, cyclists, and skiers. Argentine Pass is also one of the few places in Colorado where you can drive across the Continental Divide.
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Grays PeakGrays Peak is the tenth-highest summit of the Rocky Mountains of North America and the U.S. Like the other fourteeners nearby, Grays Peak is considered to be an easy hike by fourteener standards, and is very popular among weekend climbers. Often a climb to the summit of Grays Peak is accompanied by continuing on to Torreys Peak, less than a mile away.Wildlife in the area includes, mountain goat, pika, cougar or mountain lion, mule deer, elk and so more.
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Mount EdwardsMount Edwards is a high mountain summit in the Rocky Mountains' Front Range of North America. The 13,856-foot thirteener is located in Arapaho National Forest, 7.6 miles southwest of the Town of Georgetown, Colorado, United States, on the Continental Divide between Clear Creek and Summit counties.
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Torreys PeakTorreys Peak is a mountain in the Front Range region of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. It is one of 53 fourteeners in Colorado.There are three main trails used to reach the summit. The first is actually a continuation of Grays Peak Trail to the summit of Grays Peak, which starts in Stevens Gulch.

Discover More Attractions in Clear Creek County, Home of Geneva Creek Iron Fens

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Clear Creek County
Clear Creek County is a county located in the U.S. state of Colorado. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,397. The county seat is Georgetown. It is a perfect place for mountain adventure activities, family fun, nature, and beauty.

Location of Geneva Creek Iron Fens


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