Geneva Creek Iron Fens - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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