Tambora. Pompeii. Mount Pinatubo. Colorado? At first glance, one may think that one of these things is not like the others, but as it turns out, they may have much more in common than we originally thought, as the Centennial State may actually be home to the world’s largest volcanic eruption:
Welcome to the jaw-dropping La Garita Caldera.
Flickr/John Fowler
Located in the La Garita Wilderness near Creede, the La Garita Caldera is home to astonishing 30-million-year-old+ volcanic remains that span an unbelievable 22 miles wide by 62 miles long.
G. Thomas/Wikimedia Commons
While the area is popular for hiking and exploring, few people realize that these volcanic remains (which manage to stay intact as they are mere specs of dust that constantly change and erode) may be that of the largest volcanic eruption in the history of the world!
Flickr/Chris
According to a report by 5280, the eruption of La Garita Caldera was the largest in the history of the world, as the volume of material ejected surpasses even the highest listing on the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Explosivity Index (VEI).
U.S. Geological Survey
Unlike more recent volcanic explosions, La Garita Caldera’s eruption (and calderas in general) occurred after pent-up pressure in a magma chamber began to overpower surrounding rocks, causing the magma to escape and for the former mountain to collapse.
Flickr/C. K. Hartman
When you visit the area today, you will discover many of the Caldera’s unique remains, as well as 175 miles of pathways, including 27 miles of both Colorado Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Flickr/John Fowler
To learn more about the must-see La Garita Caldera and surrounding La Garita Wilderness, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
Flickr/C. K. Hartman
Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more fascinating volcano history, click on Few People Realize There’s An Active Volcano Right Here In Colorado.
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Address: La Garita Caldera, Colorado 81130, USA
Welcome to the jaw-dropping La Garita Caldera.
Flickr/John Fowler
Located in the La Garita Wilderness near Creede, the La Garita Caldera is home to astonishing 30-million-year-old+ volcanic remains that span an unbelievable 22 miles wide by 62 miles long.
G. Thomas/Wikimedia Commons
While the area is popular for hiking and exploring, few people realize that these volcanic remains (which manage to stay intact as they are mere specs of dust that constantly change and erode) may be that of the largest volcanic eruption in the history of the world!
Flickr/Chris
According to a report by 5280, the eruption of La Garita Caldera was the largest in the history of the world, as the volume of material ejected surpasses even the highest listing on the U.S. Geological Survey’s Volcano Explosivity Index (VEI).
U.S. Geological Survey
Unlike more recent volcanic explosions, La Garita Caldera’s eruption (and calderas in general) occurred after pent-up pressure in a magma chamber began to overpower surrounding rocks, causing the magma to escape and for the former mountain to collapse.
Flickr/C. K. Hartman
When you visit the area today, you will discover many of the Caldera’s unique remains, as well as 175 miles of pathways, including 27 miles of both Colorado Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail.
Flickr/John Fowler
To learn more about the must-see La Garita Caldera and surrounding La Garita Wilderness, please visit the U.S. Forest Service’s website.
Flickr/C. K. Hartman
Do you have a favorite place that you would like to see featured on Only in Colorado? Nominate it here! For even more fascinating volcano history, click on Few People Realize There’s An Active Volcano Right Here In Colorado.
Flickr/John Fowler
G. Thomas/Wikimedia Commons
Flickr/Chris
U.S. Geological Survey
Flickr/C. K. Hartman
