Dotsero Crater
Dotsero Crater is a nearly intact volcanic caldera on the Eagle River corridor of western Colorado. A relatively short walk leads to dramatic views of the _Colorado River_ and surrounding mountains.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Rocky Mountains |
| Subregion | Colorado Plateau |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| County | Eagle County |
| District | Dotsero volcanic field |
| City | Eagle (nearby) |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 39.675 |
| Longitude | -106.72 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMEDotsero Crater is the visible vent of a 3,500-year-old basaltic eruption in central Colorado, lying just north of the Eagle River near Eagle and Gypsum. Its nearly circular, flat-floored depression spans about 2 miles and is best accessed via a short, paved walking trail from nearby roads. The site is popular for elevation views, short family walks, and to observe signs of its volcanic origin—such as the flat floor and gently sloping rims. Surrounding land supports a mix of forest and sagebrush, and nearby routes connect to regional trail networks and river access points. The crater itself offers a broad overlook where visitors can peer into the basin, and interpretive signs explain its geologic history and role within the ongoing tectonic and volcanic landscape of the Colorado Plateau.
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