Dotsero
Crater Small Colorado community located at a volcanic maar
A small Colorado community beside the Dotsero volcanic maar; geology enthusiasts come to inspect the volcanic feature and visitors access nearby river recreation.
Dotsero is the site of Colorado’s youngest volcano, located adjacent to the small community of Dotsero in western Colorado. The volcanic center last erupted in the Holocene, roughly 4,200 years ago.
The site preserves a cinder cone and associated maar, with basaltic lava flows exposed in places near the Colorado River and transportation corridors. Because it sits very close to Interstate 70 and the river corridor, the volcanic features are relatively accessible for observation from nearby roads and viewing points.
The volcanic complex formed during a Holocene eruption that produced explosive maar activity and nearby cinder-cone construction, followed by basaltic lava flows. The eruption is the most recent known volcanic activity in the state.
Dotsero lies in western Colorado along the Colorado River and the I-70 corridor, near the community of Dotsero at a transportation junction in the region.
- Age and significance: considered the youngest known volcano in Colorado, with its most recent eruption about 4,200 years ago.
- Features to see: visible volcanic features include a small cinder cone, a maar, and a basaltic lava flow near the Colorado River corridor.
How to Get to Dotsero #
Dotsero lies along Interstate 70 near the junction with State Highway 82 in western Colorado. The nearest larger service towns with full amenities are Glenwood Springs to the west and Gypsum to the east. The site is primarily reached by car; check local road conditions in winter.
Tips for Visiting Dotsero #
- If exploring the volcanic area, check weather and road reports-high winds and winter snow can close nearby routes.
- Dotsero has geological interest; bring a field guide or download a USGS map to understand the volcanic deposits visible from roadside pullouts.
- Fuel up in Glenwood Springs or nearby towns-services close quickly in this part of Colorado.
Best Time to Visit Dotsero #
Summer and early autumn offer the most reliable access; winters are picturesque but can be logistically difficult.
Weather & Climate near Dotsero #
Dotsero's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -14°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -12°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 8°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of -5°C. The driest month with just 22 mm.
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May
May is cold with highs of 19°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.
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June
June is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 37 mm of rain.
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August
August is cool with highs of 28°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 7°C and lows of -8°C. Light rainfall.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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