Dotsero Crater

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.

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.

• 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.