Have you been to Wheeler Geologic Area? Have you even heard of Wheeler Geologic area? This natural wonder in Colorado is a hidden gem, and it's under the radar even for most Coloradans. However, it's one spot that you absolutely should not miss when going deep into the Colorado backcountry.

Wheeler Geologic Area is not at all like anywhere else in our great state, and it's certainly worth the trek to go see it, if you can. Best of all, it's absolutely free to visit!

There's so much beauty in Colorado, and so much of it is so varied. We have mountains, rivers, canyons, glaciers, caves, sand dunes, and so much more. Wheeler Geologic Area, however, is quite unusual. In many ways, it looks like a place that would be more at home in Utah, Arizona, or New Mexico than in Colorado, and although its somewhat close in distance from all three of those states, it's actually a bit further inward into the heart of south-central Colorado - and is not far from the town of Creede.

Wheeler Geologic Area is officially named for Captain George Wheeler who surveyed the area for the U.S. Army in 1874. However, it has had many names over the years including "The City of Gnomes," "White Shrouded Ghosts," and "Dante's Lost Souls." All of these nicknames are, without a doubt, quite fitting for the unique rock formations found there.

Best described as an eroded outcropping of layers of compacted volcanic ash - also known as volcanic tuff - this small-but-breathtaking site is located in the Rio Grande National Forest. The ash descended on this area after several eruptions from the La Garita Caldera about 25 to 30 million years ago when the surrounding San Juan Mountains were formed. Since then, wind and rain has slowly eroded the hardened ash to create interesting rock formations that will amaze you.

It's no surprise that this natural area is a standout in the aptly named Mineral County. The towering needles and spires found here are reminiscent of Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park combined with South Dakota's Custer State Park - but are different enough from both of those places to be entirely unique, too. They'll truly take your breath away, and you'll love exploring this area.

That is, if your breath isn't already taken away by your journey to reach it! The trek to this natural site is not for everyone. There are two ways to get there, and both are quite long (but worth it). You can reach the site by taking a nine mile one way hike on the quiet East Bellows Trail, or by following a 4WD road for 14 miles. For the most part, these hikes include a lot of flat terrain en route. But, the geologic area itself is located at an elevation of 11,960 feet, so these hikes are best attempted by people who are familiar with hiking in higher elevations. Of course, if you have a high clearance, 4WD vehicle or ATV, and are okay with very slow going over extremely rough and rocky terrain, you can try driving there as well.

To even further illustrate the remoteness of this natural wonder, it's interesting to note that on December 7, 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt designated this site as Wheeler National Monument - thereby making it the first national monument in the Centennial State. At that time, it was the second most popular tourist attraction in Colorado! However, due to the fact that it's quite difficult to access for most, that designation was removed by President Harry Truman in 1950, and that's why it's today known instead as Wheeler Geologic Area rather than as the national monument it once was. Today, it's maintained and managed by the National Forest Service, rather than by the National Parks Service.

It's possible to visit Wheeler Geologic Area as a day hiker if you start early enough and don't dawdle. However, most people familiar with the area recommend an overnight stay near the site. Dispersed camping is allowed nearby, but no camping or fires are allowed in the geologic area itself. Be sure to Leave No Trace and pack out what you bring in. Be safe, and have a great time. Be sure to bring your camera and take lots of pictures. Wheeler Geologic Area is a Colorado gem that you'll adore and you're sure to never forget!