By Susan Berg
Though Steamboat Springs is most well known for its eponymous hot springs, the town also is home to a number of other interesting geologic features.
Hot Springs
The geologic feature that Steamboat Springs is most known for is its hot springs. The Old Town Hot Springs are located in the downtown area, and the Strawberry Park Hot Springs are located about seven miles outside of Steamboat Springs. Hot springs in Steamboat include Iron Spring, Sulphur Spring, Sweetwater/Lake Spring, Steamboat Spring, Black Sulphur Spring, Heart Spring lap pool, Narcissus/Terrace Spring, Lithia Spring and Sulphur Cave Spring.
Rabbit Ears Pass
Rabbit Ears Pass is located in Routt National Forest, just above the town of Steamboat Springs. It is named for a volcanic outcrop atop Rabbit Ears Peak that looks like a set of rabbit ears. The pass sits atop the Continental Divide at an elevation of 9,426 feet.
Mount Werner
The elevation of Mount Werner is 10,565 feet. Mount Werner is part of the Rocky Mountains Park range. Steamboat Mountain resort operates its ski area on a portion of Mount Werner.
Yampa Valley
Steamboat Springs is located in the upper Yampa river valley. The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River, which drains into the Colorado River.
Rock Types
Types of rock found in Steamboat Springs include Precambrian metamorphic rocks, schist, gneiss, amphibolite, quartz and feldspar. Volcanic rock is also found in the area, particularly along Rabbit Ears Peak.
About the Author:
A writer and editor based in southeastern Wyoming, Susan Berg has over ten years of experience in the field. Berg earned a Master of Arts degree in journalism from Indiana University and a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Dayton. Her work has been published in the "Dayton Daily News" and online at websites including BiologyBiozine.com, Wcities.com, Trails.com, Travels.com and eHow.com.
