A Guided Geology Hike to Tava Sandstone and Ancient Snowball Earth

A special Event of the 2025

Note: the hike will be in Seven Falls, but participants will meet at Cheyenne Mountain Library parking lot (see below).

Sandstone is a familiar rock in Colorado Springs parks. We are accustomed to the colorful orange and red rocky fins of Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon, that formed by action of wind, streams, or beaches. This hike will visit one extraordinary sandstone that is overlooked by many but is underfoot on local trails.

The Tava sandstone is a product of an overpressured sand+water mix that was forced into fissures in Pikes Peak Granite. It forms sedimentary dikes! The overpressure event happened at a time when Earth was entirely covered in glacial ice: the period known as Snowball Earth. Hikers who join this trip will see the marvelous, unique features of Tava sandstone that suggest the presence of a regional ice sheet in our area, that was beginning to melt.

Important terms of participation: The group’s access to Seven Falls is limited to the lower canyon between the Seven Falls Entrance Gate and The Outpost Gift Shop. Participants will park offsite (see below), stay together during the guided hike, and respect the terms of Seven Falls access provided by The Broadmoor.Distance 1.0 miles total (out and back), with stops for presentation and discussion.Conditions: Smooth pavement within the Park. Participants must have ability to climb in and out of a 12-passenger van, to be used for transportation over a short distance to the starting point of the hike.Open to: 10 years old and up.Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (including short drive in van transportation provided). Meeting time: 7:30 am.Meeting place: Parking area next to Cheyenne Mountain Library at 1785 South 8th Street. Transportation will be provided by passenger van to the starting point for the Tava hike (where there is no parking). Participants will leave their own cars in the lot by the Library during the outing. After the hike, participants will be driven back to the meeting point and their vehicles.

Host: Colorado College Geology Department & Broadmoor Seven Falls

Pre-registration required, free. Ages 10+, minors welcome with parent, 18 maximum

Host or Publisher Colorado Springs Cool Science Festival