Trip
Bobcats trip – Geneva Creek Iron Fens
Abandoned Sites Hike: On this discovery hike to the Geneva Creek Iron Fens, the group will explore rare, rust-colored wetlands fed by mineral-rich springs, encountering unique plant life and unusual geologic formations. The adventure will continue to the historic site of Geneva City, where they’ll examine old structures, tailings, and a mine entrance that offers a glimpse into Colorado’s mining heritage.
Contacts
- Fri, Sep 4, 2026
- Bobcats Section
- Hiking
- Adults
- Challenging
- Mileage: 10.5
- Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
- High Point Elevation: 11,784 ft
- Pace: 1.5 - 2.0 MPH
- 8 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
On this discovery hike to the Geneva Creek Iron Fens, the group will explore one of Colorado’s rarest wetland ecosystems, where mineral-rich springs create striking rust-colored terraces and support unusual plant communities found in few other places on Earth. From there, the hike will continue to the remnants of Geneva City, a once-hopeful 19th-century mining town established during Colorado’s silver boom. Though the settlement never flourished as its founders dreamed, its history lives on in the scattered cabins, weathered mining equipment, and a partially collapsed mine entrance that the group will carefully examine. Along the way, participants will gain insight into both the unique natural geology of the area and the enduring human stories etched into this high alpine landscape. Our pace will be consistent with completing this hike in a reasonable amount of time. Overall ~10 miles and ~1900 ft elevation gain. (Geneva Creek Iron Fens + - CalTopo)
Carpool Place & Time: Meet at the US 285 & Mountain View PnR at 7:00AM, for a 7:15AM departure (Us 285 & Mountain View PNR - Google Maps)
We'll carpool to the Shelf Lake TH parking lot (Shelf Lake Trailhead - Google Maps)
Required Equipment
This is a CMC Bobcats Trip. The Bobcats’ mission is to ensure a variety of adventurous CMC trips, mostly on weekdays, all year long. Our trips tend to be faster paced, on more challenging routes, and with fewer stops. We foster a strong community of hikers seeking challenges, discovery, and camaraderie. We don’t have dues and we invite ALL CMC members to sign up for any Bobcat trip that is within their ability level.
Be sure to bring the 10 essentials, trekking poles are recommended.