2026 Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours

Walk through geologic time and see the oldest sequence of rocks in Douglas County at our popular Sandstone Ranch Geology Tours! Sandstone Ranch reveals the geologic history of Colorado’s Front Range in rocks ranging from more than a billion years old to recent deposits of unconsolidated sediments. The outcropping red sandstone monoliths separated by broad expanses of green pastures are responsible for much of the beauty we see today at Sandstone Ranch. From the Ranch Overlook, an observer can see how the geologic features relate to the mountain front: One can see Precambrian granite forming the mountains to the west, up through Mesozoic sediments at Perry Park and the Tertiary-aged volcanics on Dawson Butte. Gove Canyon is one of two locations along the Front Range where Lower Paleozoic rocks are preserved and accessible. You will be able to see and touch “the Great Unconformity," a gap in the geologic record exposed at Sandstone Ranch. This geologic field trip takes visitors to Sandstone Ranch’s west side, which is not accessible to the public and only available through guided tours. Plan to hike up to 2 miles on natural surface terrain with a moderate incline. More detailed driving directions will be provided to registrants prior to the event, but plan on using the North entrance to Sandstone, located next to the entrance to Perry Park. The hiking tour is free, but a $10 per person donation is suggested so that we may continue to offer educational outreach events in the community.