Sulphur Cave & Spring - Steamboat Springs, CO - U.S. National Natural Landmarks on Waymarking.com

It is believed that most cave formation is due to rainwater, which has picked up carbon dioxide from the air, percolating down through the soil and dissolving certain minerals. But some caves may have been formed by geothermally heated water coming from below and containing sulfuric acid as a byproduct of certain types of bacteria metabolizing hydrogen sulfide gas. The scientifically obfuscating term for this is hypogene speleogenesis. Caves of this type are rare and as an example of such, this small cave in Steamboat Springs has been designated a National Natural Landmark.

The cave is about 180 feet in length and difficult to explore. Hydrogen sulfide gas is extremely poisonous (more so than carbon monoxide): as little as 500 parts per million can be fatal. Fortunately, it smells so bad that humans can detect as little as 8 parts per billion! Exploration of this cave is impossible without breathing apparatus and visitors are not allowed to enter. What exploration there has been has revealed rare types of gypsum crystals, bacterial stalactites knowns as snottites and a unique species of pencil-lead-thin blood worms.

The cave opening and spring are located near the Howelsen Ski area: a stone’s throw from downtown Steamboat Springs. And don’t let the foul smells, toxic gases and snottites discourage you from visiting this site as it also affords a wonderful view of the Steamboat Ski Resort across the way.

Predominate Feature: Cave Parking/Access Location: N 40° 29.062 W 106° 50.251 Ownership: Federal Terrain Rating: Admission Charged: no Landmark's Website: [Web Link]

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