Slumgullion Earthflow
This National Natural Landmark is a rare example of an
earthflow called Mass Wasting. About 700 years ago,
an area of Mesa Seco, composed of partially
decomposed volcanic rock, slid down the mountain
and blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
This natural dam formed what is now known as Lake
San Cristobal. The earthflow is about 4 miles long and
covers over 1000 acres.
A second earthflow began about 300 years ago and is
still active today. The United States Geologic Survey
(USGS) tracks the movement of the slide, which in
some places moves as much as 20 feet per year. It
covers some of the original slide, and can be detected
by observing the trees growing on it that are tipped
at odd angles.
A good view of the Slumgullion Slide, as is it locally
known, can be seen from highway 149 south of Lake
City as you ascend Slumgullion Pass. There is a
pull-off at mile marker 67. Also, the Windy Point
Overlook offers great views of the Slide and of the
San Juan Mountains that surround Lake City.
Chamber Members Contact Us
All contents © 2008 Lake City Marketing Board. All rights reserved.
Site contents & structure: Mary Carkin Media
This National Natural Landmark is a rare example of an
earthflow called Mass Wasting. About 700 years ago,
an area of Mesa Seco, composed of partially
decomposed volcanic rock, slid down the mountain
and blocked the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River.
This natural dam formed what is now known as Lake
San Cristobal. The earthflow is about 4 miles long and
covers over 1000 acres.
A second earthflow began about 300 years ago and is
still active today. The United States Geologic Survey
(USGS) tracks the movement of the slide, which in
some places moves as much as 20 feet per year. It
covers some of the original slide, and can be detected
by observing the trees growing on it that are tipped
at odd angles.
A good view of the Slumgullion Slide, as is it locally
known, can be seen from highway 149 south of Lake
City as you ascend Slumgullion Pass. There is a
pull-off at mile marker 67. Also, the Windy Point
Overlook offers great views of the Slide and of the
San Juan Mountains that surround Lake City.
Chamber Members Contact Us
All contents © 2008 Lake City Marketing Board. All rights reserved.
Site contents & structure: Mary Carkin Media
From a distance, the
Slumgullion Earthflow looks
like a river of mud. Photo by
Ray Blaum.
Slumgullion Earthflow looks
like a river of mud. Photo by
Ray Blaum.
This curious red fox paused
for an extended look at the
photographer. Photo by
Greg Ochocki.
for an extended look at the
photographer. Photo by
Greg Ochocki.
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What's In A Name? The Slumgullion Slide was likely named by early settlers of Lake City who noted that the yellowy color of the soils resembled Slumgullion Stew. “Slum” as it was also called, was generally a watery stew made from beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, or whatever leftovers could be found. Also, miners of the 1800s referred to the leftover mud in gold sluices as slumgullion. Whatever the source, you might want to try one of these recipes next time you are making supper at your camp site. |
| Looking up at Mesa Seco from Highway 149 (Silver Thread Byway) at the area where the "mass wasting" occurred. Photo by Mary Carkin. |