Geneva Creek (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geneva Creek |
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Terraces formed by mineral springs in upper Geneva Creek
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Clear Creek County, Colorado 39°34′18″N 105°50′09″W / 39.57167°N 105.83583°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with North Fork South Platte 8,589 ft (2,618 m) 39°27′35″N 105°39′50″W / 39.45972°N 105.66389°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | North Fork South Platte— South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
Geneva Creek is a small river in central Colorado, United States. It is about 14.7 miles (23.7 km) long. This creek is a branch, or tributary, of the North Fork South Platte River. It helps drain part of the Rocky Mountains southwest of Denver.
Where is Geneva Creek?
Geneva Creek starts high up in the mountains. It begins at the continental divide, which is a line where water flows to different oceans. This spot is west of a mountain called Mount Bierstadt. The creek then flows down through a deep canyon towards the southeast.
It joins the North Fork South Platte River near a town called Grant. This meeting point is along U.S. Highway 285. The valley where Geneva Creek flows is also used by the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway. This is a scenic road that connects Georgetown and Grant.
Special Features of the Creek
The upper part of Geneva Creek has a very special area. It is called an iron fen. A fen is a type of wetland. In this fen, groundwater that is rich in minerals comes to the surface. When this water meets the air, it leaves behind deposits of iron oxide. This creates interesting orange and red colors.
This area is part of the Colorado Mineral Belt. This means there are many valuable minerals underground. In the past, people mined for gold and silver nearby. They worked in a town called Geneva, which is now deserted. Natural springs also add high amounts of copper and zinc to the creek's water.
