OverviewNeedle Rock lies within the western edge of the West Elk Mountains in western central Colorado. It is the remnant of a volcanic plug that pushed up through the crust, and due to the relative hardness of the basalt of which it is made, has eroded significantly slower than the surrounding mancos shale and sandstone that makes up many of the rocks in the area.
Recently, I found that evidently this peak used to be taller, until an earthquake in 1922. I haven't had a lot of luck finding out more on said earthquake, but it is fascinating stuff. Please let me know if you find any other info on the peak and earthquake.
I did find some info on a quake that originated in Salt Lake City, which was said to be the cause of the damage to Needle Rock, but a different year:
Quake
1921 QuakeGetting ThereFrom I-70 in Glenwood Springs, take Hwy 82 south to Carbondale. Take Hwy 133 west to Hotchkiss. From the 133/92 intersection in Hotchkiss, take 92 SE to Crawford. In Crawford, take Dogwood Ave east out of town. Dogwood turns into Needlerock Road. Head east towards the Needle.Red TapeNone. There are private property parcels around the base, but there is a BLM trail that more or less rings the Needle.
CampingCamping is available at Crawford State Park and Paonia State park.External Links
Peak info Images
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Elk Mountains
