The Geologic Story of Colorado National Monument

A listener‑friendly guide invites you into the rugged heart of Colorado’s towering canyons, where ancient layers of sandstone, shale and volcanic rock tell a story that stretches back millions of years. Drawing on decades of fieldwork, the author explains how the Monument’s striking cliffs, arches and mesas were sculpted by erosion, faulting and the slow work of water and wind, using vivid, color photographs that bring the geology to life without requiring a technical background.

Interwoven with the science is the captivating tale of the park’s early champion, a passionate outdoorsman who blazed the first trails and persuaded the nation to protect the landscape. His daring climbs, the creation of the serpentine switchback route, and the early days of visitor access provide a human counterpoint to the geologic narrative, offering listeners a well‑rounded picture of how this dramatic scenery became a treasured public treasure.