Roadside Attraction Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser
San Rafael Desert
Overview
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Sun 57 | 24 |
Mon 50 | 23 |
Tue 50 | 27 |
Wed 50 | 28 |
Thu 45 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
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Sun 57 | 24 |
Mon 50 | 23 |
Tue 50 | 27 |
Wed 50 | 28 |
Thu 45 | 20 |
| View Full Weather Details | ||||
Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser
Old car near Chaffin Geyser
Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser is another geyser created by man when drilling core samples, the same process that created the nearby Crystal Geyser. The drilling allows water to permeate a C02 laden layer of rock. Once the pressure builds up, the drill hole provides an escape for the C02 and water. After an eruption, ground water recharges the system, and the process continues.
Chaffin Geyser typically erupts every 2-4 hours, much more frequent schedule than Crystal Geyser. The geyser, however, does seem to be seasonal. It appears to be more reliable in the spring and summer, and it erupts less often in the late fall and winter. This is likely due to ground water levels. At its peak, it erupts up to about 10 m ( 33 ft. ) high. The geyser is a great place to visit with kids.
If visiting, plan on spending a few hours. If the area around the geyser is completely dry, it may be a time of year when it doesn't erupt very often. Several old abandoned cars in the area give the place added character.
Chaffin Geyser going off
Getting There
From downtown Green River, follow the main road to the airport sign (Long Street). Go south on Long Street several blocks to its junction with Green River Avenue. Go left (east) on Green River Avenue a block to the junction with Airport Road. Follow Airport Road over the railroad tracks, and under the highway. Reset your odometer on the other side of the highway, as you cross the cattle guard.
- Continue on Airport Road for 1.9 miles to a junction signed Horseshoe Canyon. Go left here, resetting your odometer. The road is now dirt, and usually passable by any vehicle when dry. ( 12S 570374mE 4312884mN / N38° 57' 44" W110° 11' 16" )
- There are many side roads, but continue to stay on the main road for 19.4 miles to where a road goes off on the left. This is easy to locate, as it is 0.2 miles BEFORE the San Rafael River and bridge. ( 12S 574247mE 4290522mN / N38° 45' 37" W110° 08' 44" )
- Follow the side road 1.0 miles to a fence, and the geyser at 1.05 miles. The geyser, and several old cars, are clearly visible. ( 12S 575792mE 4290887mN / N38° 45' 48" W110° 07' 39" )
Route
Note: The geyser is on private property. Please be respectful when visiting, and leave the area as you found it.
Photos
Maps
| Geyser |
12S 575793mE 4290888mN N38° 45' 48" W110° 07' 39" |