Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser | San Rafael Desert

Roadside Attraction Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser - San Rafael Desert Roadside Attraction Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser

San Rafael Desert

Overview

RATING: Roadside Attraction
LENGTH: 2-3 hours
MAPS: Horse Bench East, UT

Tue

Partly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 3 mph.

47 | 20

Wed

A chance of rain before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. West southwest wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

47 | 24

Thu

A slight chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

42 | 21

Fri

A slight chance of snow before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 20

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

45 | 19

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SEASON: Any, most active in the spring/summer.

Tue

Partly sunny. High near 47, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 3 mph.

47 | 20

Wed

A chance of rain before 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 47. West southwest wind around 2 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

47 | 24

Thu

A slight chance of rain after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 42. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

42 | 21

Fri

A slight chance of snow before 8am, then a slight chance of rain and snow between 8am and 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 43.

43 | 20

Sat

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

45 | 19

View Full Weather Details
Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser

Chaffin Ranch Cold Water Geyser

Old car near Chaffin 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

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"

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