Colorado Geological Survey

The Colorado Geological Survey (CGS) is a state government agency situated within the Colorado School of Mines. We provide a wide range of science-driven services, bringing the best of Colorado geoscience to the public.

Lake with mountains and forest in the background, including bright yellow patches of aspen. East Beckwith Mountain overlooking Lost Lake in fall colors, Gunnison County. Photo credit: Nate Rogers (CGS).
East Beckwith Mountain overlooking Lost Lake in fall colors, Gunnison County. Photo credit: Nate Rogers (CGS).
Industrial equipment in a fenced-in area with hills in the background. Powder Wash field gas plant, Moffat County. Photo credit: Larry Scott (CGS)
Powder Wash field gas plant, Moffat County. Photo credit: Larry Scott (CGS)

Energy

Colorado’s energy resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, wind, solar, and geothermal, are essential for meeting societal needs and supporting economic growth and energy security in the state and across the U.S.

House with collapsed front walkway and driveway. Constellation Drive landslide, Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 2015. Photo credit: T.C. Wait for the CGS
Constellation Drive landslide, Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 2015. Photo credit: T.C. Wait for the CGS

Hazards

Colorado’s unique geology and varied topography expose residents to numerous geologic hazards, including landslides, debris flows, rockfall, swelling soils and earthquakes, making hazard awareness and mitigation essential for protecting lives, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Close-up on pink euhedral rhodochrosite crystals and tiny white quartz crystals situated in black and white rock sample. Rhodochrosite (Colorado state mineral) and quartz in hand sample. Photo credit: Matt Morgan (CGS).
Rhodochrosite (Colorado state mineral) and quartz in hand sample. Photo credit: Matt Morgan (CGS).

Minerals

Building on Colorado’s rich mining history, modern demand focuses on metals like gold, silver, and molybdenum, along with critical minerals and aggregate resources— vital to the state’s economy, developing and using modern technologies, and national security. Colorado is also renowned for hosting world-class mineral specimens, attracting collectors and researchers from around the globe.

Forested alpine lake with steep cliffs in the background. The Loch at Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, CO. Photo credit: Emily Perman (CGS).
The Loch at Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park, CO. Photo credit: Emily Perman (CGS).

Water

Essential to the arid West and surrounding states, Colorado’s water resources — rivers, lakes, reservoirs, groundwater, and thermal springs — are vital for meeting the needs of communities, agriculture, and industry, while also supporting recreation and tourism through activities like fishing, rafting, and boating.

Dramatically folded rocks creating a striped appearance on cliffs above a river. Exposed folding at Dinosaur National Monument, Moffat County. Photo Credit: Nate Rogers (CGS).
Exposed folding at Dinosaur National Monument, Moffat County. Photo Credit: Nate Rogers (CGS).

Geology

From the eastern plains to 14,000-foot peaks and western red-rock canyons, Colorado’s landscape reveals a rich geologic history. Beyond its unmatched natural beauty, the state’s geology provides essential water, mineral, and energy resources which offers a place where all can live, work, and play.

Close-up on four soft-cover publications spread out on a table. Spread of recent hard copies of CGS publications. Photo credit: Matt Morgan (CGS).
Spread of recent hard copies of CGS publications. Photo credit: Matt Morgan (CGS).

Publications

Explore our extensive collection of free digital publications, including reports, maps, and guides on geology, water, minerals, energy, and hazards— offering valuable insights for professionals, educators, and anyone curious about Colorado’s geological resources!

Our Mission

To help reduce the impact of geologic hazards on the citizens of Colorado; to promote responsible economic development of mineral and energy resources; to provide geologic insight into water resources; and to proffer sound geologic advice and information to a variety of constituencies.