Flatirons

— One of the most impressive views in Big Bend Ranch SP is the Solitario. That is a very large geologic formation that, if viewed from above, it would give you the impression of a large impact crater. In reality, though, it is eroded laccolith (a sheet intrusion between two layers of sedimentary rock). The photos here show the flatirons on the edge of the Solitario. The photo above was taken from the overlook area in the Chilicote Loop trail in March 2019, whereas the one below was much closer in the Fresno Canyon in October 2012. Both hopefully give you an idea of the sheer size of the Solitario, a circular area of approximately 52 sq mi (135 sq km)!