By David Kotzebue, Examiner.com

Volcanoes in Colorado? You betcha! One of the most famous, and a still-active volcano, is the Dotsero Volcano. It erupted some 4,000 years ago, and a mud flow crossed across what is now I-70. The Dotsero volcano, two miles northeast of the town of Dotsero is on the radar screen of the U.S. Geological Survey, which rates the threats of volcanoes across the country.

In the first comprehensive report on volcanoes since Mount St. Helens erupted 25 years ago, Dotsero was rated as a moderate threat for its potential to spew volcanic ash into the air and disrupt airplane traffic. Also active in our area is the Yellowstone caldera, which underlies most of Yellowstone National Park.

Dotsero, however is not likely to erupt in our lifetime. So, go ahead and climb it! The crater itself is north of the interstate, above the trailer park. The summit is at 7,316 feet, and the base is at about 6,155, making for an elevation gain of 1,161 feet, a moderate climb.

The reward of this climb is not only the 360-degree views, but diamond collecting! Low-grade diamonds can be found around the rim. Take some home!

While in the area, you may want to take in the great kayaking centered around State Bridge, just to the north of Dotsero. Dotsero is also home to 23 other mountain peaks, check MountainZone.com for details.