See 3 Cars Swallowed By Massive Colorado Sinkholes

One of the most well-known sinkholes to ever open up in Colorado appeared in Garfield County near Glenwood Springs in 2003. A 24-foot-wide sinkhole opened up in the middle of a soccer field on the campus of Colorado Mountain College and became known as the Spring Valley sinkhole.

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Can you imagine encountering a sinkhole large enough to swallow your car? It's happened before in Colorado. We found a handful of examples that show sinkholes are not all that uncommon in the Centennial State.

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What Causes Sinkholes in Colorado?

Sinkholes form in Colorado due to the long-term effects of mining, groundwater erosion, and due to collapsed culverts. Collapsed railroad tunnels can also cause sinkholes to form. CDOT says sinkholes are often caused because groundwater dissolves and removes material from an area, which results in a collapse. Erosion, drainage, and further mining projects can all contribute to sinkholes in Colorado.

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5 Huge Colorado Sinkholes

Some areas in Colorado are prone to sinkholes, including the Lykins Valley along the Front Range. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation deals with the sinkholes that develop in the area, such as the south end of Horsetooth Reservoir.

The Colorado Geological Survey maps indicate additional areas prone to sinkholes, including the Larimer County Red Mountain Open Space, areas throughout Eagle County, portions of Garfield County near Glenwood Springs, and in far Western Colorado following the Dolores River through Montrose and San Miguel Counties.

Sheridan, Colorado Sinkhole

In 2015, a large sinkhole opened up in the middle of an intersection in Sheridan, Colorado. Hear the local police officer describe the sinkhole swallowing his patrol car.

Lafayette, Colorado Sinkhole

In January 2015, a sinkhole about 30 feet long by 15 feet wide appeared near Lafayette, Colorado. One victim was able to call 9-1-1 from his cell phone as the sinkhole swallowed his car.

Storms Open Another Sinkhole in Sheridan

Another sinkhole swallowed a car near Sheridan, Colorado, in 2018 following monsoon rains that flooded apartments and washed out culverts.

Sinkhole Swallows Car in Colorado Springs

Just like groundwater runoff can erode, dissolve, and remove soil and materials, so can a busted water main. This sinkhole opened up in December of 2021.

Delta County Sinkhole

This big fella closed Highway 133 in Delta County (North of Paonia) in May of 2023. The cause was believed to be in increased snowmelt and runoff following the record snowfall of 2022-2023 around the Grand Mesa.