A protected sandstone outcrop in a disused quarry is the geological highlight of Ciosowa. Red sandstone, its cross-bedding and traces of prehistoric reptiles give the place a clear connection to the history of the Earth. A red hiking trail climbs through the forest to the quarry, linking a specific natural attraction with a walking route. If you are interested in geology and hiking, Ciosowa offers a clear point of interest.

The Quarry and Its Geology

The protected geological outcrop lies in the disused “Ciosowa” quarry on the southern slope of the hill near Ciosowa. The face is up to 20 m high and about 70 m long. The outcrop shows large-scale cross-bedding in Lower Triassic red sandstone. Together with other sedimentary structures, it documents the aeolian, wind-shaped formation of the deposit.

These dimensions describe the extent of the visible outcrop; the features of its layers reveal something different—how the rock formed. This means you can view the site both as a rock face and as a geological record. Those interested in the history of the Earth will find not only a specific landscape feature here, but also an explanation of how the red sandstone formed.

Hiking Trails and Getting There

As a road reference, Route 74 runs through Ciosowa towards Porzecze, along the edge of the forest. You can park on a wide roadside shoulder about 250 m from the turn-off from the main road. There is an information board there, and a red hiking trail leads uphill through the forest from there to the quarry. A red hiking trail runs along the upper edge of the quarry, where you can view the sandstone. Check the conditions on the roadside shoulder when you arrive.

The red Edmund Massalski Trail passes through Ciosowa and runs from Gołoszyce to Kuźniaki. The “Grzbietem Wzgórz Tumlińskich” route also passes through Ciosowa. These route details answer different planning questions: the forest trail leads directly to the quarry, while the named routes show where Ciosowa lies along their course. Before setting out, check the current road and trail conditions and the trail markings.

Rock, Discovery Site and History

Quarrying probably began in the early Middle Ages. This dating concerns the quarry’s use and should be distinguished from the Lower Triassic formation of the sandstone deposit. There is also a paleontological site with traces of prehistoric reptiles on the hill above Ciosowa. The formation of the rock, prehistoric traces and the probable early use of the quarry can thus be considered as distinct periods in time.

Places to Stay in Ciosowa

The “Podgórski kącik Alicji” agritourism accommodation is located at Ciosowa 49. If you are considering it as a possible place to stay, check directly whether accommodation is available for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Miedziana Góra, Bęczków, Snochowice, Kołomań, Jaworznia, Strawczyn, Sitkówka, Piekoszów.

For the wider travel overview: Kielce.