Magnitude 2.9 Earthquake Shakes Denver, Startling Residents

DENVER, Colorado – A magnitude 2.9 earthquake shook the Denver area on Friday morning, May 10, 2025. Shaking was reported near 6:08 a.m., catching many residents off guard.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported the epicenter was located approximately 3 miles southwest of Dacono, a small town near Interstate 25. The quake struck 5.09 miles beneath the surface, causing light shaking across Denver and its northern suburbs.

Residents described the experience on social media, using phrases like “a boom,” “a rolling thud,” and “like someone dropped a dumpster outside my bedroom.” Many noted that kitchen shelves rattled, and some pets were startled. Fortunately, no injuries or property damage have been reported at this time.

This earthquake is unusual for the region, as earthquakes in Colorado often occur away from urban areas and are usually too faint to notice. Most quakes in the state happen deep underground or outside populated zones. In fact, the most recent noticeable quake near Denver took place on May 20, 2025, and this one is among the strongest felt in years.

Colorado sits on ancient faults, part of the Rio Grande Rift system, but its seismic activity is typically low. The state averages about 20 perceptible earthquakes each year, many of which go unnoticed. The strongest quake recorded in the area in the last three decades occurred in 1994. However, the most powerful quake in Colorado’s history struck in 1882, centered near Fort Collins, affecting Denver significantly.

As this is a developing story, updates will be provided as more information becomes available.