Dakota Sandstone

Weathered pothole in Dakota Sandstone at Hovenweep National Monument

NPS Photo

 

This layer does not occur in Canyonlands, but may be seen in some areas of Arches National Park and around Hovenweep National Monument.

Deposited:
Early- to mid-Cretaceous (64 to 144 million years ago)

Depositional Environment:
Varid from alluvial fans in the south to more marine environments in the north (Book Cliffs).

Appearance:
Brown, cross-bedded sandstone

Example:
The mesa tops east of Monticello on U.S. Highway 491

 

Rock Strata

Layer Above: Mancos Shale

Current Layer: Dakota Sandstone

Layer Below: Burro Canyon / Cedar Mountain Formation