Last updated: July 30, 2021
Place
Coal Vein Trail Post 1: Layers
NPS Photo/L. Thomas
Quick Facts
Location:
Coal Vein Trail
Significance:
Trail post 1 on the Coal Vein Guided Nature Trail
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Each layer of rock has its own origin story, told by its color.
Brick-Red
Clinker forms when coal veins catch fire and bake the rock above, changing it into this much harder, red rock.
Brown and Tan
Sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone are sediments washed down from the Rocky Mountains.
Black
Coal is the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived in Everglades-like swamps.
Blue-grey
Bentonite clay is made of ash from distant volcanoes.
Brick-Red
Clinker forms when coal veins catch fire and bake the rock above, changing it into this much harder, red rock.
Brown and Tan
Sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone are sediments washed down from the Rocky Mountains.
Black
Coal is the remains of ancient plants and animals that lived in Everglades-like swamps.
Blue-grey
Bentonite clay is made of ash from distant volcanoes.