Coal Vein Trail Post 4: Caprocks

An example of a caprock found elsewhere in the park.

NPS Photo/L. Thomas

Quick Facts

Location:

Coal Vein Trail

Significance:

Trail post 4 on the Coal Vein Guided Nature Trail

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Rocks in the badlands are generally soft and easily eroded by rain and streams. Some are harder than others, and become caprocks. A caprock acts like a helmet, shielding softer rock underneath. When the rocks underneath finally erode away, large pieces of caprock break off and fall. The large pieces of sandstone behind you were once caprocks at the top of the hill.