Split Mountain Anticline

The Fossil Discovery Trail passes through various tilted rocks.

NPS Photo/Dan Johnson

Quick Facts

Amenities

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Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead

As you begin your hike, take a moment to notice the dramatic tilt of the rock layers around you. These were once horizontal layers of sediment that eventually turned into flat-lying sedimentary rock, with older layers at the bottom and younger on top. Between 50-70 million years ago, the rocks here were uplifted and folded into an arch, or anticline. Since then, much of the top of the anticline has eroded away, and what you'll hike through today are the younger layers flanking the anticline's south side.