Stump Formation

Many of the Stump Formation fossils are small in size.

NPS Photo/Dan Johnson

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Scenic View/Photo Spot

At the end of this trail spur you will have traveled to 161-156 million years ago when this area was part of a large inland sea. The Stump Formation reveals evidence of an ocean environment with a large variety of life. Fossils in these rocks include belemnites (squid-like sea creatures), snails, ammonites, and bones of ichthyosaurs (a giant marine reptile that resembled a modern dolphin). Find and feel many small indentations and bumps on the large rocks on the ground. These are impressions of saltwater clams.