Geology

Wyoming is rich in fascinating geologic features such as ancient mountain ranges, valleys abundant in fossils and, perhaps most excitingly, a dormant supervolcano which hosts geothermal features such as hot geysers.

  • Just East of Cody, Wyoming visit Yellowstone National Park, offering a complete geological experience.
  • Many trails wind through geyser basins and along mud pots and other geothermal features.

A Wyoming Geology Lesson

Wyoming's mountain ranges are all part of the Rockies. Most of them have very old rocks of the Archean age in their cores except in the Absaroka Range which have young volcanic rocks related to the Yellowstone hotspot, and the Wyoming Range. Between the mountains lie large sedimentary basins which have huge resources of coal, oil and gas as well as abundant fossils.

In Wyoming's northwest corner is Yellowstone, a dormant supervolcano where geysers and other geothermal features can be seen.

Hikes and Attractions

  • Yellowstone National Park has a wealth of trails, many which pass geyser basins, waterfalls and evidence of lava flows.
  • Specimen Ridge near the Lamar Valley has remnants of mudflows from volcanic eruptions that surrounded trees and created a petrified forest.

To Learn More About the Geology in Wyoming:

  • Visit the Visitor Centers in Yellowstone Park and in other areas across Wyoming
  • Participate in ranger-led activities in Yellowstone National Park to learn more about the geology of the area.
  • Stroll around the museums , both in Yellowstone Park and in towns across Wyoming.

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