Yes—it's a public, well-marked pulloff. Wildlife is present but typically avoids human areas. Maintain your distances (100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 from others) and stay alert to surroundings.

Coal Vein Trail Turn - Badlands Geology Stop

Q: How long does this stop take?

20-40 minutes depending on geology interest level. It's a quick pulloff on the scenic drive, not a multi-hour commitment.

Q: Will I see the coal actively burning?

No. The coal vein is cooled and no longer active. You'll see the exposed seams and geological formations it created—still valuable for understanding badlands geology.

Q: Are there restrooms or water?

No facilities at the pulloff. Bring your water and use restrooms at the visitor center or campgrounds before arriving.

Q: What's the wildlife risk here?

Bison and prairie dogs are common; bears and wolves are present but rare in this immediate area. Follow distance rules: 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from others. Make noise if moving.

Est. Time

20-40 minutes

Route Type

Pulloff / point feature

Best Season

Spring through fall

Overview

About This Trail

This badlands pulloff exposes ancient coal seams and geological strata—a crash course in volcanic and mineral history without leaving your car. It's brutally honest geology: hot, exposed, unforgiving terrain, but the formations tell a 300-million-year story. No hiking required, but respect wildlife distances (100 yards for bears, 25 for others) and bring water—the badlands give zero mercy under the sun.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easy—no hiking required

Trail Highlights

Examine exposed coal veins and understand the badlands' geology shaped by ancient volcanic activity and mineral processes. The dark coal layers contrast against colorful badlands strata—study them to read 300 million years of earth history.

Insider Tips

• Late afternoon light highlights mineral layers best—time your visit for golden hour geology. • Binoculars reveal bison and prairie dogs on surrounding badlands. • Pair this pulloff with other badlands stops (Painted Canyon, Badlands Overlook) for a complete geology tour.

Best Season to Hike

Spring through fall

Hiking Tips

Sunscreen and hat mandatory—zero shade on this open badlands pulloff.
Carry minimum 1.5 liters of water; badlands are bone-dry and your body will demand it.
Wear sturdy shoes for uneven badlands terrain and loose scoria.
Maintain 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from other wildlife—no exceptions.
Bring binoculars to spot bison and prairie dogs; they're worth the scan.

Family Info

Easy stop for families interested in geology. Teach kids about wildlife safety distances and hydration needs in arid terrain. Supervise young children near uneven edges and loose rocks.

What Hikers Say

Geology enthusiasts and quick-stop seekers value this pulloff for accessible badlands education. Most appreciate the formations without a full hike commitment. The exposure and heat demand respect and prep—no soft features here.

Details

Trail Specifications

Duration: 20-40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy—no hiking required

Route Type: Pulloff / point feature

Surface: Gravel pulloff with exposed badlands terrain

Getting There

Trailhead: Coal Vein Trail pulloff on scenic drive, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (46.93°N, 103.41°W)

Requirements

Permit Required

No special permits; park entrance fee required

Fees: $30 (Private Vehicle, 7 days) | $25 (Motorcycle) | $15 (Per Person—hiking/bicycle) | $80 (America the Beautiful annual pass)

Shuttle Available

Not required; pulloff is directly accessible from the main scenic drive

Trail Rules

Trail Markers: Pulloff is marked on scenic drive; coal vein formations are visible from parking area

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Bring your own water; no sources at pulloff. Dehydration is a real risk in open badlands.

Shade: Full sun—zero shade on this exposed badlands pulloff

Hazards:

Keep 100 yards from bears and wolves; 25 yards from all other wildlife. Open badlands provide zero protection from sun, wind, or elements. Terrain is uneven with loose scoria—stable footwear essential. No shade means rapid sun fatigue.

Emergency: Dial 911 or contact Theodore Roosevelt National Park ranger station for emergency assistance

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Accessible via short walk from pulloff parking. Terrain is uneven badlands ground with loose scoria—requires stable footwear but no technical scrambling.

Family Notes:

Easy stop for families interested in geology. Teach kids about wildlife safety distances and hydration needs in arid terrain. Supervise young children near uneven edges and loose rocks.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Do I need hiking boots?

No. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip handle the uneven badlands terrain. No technical footwear required.

How long does this stop take?

Is it safe alone?

Will I see the coal actively burning?

Are there restrooms or water?

What's the wildlife risk here?

📖 National Park Service — Coal Vein Trail Turn (official page) (checked 2026-07-08) 📖 National Park Service — Theodore Roosevelt National Park fees, hours & conditions (checked 2026-07-05) 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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