Coal Vein Trail Turn

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.

Quick facts

Distance Miles: 0
Route Type: Pulloff / point feature
Difficulty Level: Easy—no hiking required
Elevation Gain Feet: 0

Trail profile

Distance Miles: 0
Route Type: Pulloff / point feature
Difficulty Level: Easy—no hiking required
Elevation Gain Feet: 0
Estimated Time: 20-40 minutes
Trail Surface: Gravel pulloff with exposed badlands terrain
Trail Features: Coal seam formations
Badlands geological layers
Exposed mineral deposits
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.

Trailhead & access

Trailhead Location: Coal Vein Trail pulloff on scenic drive, Theodore Roosevelt National Park (46.93°N, 103.41°W)
Shuttle Required: 0
Shuttle Details: Not required; pulloff is directly accessible from the main scenic drive

Permits & conditions

Permit Details: 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)
Trail Status: Open

Facilities & rules

Restrooms At Trailhead: 0
Water Sources: Bring your own water; no sources at pulloff. Dehydration is a real risk in open badlands.
Accessibility: Accessible via short walk from pulloff parking. Terrain is uneven badlands ground with loose scoria—requires stable footwear but no technical scrambling.

Safety & strategy

Hazards: Sun exposure
Dehydration risk
Wildlife presence (bears, bison, prairie dogs)
Uneven terrain
Hazard Details: 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.
Best Season: Spring through fall
Best Time To Visit: Spring and fall offer stable conditions—mild temps and clear skies for geology viewing. Summer will punish you with relentless heat and full sun exposure. Winter is accessible but cold and potentially snowy.
Tips Advice: 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.

More details

Park Area: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Trail Markers: Pulloff is marked on scenic drive; coal vein formations are visible from parking area
Shade Level: Full sun—zero shade on this exposed badlands pulloff
Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 or contact Theodore Roosevelt National Park ranger station for emergency assistance
Map Recommended: 0
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.
Family Friendly 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.
Review Summary: 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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

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?

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

Is it safe alone?

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.

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.

Are there restrooms or water?

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

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.