This sequence shows the deposited layers from youngest (top) to oldest (bottom). For clarity, the entire record of visible layers in this area is shown, including those not found in Canyonlands. Older rocks are not exposed in SE Utah, except for Precambrian rocks along the Colorado River in Westwater Canyon. Geologic names are actively debated and vary regionally, so sometimes two names are listed.
You may download the park geology brochure with its detailed stratigraphic (rock layers) column here.
Dominant layers in Canyonlands include Navajo Sandstone through the Paradox Formation.
| Name of Rock Strata |
Geologic |
Millions of |
| Abajo, Henrys and La Sal Mtns | Tertiary |
1.6 to 65 |
| Green River Formation | ||
| Wasatch/Claron Formation | ||
| Mesa Verde Group | Cretaceous |
65 to 144 |
| Mancos Shale | ||
| Dakota Sandstone | ||
| Burro Canyon/Cedar Mtn | ||
| Morrison Formation | Jurassic |
144 to 208 |
| Sommerville Formation | ||
| Curtis Formation | ||
| Entrada Sandstone | ||
| Carmel Formation | ||
| Navajo Sandstone | ||
| Kayenta Formation | ||
| Wingate Sandstone | ||
| Chinle Formation | Triassic |
208 to 245 |
| Moenkopi Formation | ||
| White Rim |
Permian |
245 to 286 |
| Organ Rock Formation | ||
| Cedar Mesa Sandstone | ||
| Halgaito Shale/Lower Cutler | ||
| Honaker Trail Formation | Pennsylvanian |
286 to 320 |
| Paradox Formation |