This led to substantial deposits of gypsum evaporating water left this white mineral behind, sometimes even crystallizing in small geometric patterns. The seas which deposited these sediments ebbed and returned throughout the Jurassic period, 195 to 136 million years ago. Deposits of sand, silt, and clay mixed with iron-rich minerals, giving the rock its conspicuous red color we see today. During this time, a vast area of present-day North America was covered in water. The formation dates to the Triassic period, 225 to 195 million years ago. Lakotas refer to this feature as the "race track," and the 500-mile circumference of rock is part of an oral history detailing a great race between Earth's creatures. The red and maroon cliffs along the east and southeast face of the Tower are only part of a sedimentary layer visible around the entire Black Hills region. Red Beds is so-named for the Spearfish Formation, comprised of the oldest visible rocks in the park. NPS / Chris Racay Hiking the Red Beds and Joyner Ridge Trails is the best way to see these other geologic formations. This view from the Red Beds Trail explains the name of our 2.8-mile circuit hike. The red cliffs seen in the park are part of a 500 mile ring of red rock that encircles the Black Hills region.
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