Almond Formation, Geological formation in Wyoming and Colorado, United States

The Almond Formation is a Late Cretaceous (Late Campanian-Early Maastrichtian) geological formation in Wyoming, made up mainly of fine- to medium-grained sandstone, siltstone, shale and coal. Its beds were laid down in marsh, deltaic, lagoonal, estuarine and shallow marine settings along the western shore of the Western Interior Seaway. Fossils found in it include dinosaur and plant remains.

This layer formed during the Late Cretaceous, roughly 74 to 71 million years ago, when the region lay beneath a vast inland sea. The retreat patterns of this sea left behind the different rock types visible today.

Fossils discovered here reveal what animals lived in this region millions of years ago. Local museums display these remains, helping visitors understand the prehistoric life that once existed in the area.

The best way to see this formation is to drive along regional highways or visit museums displaying rock samples and fossils from this period. Many geological sites are easily accessible, but check in advance for specific locations and visitor hours.

The formation stands out for its transition patterns showing how the environment shifted from ocean to drier land. These shifts are clearly visible in the different layers and tell the story of these geological changes.