View Photo - Copman's Tomb Informational Sign - Photo

---

Copman's Tomb

Copman's Tomb is about 1,000 feet higher than the surrounding area and was formed largely by erosion. The tomb is that part of the area that has not eroded away.

Copman's Tomb is a prominent cliff between Cedar and Shell Creek named for Copman, an early settler and cattleman who, it is said, wished to be buried there. Though his wish was not granted, his name became permanently associated with this well known landmark.

The slumping below Copman's Tomb occurred because of the failure of shale and poorly cemented sandstone between the granite and layers of dolomite. As Shell Creek cut its gorge down through these easily eroded beds, the weight of the overlying dolomite layers (strata) caused large slum blocks to form. These will continue to move down slope until they become stable. The final result is a whole series of slump-blocks - each successively lower and holding up the other.