Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
CO
Park Alerts (2)
About Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.
Things To Do
Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop
Take a self-guided, one mile hike and see some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world.
Hiking the Ponderosa Loop Trail
Take a stroll on a short, easy trail through a peaceful Ponderosa pine forest and learn about the area's natural history. The highlight of the trail is a modern Ponderosa pine tree growing out of a petrified redwood tree stump.
Hiking the Geologic Trail
This 1.2 mile trail highlights over a billion years of geologic history of the Florissant valley.
Available Activities
Weather
Winter months - average high 40 degrees F; average low 5 degrees F; Summer months - average high 75 degrees F; average low 40 degrees F;
Getting There
Visitors traveling north/south on I-25: Exit at US 24 West, travel 35 miles to town of Florissant, then follow signs two miles south on Teller County Road 1 to the Visitor Center. Visitors traveling from town of Cripple Creek: Follow Teller County Road 1 north for 16 miles.
Plan Your Visit
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Start PlanningHours
Hours
Winter hours begin in November, with the Visitor Center open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the Visitor Center parking lot, restrooms, and trails remain accessible. The Visitor Center parking lot gate is locked daily at 4:30 PM. Be sure to park at the Hornbek Homestead if you think your hike may run late - this lot is open 24 hours a day as a designated Dark Sky viewing area.
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Per Person
$10 per adult (age 16 or older). Admission is good for 7 days. Children ages 15 or under are admitted free. Fee covers entrance to all areas of the park including visitor center exhibits, film, outdoor exhibit area, hiking trails, picnic areas, Hornbek Homestead, self-guided tours, and ranger programs. Pay ahead of your visit at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/2683.