Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

National Park Service, Colorado.

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.

Nearby Activities

  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding

Directions

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.

Additional Information

  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Official Website
  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Map

Photo Gallery

  • Self Guided TrailsView from the top of the self-guided Geologic Trail
  • Hornbek Homestead, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
  • Big StumpWalk the Petrified Trail Loop to see fossil redwood stumps
  • Ancient Wasp FossilCaptured 34 million years ago, this ancient wasp and other insects are on display at Florissant Fossil Beds NM.
  • Hornbek Homestead VisitorsVisitors explore the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1878.
  • Bull ElkLocated in the Montane life zone, the Monument's wildlife ranges from ground squirrels to elk.
  • Junior RangersYouth of all ages participate in the Junior Rangers program at the Monument.

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