Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Explore ancient redwood forests turned to stone and discover thousands of delicate insect and plant fossils.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient redwood forests turned to stone and discover thousands of delicate insect and plant fossils.
"A beautiful spot for a quick walk and a step back in time!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Petrified Forest Loop and other paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the Colorado sun is strong. Stay hydrated on the trails. :water_wave:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petrified Redwood Stumps
Petrified Forest Loop Trail
Marvel at massive, ancient redwood stumps, some up to 14 feet wide, a testament to a bygone forest era.
Insect and Plant Fossils
Visitor Center Exhibits
Discover thousands of remarkably preserved insect and plant fossils, showcasing a vibrant ancient ecosystem.
Hornbek Homestead
Short drive from main monument area
Step back in time at this historic 1878 homestead, offering a glimpse into pioneer life in the Florissant Valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Fossil Exploration
Protecting a Prehistoric Treasure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Petrified Forest Loop and other paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the Colorado sun is strong. Stay hydrated on the trails. :water_wave:
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sunny days in the open meadows. :sunwithface:
🔭 Stargazing is Phenomenal
The monument offers incredible dark skies for observing the cosmos. Plan for a night visit! :star2:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Trails can be uneven. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring the Petrified Forest Loop and other paths. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially in summer, the Colorado sun is strong. Stay hydrated on the trails. :water_wave:
☀️ Sun Protection is Crucial
Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for sunny days in the open meadows. :sunwithface:
🔭 Stargazing is Phenomenal
The monument offers incredible dark skies for observing the cosmos. Plan for a night visit! :star2:
🦔 Look for Wildlife
Keep an eye out for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and even elk, especially during dawn and dusk. :deer:
📚 Junior Ranger Program Fun
A fantastic activity for kids! The workbook and amphitheater program make learning about fossils engaging. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for its unique geological wonders, particularly the impressive petrified redwood stumps and rich fossil collections. The easy-to-navigate trails, especially the Petrified Forest Loop, and the engaging Junior Ranger program make it a hit with families. The monument's dark skies also offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. Some visitors note it's more of a 'monument' with limited fossil finds in situ, but appreciate the educational value and preservation efforts.
"We visited Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument and hiked the Petrified Forest Loop. It’s a short and easy trail, perfect for enjoying the scenery and learning about the park’s fascinating history. The giant petrified redwood stumps along the path are truly impressive, and the interpretive signs give great insight into the area’s prehistoric past. The landscape is peaceful, with open meadows and mountain views. A beautiful spot for a quick walk and a step back in time!
Don’t miss the video in the visitor center."
Raphaël Bolze
"It’s an important area to preserve but definitely a monument. May have limited enjoyment for some. Having been to Redwoods NP seeing petrified redwood stumps in Colorado really gets the mind thinking about how the earth has changed over time. Also detailed is the exploiting of limited natural history and how fragile protecting these areas really is. We enjoyed our visit - there are plenty of hiking opportunities."
Paul P
"Outstanding hiking for little kids! The Junior Ranger program here is great. My 6 y/o and 2 y/o had a great time “hiking” out to Big Stump, looking at the wildflowers and wildlife, checking out the Visitor Center, and filling out their Junior Ranger workbook at the Petrified Stumps Amphitheater. Beautiful experience. Take water and get there early, it gets hot!"
Taylor Hamp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The monument is located about 35 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Take US Highway 24 West to Florissant, then turn south on Teller County Road 1. Follow signs for the monument entrance. :car:
Public transportation options are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for easy access to the monument and surrounding areas. :bus:
The drive from Denver to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is approximately 2 hours, covering about 90 miles. :road:
Yes, the town of Florissant is very close, and Colorado Springs offers a wider range of hotels and amenities. :hotel:
Roads are generally well-maintained, especially County Road 1 leading to the monument. However, always check local road conditions before traveling, especially during winter months. :construction_worker:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is $10 per person for a 7-day pass, or $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. An annual National Parks Pass is also accepted. :ticket:
Yes, the America the Beautiful Pass is valid here, covering entrance fees for a year at all national parks and federal recreation lands. :passport_control:
The monument grounds are typically open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center has more limited hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, but it's best to check the official NPS website for current hours. :clock1:
No reservations are typically required to enter the monument itself. However, if you plan to visit during peak times or for specific ranger programs, it's always a good idea to check the NPS website for any updates or special requirements. :calendar:
The Hornbek Homestead is located within the monument boundaries, so the standard entrance fee applies for access. :housewithgarden:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Petrified Forest Loop Trail (2 miles, easy) is a must-do to see the giant redwood stumps. The Monument Creek Vista Trail (0.5 miles, easy) offers great views, and the Sawmill Trail (1 mile, easy) leads to historic remnants. :hiking_boot:
The Visitor Center features exhibits on the monument's paleontology, geology, and history, including a fantastic collection of fossils. There's also a short, informative video about the area's formation. :museum:
Absolutely! The Junior Ranger Program is highly recommended for children. Trails like the Petrified Forest Loop are easy enough for little legs, and spotting prairie dogs is always a hit. :child:
No, collecting fossils is strictly prohibited to preserve the monument's resources. All fossils found must be left in place. :noentrysign:
You're likely to see prairie dogs and ground squirrels in the meadows. Keep an eye out for various bird species, and sometimes elk can be spotted, especially during dawn and dusk. :squirrel:
📸 📸 Photography
The Petrified Forest Loop Trail offers iconic shots of the massive stumps against the Colorado landscape. The Monument Creek Vista provides panoramic views, and the Hornbek Homestead offers historical charm. :camera:
Yes, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing and astrophotography. :moon:
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best golden hour light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone usage is generally restricted in National Parks and Monuments to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check the official NPS regulations before flying a drone. :drone:
It's ideal for landscape photography, nature photography, historical site photography, and astrophotography. The unique geological features and open skies provide diverse opportunities. :mountain:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Make sure to visit the Visitor Center for the informative video and fossil exhibits. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider an early morning visit to avoid the midday heat. The amphitheater near the Petrified Stumps is also a great spot for kids to complete parts of their Junior Ranger booklet.
🌌 Stargazers and Astrophotographers
Plan to stay after sunset, or even camp nearby if possible, to experience the full magic of the monument's dark skies. It's an ideal location for astrophotography, allowing you to capture stunning images of the cosmos against the unique landscape.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
+1 The open meadows and surrounding hills provide opportunities to connect with nature and observe local flora and fauna. Remember to check trail conditions, especially outside of summer. The monument is a place of natural beauty and scientific importance, so sticking to marked paths and respecting the environment is crucial for preserving its integrity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ancient Lakebed and Its Treasures
The most striking features are the petrified redwood stumps, some of which are massive, indicating a once-thriving forest. Beyond the trees, the monument is famous for its thousands of well-preserved insect and plant fossils. These fossils provide invaluable scientific data about the ancient ecosystem, climate, and biodiversity of the region. The careful preservation efforts ensure that these delicate fossils remain for future generations to study and admire.
+1Understanding the geological processes that formed this monument is key to appreciating its significance. The interplay of volcanic activity, sedimentation, and time has created a landscape that is both scientifically important and visually captivating. It’s a place where you can literally walk through millions of years of history.
Exploring the Trails and Wildlife
Wildlife viewing is another highlight. The open meadows are teeming with prairie dogs and ground squirrels, which are often a delight for visitors, especially children.
When planning your hike, consider the weather. Summer days can get quite warm, so starting early in the morning is advisable. Always carry plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and use sun protection.
The Hornbek Homestead: A Glimpse into Pioneer Life
Visiting the homestead provides a tangible connection to the human history of the Florissant Valley. It’s a chance to imagine the daily lives of early settlers, their challenges, and their resilience. The well-preserved structure allows visitors to step back in time and appreciate the pioneering spirit that shaped this region.
While the fossil beds tell a story of deep time, the Hornbek Homestead narrates a more recent, yet equally compelling, chapter of human endeavor in the area. It’s a worthwhile addition to any visit, offering a well-rounded perspective on the monument's historical significance.
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