The Florissant Fossil Beds are a visual record of plant and animal life in the Colorado region some 35 million years ago. Several nature trails wander through a pleasant mountain valley sprinkled with petrified sequoia stumps, with views of Pike's Peak to the east. At the Visitor's Center fossils of insect and animal life are on display, along with a video explaining how and why the fossils here were preserved so well. An additional attraction at the monument is the 1878 Hornbek Homestead, preserved as an example of early homesteading in the Florissant Valley.
The Basics
Location:
35 miles west of Colorado Springs
Hours:
8 am to 7 pm in summer Shorter hours the rest of the year
Season:
Open year-round
Elevation:
8400 feet
Address:
P.O. Box 185
Florissant, CO 80816
Phone:
719-748-3253
Map
Directions
From Colorado Springs, take US 24 west for 35 miles to the town of Florissant. The fossil beds are just south of town.
Climate
Summers are generally of short duration with pleasant warm days and cool nights. Sub-zero lows are common in the winter; dress in warm layers to keep dry and to prevent hypothermia. The altitude is 8,500 above sea level so pace yourself in any season, drink a lot of water, and use sunscreen.
There are over 14 miles of hiking trails in the Monument. Most of the trails wind through pine covered hills with patches of Aspen and Douglas Fir. Some of the trails pass wet meadows or through riparian areas.
Self-Guided Trails
There are three self-guided tours that are available year-round. Brochures for these tours are available at the visitor center desk. The trails are the Petrified Forest Walk, the Ponderosa Loop Trail, and a tour of the grounds of the Hornbek Homestead.
Petrified Forest Walk
This one-mile trail passes massive, petrified Redwood stumps, an historic excavation site, and a geologic timeline exhibit. This gravel trail is relatively flat and is mostly out in the open. The trail begins at the end of the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center.
Ponderosa Loop Trail
This 1/2 mile loop trail passes through the modern Ponderosa pine forest. It is the Monument's shortest trail. It is fully wheelchair accessible. The trail begins at the end of the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center.
Hornbek Homestead Ground Tour
Walk the grounds of an historic 1878 homestead. Wayside exhibits and a brochure will help you learn about the ranching and homesteading history of the area. The Hornbek Homestead is located one mile north of the visitor center entrance road.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Monument offers a variety of ranger-guided tours. The number and times of tours may change depending on staffing levels so please call ahead at (719) 748 - 3253. The types of tours available are listed below:
Interpretive Talks
These are 30 minutes talks that take place in the amphitheater behind the visitor center. They will provide visitors with the basic geologic story of the area.
Guided Walks
These walks usually last 1.5 hours and are one mile in length. The area's geologic history as well as other topics such as modern natural history and human history may be covered in the walks.
Hornbek Homestead Tours
Depending upon staffing levels, visitors are sometimes able to join a ranger and tour the buildings of the Hornbek Homestead. If a ranger is not available it is possible to tour the grounds of the homestead on your own.
Horseback Riding
Limited horseback riding is available within the boundaries of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Horseback riders must pay the daily entrance fee at the visitor center or possess an annual pass. Pets are prohibited.
Horseback riders must park their horse trailers at the designated pull off which is located on Lower Twin Rock Road.
