Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Hornbek Homestead, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Picnic table, Fire ring

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.

Self Guided Trails

View from the top of the self-guided Geologic Trail

Big Stump

Walk the Petrified Trail Loop to see fossil redwood stumps

Ancient Wasp Fossil

Captured 34 million years ago, this ancient wasp and other insects are on display at Florissant Fossil Beds NM.

Hornbek Homestead Visitors

Visitors explore the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1878.

Bull Elk

Located in the Montane life zone, the Monument's wildlife ranges from ground squirrels to elk.

Junior Rangers

Youth of all ages participate in the Junior Rangers program at the Monument.

Picnic table, Fire ring

Driveway

Drive way

Driveway

Picnic table, Fire ring

Picnic table, Fire ring, Tent area

RecAreaDirections

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.

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Permits info

Facilities

Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center Facility

The Visitor Center is where you should start your visit to Florissant Fossil Beds. At the Visitor Center you can show your pass, if you have one, and/or get passes. There is also a museum full of fossil exhibits, a theater to see the park film, and a bookstore. The Visitor Center also has bathrooms and a water fountain.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database