Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is located in central Colorado, approximately 35 miles west of Colorado Springs. This national monument preserves an extraordinary fossil deposit, which provides valuable insights into the Earth's prehistoric past.

The area that is now Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument was once a lake surrounded by a lush forest nearly 34 million years ago. Over time, volcanic events caused the ash from the eruptions to cover and preserve countless tree stumps, leaves, insects, and even larger animals. These remarkably preserved fossils offer scientists a glimpse into the ecosystem of the ancient world.

Visitors to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument can explore a variety of trails, each providing unique opportunities to observe these fossils up close. The Petrified Forest Loop is a flat, easy trail that takes visitors through the ancient forest where they can see petrified stumps and fallen trees. The Ponderosa Loop Trail offers a more challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, the Hornbek Homestead is a preserved log cabin that portrays the lives of the early settlers in the area.

For those interested in learning more about the fossils found in the park, a visit to the Monument's visitor center is highly recommended. The visitor center features exhibits on the fossil formation process, a working paleontology laboratory, and guided tours led by knowledgeable park rangers.

While at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, visitors can also take advantage of nearby attractions in the area. Close by, Pike's Peak offers breathtaking views from its summit and is a popular destination for sightseeing and hiking. The town of Colorado Springs, known for its vibrant arts scene, is a short drive away and offers a variety of cultural attractions and dining experiences.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is not only a significant scientific site but also a place of great natural beauty. Its unique fossil record and surrounding landscape make it a must-visit destination for both paleontologists and nature enthusiasts alike.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is nestled within the picturesque state of Colorado in the United States. Located approximately 35 miles west of Colorado Springs, this national monument encompasses a captivating region that was once lush with ancient forests over 34 million years ago. Situated at an elevation of around 8,500 feet, the monument resides at the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains, providing visitors with breathtaking vistas of towering peaks and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This geological treasure is surrounded by pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and paleontologists alike.

Address & Contact

15807 Teller County Road 1
Florissant, CO 80816
Driving Directions
Phone: 7197483253
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is from May to September. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 64°F to 79°F, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation remains relatively low, ranging from 0.9 in to 3.6 in. This timeframe allows visitors to enjoy their visit without encountering large crowds, as the average visitor counts are significantly lower compared to the summer months. Therefore, visiting during the spring or fall seasons would provide optimal conditions to explore the monument while avoiding the peak tourism periods.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Hiking Front-Country Hiking Backcountry Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Snowshoeing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument: Animals Geology Night Sky Fossils and Paleontology Trails Colonization and Settlement Astronomy Elk Petrified Wood

Visitor Centers

Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center

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 bathrooms and a water fountain and bottle filling station.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Pikes Peak Paradise - Woodland Park

When you stay at Pikes Peak Paradise - Woodland Park in Woodland Park, you'll be near the airport and 12 minutes by car from Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center. Featured amenities include a business center, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 236 Pinecrest Rd, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Web: Link

Century Casino & Hotel Cripple Creek

When you stay at Century Casino & Hotel Cripple Creek in Cripple Creek, you'll be in the historical district, just steps from Century Casino and Butte Theater. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and ATM/banking services. Planning an event in Cripple Creek? This hotel has 150 square feet (14 square meters) of space consisting of conference space and a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 200-220 E. Bennett Ave, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

Cripple Creek Hospitality House & Travel Park

With a stay at Cripple Creek Hospitality House & Travel Park in Cripple Creek, you'll be in the historical district, within a 15-minute walk of Butte Theater and Century Casino. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 600 North B Street, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

The Outlook Lodge

Located in Green Mountain Falls, The Outlook Lodge is within a 15-minute drive of Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and UCHealth Pikes Peak Regional Hospital. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 6975 Howard St, Green Mountain Falls, Colorado 80819
Web: Link

SilverHouse Bed & Breakfast

With a stay at this vacation home in Cripple Creek, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Century Casino and Butte Theater. Featured amenities include laundry facilities, an elevator, and microwave in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 355 South Second Street, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

Gold King Mountain Inn

Located in Cripple Creek, Gold King Mountain Inn is a 4-minute walk from Wildwood Casino and 8 minutes by foot from Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and an elevator. Planning an event in Cripple Creek? This hotel has facilities measuring 600 square feet (56 square meters), including conference space. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 601 Galena Ave, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

Tiny House!in the Mountains Near Pikes Peak W/ac

Located in Woodland Park, this cottage is in the mountains, a 2-minute drive from Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and 6 minutes from Shining Mountain Golf Club. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 19253 U.S. 24, #13A, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Web: Link

Carr Manor

Located in Cripple Creek, Carr Manor is in the mountains, within a 5-minute walk of Double Eagle Casino and Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Featured amenities include a computer station, microwave in a common area, and refrigerator in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 350 E Carr Ave, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

Wildwood Hotel and Casino

With a stay at Wildwood Hotel and Casino in Cripple Creek, you'll be in the mountains, just a 2-minute walk from Wildwood Casino and 5 minutes by foot from Cripple Creek and Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad. Featured amenities include a computer station, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. This hotel has 3 meeting rooms available for events. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 119 N Fifth St, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Web: Link

Tiny House! Hot Tub! Pikes Peak & AC

Located in Woodland Park, this condo is in the mountains, a 2-minute drive from Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center and 6 minutes from Shining Mountain Golf Club. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 19253 U.S. 24, #13A, Woodland Park, Colorado 80863
Web: Link