1 / 10

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

4.6

·2k reviews·Florissant, United States

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

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore ancient redwood forests turned to stone and discover thousands of delicate insect and plant fossils.

4.6

(2k reviews)

"A beautiful spot for a quick walk and a step back in time!"

TIP

👟 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:

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 1,585 reviews

Type

Park

Address

15807 Co Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816, USA

Website

nps.gov/flfo/index.htm

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Fossil Exploration

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, so an early morning visit is best to explore the trails and see the petrified redwood stumps before the heat sets in. Check the visitor center hours before your trip.

Protecting a Prehistoric Treasure

This monument preserves a delicate ecosystem. Stay on marked trails to avoid disturbing fossils and wildlife. The visitor center offers valuable insights into the area's history and the importance of conservation efforts.

Best Times

When

Spring & Fall mornings

Why

Pleasant temps, fewer crowds

Crowd

Low

When

Summer mornings

Why

Beat the heat, see wildlife

Crowd

Medium

When

Clear nights

Why

Incredible stargazing

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Fossil Creek What to Bring Tips: - Walking or Hiking Shoes and Water Shoes - Hat/Visor - Water - Food - Picnic blanket or Chair - Safety Kit - Sunblock - Goggles - Waterproof Phone Case #fossilcreek #thingstodoinaz #azhiking #funinthesun #chasingwaterfalls

@biancafantastic

26K likes • 410.9K views

👟 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:

Here’s some useful tips 📝 before visiting lower Fossil Creek waterfall trail 😊 Do not play with Arizona heat, keep that water on you 🥵 Permit to park along Fossil Creek is REQUIRED (April to October) for only $6 at https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4251919 ⭐️save for later⭐️ • • • #arizona #fossilcreek #Hiking #hikewithme #arizonatravel #hikingadventures #waterfall #thingstodo

@life0nmars.mp4

12.5K likes • 112.6K views

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument! A nice hiking path and pretty amazing to see these fossils. The main items to see is the petrified redwood stumps. They also have lots of insects and plant fossils to look at. A nice visit from Colorado Springs. @florissantnps @junior.ranger.nps @cityofcos #florissantfossilbeds #florissantfossilbedsnationalmonument #nps #juniorranger #juniorrangerbadge...

our_rv_odyssey

20 likes • 281 views

☀️ 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:

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is located just outside Colorado Springs, CO. This monument was set up to protect the petrified wood and fossils found in this ancient lake bed. This was desperately needed as the area had been plagued by over tourism during the settlement period - and much of the wood and fossils were taken, lost, or destroyed. Now this area is protected for future gener...

arynelbismarck

12 likes • 705 views

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. 🦌

📚 Junior Ranger Program Fun

A fantastic activity for kids! The workbook and amphitheater program make learning about fossils engaging. :child:

What Travellers Say

4.6

(2k reviews)

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

Impressive petrified stumps

Fossil exhibits

Dark sky stargazing

What People Dislike

Limited fossils found on trails

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. 🚗

Public transportation options are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle for easy access to the monument and surrounding areas. 🚌

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. 🏨

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. 🎟️

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. 📅

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. 📷

Yes, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is renowned for its dark skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing and astrophotography. 🌙

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. ⛰️