Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
4.6(1.6K)google
4.1(42)yelp
EducationalFossilsHikingNational Monument
Overview
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a uniquely preserved geologic treasure located in Florissant, Colorado. It protects one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world, featuring massive petrified redwood tree stumps up to 14 feet wide and incredibly detailed shale impressions of prehistoric insects, leaves, and fish from the Eocene epoch, offering a window into an ancient world 34 million years ago.
Practical Info
Mon9:00 AM – 4:30PM
Tue9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wed9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sat9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sun9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeYear-round appeal, but June through September is optimal for completing the outdoor geological loops. Arriving between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM is highly recommended; the crisp morning light beautifully accentuates the rich textures of the massive prehistoric petrified redwood stumps without the heavy midday high-desert heat.
Getting ThereLocated at 15807 Teller County Rd 1. To drive from Colorado Springs, head west on US-24 W through the mountains for roughly 35 miles (about 45 minutes) into the town of Florissant. Turn left south onto Teller County Rd 1 at the prominent National Park Service brown sign and drive 2 miles straight to the visitor center lot.
Travel Tips
- This monument is a strictly preserved prehistoric geological zone; federal statutes mandate an ironclad ban on foraging, digging, or collecting even the microscopic fragments of petrified wood or insect shales. Discovering geology in possessions triggers immediate federal criminal charges; remote surveillance arrays monitor all trail corridors.
- The site rests in an elevated mountain valley at 8,400 feet with flat terrain completely exposed to extreme high-altitude UV radiation. Summer and fall afternoons see rapid, severe anticyclonic thunderstorm tracking with heavy hail; wearing high-UPF outer layers and carrying an active hard-shell rain jacket is non-negotiable.
- The primary visitor complex (15807 Teller County Rd 1) provides stable regular stalls, but because the access lanes are highly constricted, extended RVs or towed setups are strictly barred from central rows. Oversized configurations must park inside the lengthened, gravel 'Bus/RV Only' lanes to avoid gridlocking the loop.
Reviews
Positive
- The massive fossilized redwood stumps petrified by ancient volcanic ash offer exceptional, rare geological and historical value.
- The museum display of insect and leaf fossils is exquisite, featuring interactive microscopes that kids absolutely love.
- The main loop paths weaving past the stone tree trunks are wide, flat, and offer excellent, effortless wheelchair accessibility.
- Admission is highly budget-friendly, and the park maintains a quiet, crowd-free prairie bliss far from chaotic mainstream resorts.
Heads up
- To prevent erosion and vandalism, major stumps are caged behind tall metal fences, losing some organic close-up visual appeal.
- Aside from the short fossil loop, the deeper backcountry trails offer lookalike, monotonous high-desert prairie fields.
- There are zero food services or hot meals inside the preserve; it's surrounded by rural open land, requiring packed supplies.
- Public transit is completely nonexistent; the rural access roads suffer from violent winter valley crosswinds that rock big RVs.