Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

National Monument · CO

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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.

nps.gov ↗

Photos

Fossil redwood stump — Walk the Petrified Trail Loop to see fossil redwood stumps

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

Visitors at Hornbek Homestead — Visitors explore the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1878.

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

View of the Florissant valley with grassy meadows and mountains in the distance — View from the top of the self-guided Geologic Trail

Activities

Astronomy
Stargazing
Food
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Snowshoeing
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store