Contact Info
Florissant, CO 80816
- Phone:
- 719-748-3253
Basics
- Location:
- 35 miles west of Colorado Springs
- Type:
- National Park
- Elevation:
- 8,400 feet feet
Description
The Florissant Fossil Beds are a visual record of plant and animal life in the Colorado region some 35 million years ago. Several nature trails wander through a pleasant mountain valley sprinkled with petrified sequoia stumps, with views of Pike's Peak to the east. At the Visitor's Center fossils of insect and animal life are on display, along with a video explaining how and why the fossils here were preserved so well. An additional attraction at the monument is the 1878 Hornbek Homestead, preserved as an example of early homesteading in the Florissant Valley.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
8 am to 7 pm in summer
Shorter hours the rest of the year
Shorter hours the rest of the year
Season:
Open year-round
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Colorado Springs, take US 24 west for 35 miles to the town of Florissant. The fossil beds are just south of town.
