florissant fossil beds national monument

MikeSteeves

This was our first visit to Florissant during the winter months, and our first since the new visitor's center opened. NPS has done a first-rate job with the new center and the displays therein. Though we were not able to hike any of the trails because of ice and an impending winter storm, we spent a pleasant hour or so browsing the displays before hieing down the road ahead of the weather. The new arrangement gives far greater insight into the scientific history of the site than we were able to see on previous visits.

DOGColorado

The Florissant Fossil Beds N.M. is a great place to learn about a relatively little known central Colorado resource. It lies in the middle of an area that is world famous for geologic features, including the gold deposits at Cripple Creek/Victor and the mineral deposits of the Crystal Peak area, made famous by The Prospectors TV show on the Weather Channel. The NM is relatively compact, at 6000 acres, with about 15 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate (it's mostly at about 9000 ft. elevation, so be prepared to take your time). Rangers do everything they can to make this a fun, educational experience--home schoolers can learn some real science while here. There are also activities for organized school groups. Although it's a bit slow in the winter, there are volunteer scientists, as well as the paid staff, available to actually TALK WITH visitors, on a one-to-one basis--a rare thing in the National Park system. Don't miss this if you're vacationing or visiting in central Colorado.

MyWornShoeLeather

There are two types of fossils here: the huge petrified redwoods and the tiny leaves and insects trapped in shale. The redwoods are dotted along the trails. The others are viewable at the visitor center (awesome interpretation at the center, focusing on the scientific process and featuring scientists from many backgrounds, not just the usual white dudes). The trails through ponderosa forests and alpine meadows are fabulous. All the staff were incredibly helpful. I highly recommend a visit!

foodieinthesprings

The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is the only national park in the Colorado Springs area, and it is a gem of a park. The Visitor Center is a relatively new building that has an interactive center for kids and adults, a video room, and a fossil lab. The lab is a study center staffed by interns and scientists, where they catalog and store fossils from the park and the surrounding area. There are several redwood stumps on the property that give us an idea of the ecosystem that existed millions of years ago. Some of the stumps are located undercover in the amphitheater located within walking distance from the Visitor Center. Ranger talks are given there during the warmer months. Kids activities include getting an NPS Ranger Badge, and when it's warm they can go to the yurt to look at fossils through microscopes. There are many easy hiking trails here, and you can snowshoe or XC ski in the winter. The park also hosts stargazing events for those of you who are into astronomy. The Fossil Beds is a hidden gem, but once you find it, you'll know why many of us think it's priceless.

Tweentrails

The visitor experience at the fossil beds are greatly improved since the exposure of more fossil tree trunks and the construction of the new museum. Annual visitation here is steadily growing. The visitor center interpretation seems more technical than is typical of national park sites. If you are the parents of girls, you might appreciate the emphasis on the role of female scientists who have worked in the fossil beds. The visitor center includes some of the plant, fish, and amphibian fossils for which the beds are famous but they are fewer of these fossils here than in museum collections. Children might enjoy the camouflaged (as stone) pull-out exhibit drawers in the naturalist presentation structure.

rodp230

Yup I didn't know either. Seriously I probably wouldn't drive hours out of the way to get here, but if your close it is certainly worth the time. Admission is inexpensive, the rangers are all very nice and knowledgeable. We were the only ones there for a presentation so the ranger really catered to us. Check out the junior ranger program!!!! It's such a neat way for the kids to learn.

mtm221

We really enjoyed our time in this park. The rangers are informative and enthusiastic. The trails are great and there is much to learn. We still can't get over that the tse-tse fly was once found in North America. There were several school field trips going on while we were visiting but there are enough trails so that you don't have to overwhelmed by enthusiastic school kids. And, at one junction while we were bird watching the adults "shushed" the kids to minimize the noise. The trails are moderate enough so that those of us coming from 8' above sea level could manage the elevation.

956merleg

Part of the Gold Belt Loop. Nice facilities, informative video, and a little museum with top notch explanatory displays of small fossils. Outside, the petrified giant redwood trunks were simply amazing to me. Nice walking trails and picnic area. Sorry I couldn't walk far enough to see the largest stump. Can also walk to an original homestead--or stop at it along the road north of the Fossil Beds headquarters.

C86AZmichaelb

Some of the loops were a little more moderate. As long as you are athletic you can tackle all of the trails.

JoyJ58

Only about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, there is much to see and learn with several well groomed and identified hiking trails- most of which are considered, "moderate". Sitting at an altitude of 8,400 feet, it can take your breath away. There is a lovely state of the art Visitor's Center with a learning center chocked full fossils and information about the area. A main attractions are the petrified redwood tree stumps. Huge, and protected. There is also a pioneer homestead on the property which has been lovingly preserved. A great place to bring the kids to learn of some of Colorado's history-Not to mention the crisp mountain air. We went as a day trip and packed in our lunch. While there are several shaded pic-nick tables close to the Visitors Center it is easy enough to find a grassy place to enjoy your lunch and watch for elk. We enjoyed several of the trails but my favorite was the Sawmill trail. It meanders through the woods and across the high meadows. Because it is so close "to home" it has become a new favorite place to day hike. Bring hats, water and I'd recommend hiking shoes- lots of loose gravel on the trails.

jfadds

We visit all the properties in the national park/monument system that we can and have now hit 200 different places. Alas some are better than others. This has a pleasant enough building and an enthusiastic ranger manning the desk. However after the movie, there just is not a lot there to warrant more than a short visit.

ScubaGirl8

We stopped here on scenic drive between Colorado Springs and Aspen. The movie at the Visitor's Center was definitely worth viewing before heading out to see the redwood stumps. Little fossils are inside or removed. Time constraints and inability to take dogs on hike meant we did closest walks by Visitor center. Very good rangers, didn't 't make me return to car to get my Golden Age pass ( flashed my Pima Co library card by mistake) and another ranger said to move our vehicle to bus parking area so dogs could be in the shade while we were inside.

CharlotteKay

Very nice visitor center with friendly staff. I learned so much about what a rich fossil bed we have right here under our feet. The giant redwood petrified stumps are easy to get to on the hiking trails.

rettwav8r

Stopped here by chance when passing through the area. Fascinating monument with great museum and information of early Colorado geologic history. Numerous petrified stumps of Redwood trees (normally thought of as being in California). Good hiking trail to view grounds with excellent signage to explain what you are seeing. Just off rte 24, you will be glad you stopped.

Oceandweller7

This place is all about thinking about the dinosaur fossils and petrified wood found here back in the day, and is a 45 minute drive west on Highway 24 from Colorado Springs. I took a group of kids 7 to 12 here for some hiking and to learn about how this place was formed. Eons ago, it was a tropical rainforest. We took the route to the park out of Florissant (off of Hwy 24), as there is another way to get here via Cripple Creek, and it was straightforward. The visitor center is nice and you can get your National Passport Stamp here. There are many easy hiking trails here and it is a fun time for all ages.