Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is known for it’s petrified trees. It’s located just west of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs. It makes a great place to trek around for a couple hours.

Begin with a brief introduction at the visitor center and then enjoy one or both of the self-guided hiking trails. They take you around each of the fossil beds.

After taking a self-guided trail, you can drive 1 mile north to the Hornbek Homestead. Explore the old lands and ranch where Adeline Hornbek lived. It was built in 1878.

Activities

Hiking: There are two main, self-guided trails located near the visitor center. These go past all the fossil beds. There are also 14 miles of other hiking trails, great for scenery and wildlife viewing.

Petrified Forest Walk – A 1 mile gravel trail takes you pass petrified Redwood trees, an old excavation site and a geologic timeline exhibit. The trail begins at the end of the covered exhibit area near the visitor center.
Ponderosa Loop Trail – A 1/2 mile loop trail takes you through a Ponderosa pine forest. The trail begins same place as above trail.

Horseback Riding: Limited riding is available within the park. See visitor center for specifics. Park horse trailers at designated pull located on Lower Twin Rock Road.

Visitor Center is a trailor, while a new one is built.