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Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, west of Colorado Springs.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument – Divide

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Florissant Fossil Beds is a beautiful collection of petrified trees and fossils spread across many acres west of Pikes Peak. It’s located just west of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs.

Known for it’s petrified trees, Florissant Fossil Beds makes a great place to trek around for a couple hours. Admission to the park is $3 and well worth it.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
The main entrance is about 30 west of Colorado Springs.

Several of the huge petrified redwoods are located within a short walk from the visitor center and parking lot. There are two main trails that visit additional fossil beds, which are a 1/2 mile and a 1 mile loop.

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. It’s a historic 1878 ranch owned by Adeline Hornbek. This area is open to explore and walk around the outside. Explore the old lands and ranch where Adeline lived.

​Activities at Florissant Fossil Beds

Florissant Fossil Beds Homestead
Adeline Hornbek’s old homestead, built in 1878.

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.

Camping and additional hiking trails can be found in nearby Mueller State Park.

A small petrified tree stump.
A petrified stump.
One of two outdoor exhibits behind the visitor center.
Petrified Forest Loop.
The "Big Stump" is located along the Petrified Forest Walk.
Notice the hatchets or blades in the "Big Stump" from when it was tried be moved.
Looking down at the Hornbek homestead.
Trail choice.
Another stump on the Petrified Forest Loop.
Adeline Hornbek house.
On the homestead.
Adeline Hornbek's old homestead, built in 1878.
Visitor Center is a trailor, while a new one is built.
There are several trails throughout meadows like this.
The petrified tree stumps are all from giant redwoods.
The Rocky Mountain region was once warmer and home to redwoods.
Wood becomes rock through a process called permineralization.
Trees were entombed in silica-rich volcanic mud.
"Big Stump".
There are several petrified trees along the trail.
Homestead belonged to Adeline Hornbek.
It was built in 1878.

 

Details

Address: Teller Co Rd 1, Divide, CO

Phone: 719-748-3253

Season: Year round, day-use

Entrance Fees: Yes/individual

Pets: Not permitted

Website: nps.gov/flfo

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