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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.

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