Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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.

Hiking and Horseback Riding in Divide, CO

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.

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

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.

A small petrified tree stump.