Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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Fossil redwood stump

About Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.

Quick Facts

State Colorado
Designation National Monument
State Code CO
Weather Winter months - average high 40 degrees F; average low 5 degrees F; Summer months - average high 75 degrees F; average low 40 degrees F;

Entrance Fees

Entrance - Per Person $10.00

$10 per adult (age 16 or older). Admission is good for 7 days. Children ages 15 or under are admitted free. Fee covers entrance to all areas of the park including visitor center exhibits, film, outdoor exhibit area, hiking trails, picnic areas, Hornbek Homestead, self-guided tours, and ranger programs. Pay ahead of your visit at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/2683.

Operating Hours

Winter hours begin in November, with the Visitor Center open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the Visitor Center parking lot, restrooms, and trails remain accessible. The Visitor Center parking lot gate is locked daily at 4:30 PM. Be sure to park at the Hornbek Homestead if you think your hike may run late - this lot is open 24 hours a day as a designated Dark Sky viewing area.

Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Monday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Thursday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Sunday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Friday 9:00AM - 4:00PM
Saturday 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Activities

Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Backcountry Hiking Front-Country Hiking Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Junior Ranger Program Snowshoeing Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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