Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
34 million years of history, 15 miles from camp.
Table of Contents
- What It Is
- Getting There
- What You’ll See
- Trails
- With Kids
- Photography
- A Sample Visit
- Nearby: Town of Florissant
- Practical Information
- For the Science-Curious
What It Is
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument preserves one of the world’s richest and most diverse fossil deposits. Around 34 million years ago, a volcanic eruption created a lake, and over millennia, insects, plants, and other organisms were preserved in extraordinary detail in the lake-bottom shales.
The site also features petrified redwood stumps—massive stone remnants of ancient trees.
Why Visit
- World-class fossils – Exceptional preservation of ancient life
- Petrified giants – Massive redwood stumps
- Close to Eleven Mile – Only 15 miles, 25-minute drive
- Educational excellence – Perfect for curious kids and adults
- Easy trails – Accessible for all ages
- National Park site – Well-maintained facilities and programming
Getting There
From Eleven Mile: ~15 miles, ~25 minutes
- Head east on County Road 92 toward Lake George
- Turn south on US-24 toward Florissant
- Turn west on Teller County Road 1 (signs to monument)
- Continue to Visitor Center
Hours and Fees
Hours: Typically 9 AM – 5 PM (verify current hours; may vary seasonally)
Entrance fee: ~$10/adult (National Park Pass accepted)
- Children under 16 free
- Annual passes available
Visitor Center
Start here for:
- Fossil exhibits and displays
- Short orientation film
- Junior Ranger program materials
- Trail maps and information
- Ranger programs schedule
- Gift shop
What You’ll See
The Fossils
The shale deposits contain over 1,700 species of fossils including:
Insects:
- Butterflies and moths
- Beetles
- Ants and wasps
- Dragonflies
- Spiders
Plants:
- Leaves (incredible detail, including veins)
- Seeds and fruits
- Flowers
- Pollen
Other:
- Fish
- Birds
- Mollusks
- Small mammals
The preservation is so detailed that scientists can identify species, study ancient ecosystems, and understand climate conditions from 34 million years ago.
Petrified Stumps
The “Big Stump” and other petrified redwood stumps are among the largest in the world. These trees were buried by volcanic mudflows and mineralized over millions of years.
Big Stump facts:
- Original tree was ~750 years old when buried
- Estimated height: ~300 feet (when living)
- Current stump diameter: ~12 feet
- Now solid stone (silica replaced organic material)
Trails
Ponderosa Loop Trail
Distance: 1 mile loop Difficulty: Easy Features: Forest walk, wildlife habitat Best for: Leg-stretching, birding
Petrified Forest Loop
Distance: 1 mile loop Difficulty: Easy Features: Petrified stumps, meadow views Best for: Seeing the big stumps, all ages
Hornbek Wildlife Loop
Distance: 4 miles loop Difficulty: Moderate Features: Meadows, wildlife, historic homestead Best for: Longer walk, seeing more of the monument
Boulder Creek Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles one way Difficulty: Moderate Features: Creek, forest, solitude Best for: Those wanting more hiking
Sawmill Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles round trip Difficulty: Moderate Features: Views, geology Best for: Variety of terrain
With Kids
Florissant is one of the best family destinations near Eleven Mile.
Junior Ranger Program
How it works:
- Pick up Junior Ranger booklet at Visitor Center
- Complete activities while exploring the monument
- Return to Visitor Center
- Receive Junior Ranger badge
Age range: Activities for various ages (typically 5–12)
Making It Engaging
Before visiting:
- Read about fossils together
- Discuss: “What would we find if we preserved our backyard for 34 million years?”
- Look up what Colorado was like during the Eocene epoch
At the monument:
- Let kids lead the trail choice
- Compare fossil leaves to modern leaves
- Imagine the ancient redwood forest
- Hunt for wildlife (alive, not fossilized)
- Touch the petrified stumps (permitted)
Questions to discuss:
- How did these insects get preserved so perfectly?
- Why were there redwood trees in Colorado?
- What other animals might have lived here?
- What might our area look like in 34 million years?
Kid-Friendly Science
| Concept | How to Explain |
|---|---|
| Fossils | “Like a time photograph in rock” |
| Preservation | “The mud kept out the air so things didn’t rot” |
| Petrification | “Minerals slowly replaced the wood, like replacing Legos one at a time” |
| Deep time | “If your arms spread is the age of Earth, these fossils are in your fingernail” |
Photography
Best Subjects
- Petrified stumps (morning light best)
- Visitor Center fossil displays
- Meadow wildflowers (June–July)
- Pikes Peak views from higher trails
- Wildlife (deer, birds)
Tips
- The stumps photograph well in soft light
- Visitor Center allows photography of displays
- Bring macro lens/mode for flower close-ups
- Golden hour works well in meadows
A Sample Visit
Half-Day Itinerary (2–3 hours)
9:30 AM: Arrive, park, enter Visitor Center
9:45 AM: Watch orientation film, explore fossil exhibits
10:15 AM: Walk Petrified Forest Loop (1 hour with stops at major stumps)
11:15 AM: Return to Visitor Center, complete Junior Ranger activities
11:45 AM: Browse gift shop, complete badge ceremony
12:00 PM: Depart
Full-Day Option
Add:
- Longer trail (Hornbek Wildlife Loop or combination)
- Picnic lunch at designated area
- Ranger program (check schedule)
- Adjacent Florissant townsite exploration
Nearby: Town of Florissant
The small town of Florissant (population ~100) sits just outside the monument:
- Fossil Inn – Local restaurant
- Small shops – Fossils, crafts
- Historic buildings – Western character
- Gas and basics – Last services before heading back
Practical Information
What to Bring
- Water
- Sunscreen and hat
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera
- Snacks
- Junior Ranger booklet (from Visitor Center)
- Binoculars (for wildlife)
Rules
- No collecting fossils, rocks, plants, or other materials
- Stay on trails
- Do not climb on petrified stumps
- Pets allowed on trails, leashed
- No drones
Weather Notes
- Elevation: ~8,400 feet (similar to Eleven Mile)
- Afternoon thunderstorms possible
- Exposed trails—bring sun protection
- Can be windy
For the Science-Curious
How Florissant Formed
- 34 million years ago: Volcanic eruption to the west
- Mudflows (lahars): Buried the redwood forest
- Lake formation: A lake formed behind volcanic debris
- Slow burial: Organisms died and sank to lake bottom
- Fine sediment: Ash and mud preserved incredible detail
- Millions of years: Minerals replaced organic material
- Modern discovery: Exposed by erosion, protected as monument
What Florissant Tells Scientists
- Climate: Colorado was much warmer and wetter
- Ecosystems: Ancient forest communities documented
- Evolution: Transition periods between epochs
- Biodiversity: 1,700+ species identified from single site
- Volcanic history: Lake George area’s volcanic past
Ongoing Research
Scientists continue studying Florissant. New species are still being discovered. The monument occasionally hosts research programs and lectures.
Why It Matters: Florissant isn’t just old rocks—it’s a window into a world that no longer exists. Standing among petrified giant trees, looking at the imprint of a butterfly wing from 34 million years ago, you’re touching deep time in a way that’s rare and precious.