Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Overview

Visitors to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument may see a familiar forest environment upon first entering the park, but careful excavation has revealed a much different type of forest hidden beneath the park surface. The Florissant Fossil Beds are some of the most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Over 1700 different plant and animal species have been recovered from the area, and the diversity is staggering. Fossils ranging in origin from terrestrial plants to microscopic aquatic animals have been unearthed, and paleontologic research continues today. Visiting Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is the perfect place to see remnants of a very different Colorado than exists today.

To learn more about the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, visit www.nps.org.

Local Info

Visitor Center:
The visitor center is open 8 am to 6 pm during summer and 9 am to 5 pm during the fall and winter. It is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Fees & Passes:
To learn more about park fees, click here.

Visiting Tips

The park operates seasonally, and the grounds are only open during park hours. Check the park's website to learn more about seasonal closures and to see current hours of operation.

Camping & Lodging

There are no lodging or camping opportunities located within the monument. Lodging is available in the communities surrounding the monument, which includes the Colorado Springs metropolitan area. Camping is available in three state forest units located within a 30-minute drive from the monument. Click here for more information about lodging and camping options in the surrounding area.

Food & Drink

There are no restaurants or cafes that operate within Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Food can be procured in the communities surrounding the park. There are multiple picnic areas that provide an enjoyable setting for those wishing to enjoy packed snacks or lunches.

Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers a wide variety of ranger-led tours and programs. In addition to two self-guided nature trails, there are ranger-led tours, walks, and interpretive talks. Visiting the fossil excavation sites and Learning Lab with a ranger can help increase your knowledge of the unique geologic climate that produced this incredible monument. For a full schedule of programs, please visit the events calendar.

Other Activities

Visitors who enjoyed the 14 miles of trail found within the park will certainly enjoy the other trails that the nearby Colorado Springs area has to offer. Colorado Springs was established as a resort community, and the tourism industry is strongly supported today. The area boasts a variety of great trails for mountain biking. In addition to recreating on trail, the granite and sandstone features provides ample recreation for rock climbers.

Maps & Guidebooks

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provides brochures upon request to those visitors who would like help in planning their visit.