Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
National Monument ยท Colorado
NPS Photo
National monument in the United States
The Florissant Formation is a sedimentary geologic formation outcropping around Florissant, Teller County, Colorado. The formation is noted for the abundant and exceptionally preserved insect and plant fossils that are found in the mudstones and shales. Based on argon radiometric dating, the formation is Eocene in age and has been interpreted as a lake environment. The fossils have been preserved because of the interaction of the volcanic ash from the nearby Thirtynine Mile volcanic field with diatoms in the lake, causing a diatom bloom. As the diatoms fell to the bottom of the lake, any plants or animals that had recently died were preserved by the diatom falls. Fine layers of clays and muds interspersed with layers of ash form "paper shales" holding beautifully-preserved fossils. The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a national monument established to preserve and study the geology and history of the area.
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.
Park Photos
Activities
Operating Hours
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.
| mon | tue | wed | thu | fri | sat | sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
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.
What are the best activities at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
Popular activities at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument include: Astronomy, Stargazing, Food, Picnicking, Guided Tours, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking, Backcountry Hiking.
What is the weather like at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
Winter months - average high 40 degrees F; average low 5 degrees F; Summer months - average high 75 degrees F; average low 40 degrees F;
How do I get to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
Visitors traveling north/south on I-25: Exit at US 24 West, travel 35 miles to town of Florissant, then follow signs two miles south on Teller County Road 1 to the Visitor Center. Visitors traveling from town of Cripple Creek: Follow Teller County Road 1 north for 16 miles.
Entrance Fees
$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.
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;
Directions
Visitors traveling north/south on I-25: Exit at US 24 West, travel 35 miles to town of Florissant, then follow signs two miles south on Teller County Road 1 to the Visitor Center. Visitors traveling from town of Cripple Creek: Follow Teller County Road 1 north for 16 miles.
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Official Resources
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