Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- Open Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. except Christmas,
Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day
If you’re looking to get in touch with the past,
say millions of years ago, perhaps fossils showcasing
forms of life will satiate your palate.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
has an impressive collection of petrified
Redwoods trees and small animal life.
First, stop by the visitor center to stock up
on brochures and learn about the self-guided
and guided tours available. You can also learn
about the process of fossilization.
Make sure to choose one of the loop trails
that show off the fossils this place is famous for.
The national park features petrified
Redwood trees, insects, palm trees, insects,
leaves and fish.
Scientists believe volcanic eruptions formed
the fossil beds some 35 million years ago. The
site was documented as a popular destination
as early as the mid 1800s.
Within the national park is the Hornbek
Homestead built in 1878. Adeline Hornbek, a
rancher, owned the home and raised her four
children under its roof.
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