Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Approximately 35 million years ago volcanic eruptions buried a lush valley in this area, petrifying some of the giant redwood trees that grew here. In addition to a wonderful museum/visitor’s center and historic homestead, birding amid the ponderosa woodland mixed with aspen and open meadows can be productive, with Williamson’s Sapsucker, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Green-tailed Towhee, and Red Crossbill among the more likely species. Wildflower displays in summer can be spectacular.
County: Teller
Attractions: Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway
Habitat: Ponderosa Forest
Directions: Take US 24 to the town of Florissant. Turn left (south) on CR 1 (Florissant Road) and head approximately 2 miles to the monument's main entrance. Note that there is a small fee to enter this area.
Delorme: 62 A1
Roads of Colorado: 88 B4
Dates of Access: Open all year
Hours: Visitor center open 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Ownership: National Park Service
Admission: National Parks fee
Restrictions: Obey park rules and regulations
Parking: Gravel parking area
Lodging: Hotel in Divide
Handicapped: Yes
Handicapped Access: Easy walking trail
Elevation: 8215
Latitude: 38.90787
Longitude: -105.2884
» Visit the website for Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Drinking Fountain | Yes |
| Gravel Trails | Yes |
| Paved Trails | No |
| Platform/Blind | No |
| Boardwalk | No |
| Concession | No |
| Visitor Center | Yes |
| Gift Shop | Yes |
| Primitive | No |
| Camping | |
| Picnic | Yes |
| Hunting | |
| Fishing |