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.
Photo: NPS Photo
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.
- LocationFlorissant, CO
- Entrance $10 per person
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
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Weather now27°F Clear
- Alerts 3 active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Astronomy
- Colonization and Settlement
- Elk
- Fossils and Paleontology
- Geology
- Night Sky
- Petrified Wood
1 more topics
- Trails
Alerts (3)
CautionFlorissant Fossil Beds closed in observance of Veterans Day The parking lot and Visitor Center is closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. The visitor cent… Read more
The parking lot and Visitor Center is closed on Wednesday, November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. The visitor center is already closed Mondays and Tuesdays for winter. Plan accordingly.
InformationWinter Hours Begin September 14 Winter Operating Hours in effect September 14, 2026: the visitor center is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sund… Read more
Winter Operating Hours in effect September 14, 2026: the visitor center is open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, closed on Monday and Tuesday.
InformationFlorissant Fossil Beds has moved to cashless fee collection Entrance fees and pass purchases must be made with a credit/debit card or payment app on a mobile device. Electronic pay… Read more
Entrance fees and pass purchases must be made with a credit/debit card or payment app on a mobile device. Electronic payment reduces transaction times, saves money, and improves accountability.
Things to Do
3 experiences from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Hiking the Geologic Trail
Fee applies
This 1.2 mile trail highlights over a billion years of geologic history of the Florissant valley.
Learn more about Hiking the Geologic Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop
Fee applies
Take a self-guided, one mile hike and see some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world.
Learn more about Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab) -
Hiking the Ponderosa Loop Trail
Fee applies
Take a stroll on a short, easy trail through a peaceful Ponderosa pine forest and learn about the area's natural history. The highlight of the trail is a modern Ponderosa pine tree growing out of a…
Learn more about Hiking the Ponderosa Loop Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
Showing 3 of 3
Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
- Hiking
- Stargazing
- Astronomy
- Guided Tours
- Horse Trekking
- Junior Ranger Program
- Museum Exhibits
- Picnicking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Bookstore and Park Store
- Food
- Front-Country Hiking
Show 5 more activities
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Florissant Fossil Beds Visitor Center
Facility
The Visitor Center is where you should start your visit to Florissant Fossil Beds. Please meet our Rangers in the Visitor Center to show your pass, if you have one…
15807 Teller County Road 1, Florissant, CO (719) 748-3253 Directions
Details
The Visitor Center is where you should start your visit to Florissant Fossil Beds. Please meet our Rangers in the Visitor Center to show your pass, if you have one, and/or purchase passes. We also have trail maps and information to plan your visit and Jr. Ranger activity books available. Inside the Visitor Center, you will find a museum with fossil exhibits, a theater to see the park film, and a bookstore. The Visitor Center has restrooms and a water fountain and bottle filling station.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM · Hours
Hours details
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HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
The Visitor Center is closed Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter season beginning September 14, 2026. Check the Visitor Center hours section for more information. 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.
Monday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Thursday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Friday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Saturday 9:00AM - 4:30PM Sunday 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Entrance fees
- $10Per Person
Fee details
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Per Person$10
$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.
Passes
- $35Annual Entrance - Park
Pass details
- Annual Entrance - Park
Valid for one year. Covers entrance fees for card-holder and up to 3 other adults in your party. Children ages 15 or under are admitted free. Accepted only at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
Address
15807 Teller County Road 1Florissant, CO 80816
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
27°F
Clear · feels like 21°
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Today
55° 27°
Sunny4% rain -
Tomorrow
55° 25°
Sunny2% rain
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Thursday
55° 26°
Sunny1% rain
Updated 5 hr ago
What to expect by season
Winter months - average high 40 degrees F; average low 5 degrees F; Summer months - average high 75 degrees F; average low 40 degrees F;
Photos
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Visitors explore the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1878. — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Florissant, CO 80816
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.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 185, Florissant, CO 80816
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