Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Things To Do Near Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

The Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a quick stop for RVers driving in between campgrounds. This national monument is an excellent attraction for the inquisitive and children alike. When you arrive, you should make it a point to stop at the visitor center to watch a 20-minute orientation video, participate in a fossil lab, and talk to rangers. You will get to see petrified tree stumps, indigenous plants and animals, and the Hornbek Homestead on the trails. It only takes a half day's visit to complete these activities. 

Hiking Trails

• Petrified Forest Loop

  Petrified Forest Loop is an easy 1.1-mile loop hike from behind the outdoor exhibit area that leads to the ancient Lake Florissant. It is an area rich in silica, which has settled in layers to fossilize insects and plants. This scenic trail takes you past what is known as the lively Big Stump over rolling mountain meadows with views of snowcapped peaks and fossilized stumps of sequoia trees.

  Location

  Teller County Road 1, Florissant, CO 80816

  Length

  1.1 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• The Ponderosa Loop

  If you want to get out of the heat, then head to the shade of The Ponderosa Loop. This 0.4-mile trail takes you through a modern forest of spruce, pines, Douglas fir, and aspen trees. It is made of packed gravel, is wheelchair accessible, and you can expect to see a few Abert's squirrels.

  Location

  Teller County Road 1, Florissant, CO 80816

  Length

  0.4 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

Sightseeing

• Mueller State Park

  If you want to avoid crowds, then you should visit Mueller State Park. This state park consists of 5,112 acres and 55 miles of trails. It is also home to the Dome Rock attractions and various wildlife, such as the bighorn sheep, hawks, eagles, black bears, and elk.

  Location

  21045 Highway 67 South, Divide, CO, 80814

• Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

  The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a sanctuary in a scenic mountain setting for wolves, foxes, and coyotes. This facility offers one-hour tours that allow guests to meet the animals, learn about their history, and learn how the animals' habitats are being threatened. The tours conclude with a serene experience of a wolf howling.

  Location

  4729 Twin Rocks Rd, Divide, CO 80814

Museums

• The Historic Hornbek Homestead

  The Hornbek House was built in 1878 for Adaline Hornbek and became a part of the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in 1973. It is an example of early homesteads and showcases outstanding domestic log architecture in the Rocky Mountain region. You can walk around the property at the Homestead, tour the buildings, and enjoy the surrounding beautiful scenery.

  Location

  Teller County Road 1, Florissant, CO 80816

• The Pikes Peak Historical Society Museum

  The Pikes Peak Historical Society Museum is comprised of 2,600 square feet of exhibits that offer visitors an educational and entertaining tour of the Pikes Peak Region. These exhibits include a focus on the transition from mountain men to the early pioneers, a highlight of the Ute Indians, the gold rush, and railroads. The museum also features 345- and 439-pound smoky quartz crystals, fossils, minerals, and unique rocks from the Florissant Lineament.

  Location

  18033 Teller County Road #1, Florissant, CO 80816

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• The Ponderosa Country Store

  This is a local gas station where you will find affordable staples for your trip. The store also serves Hunt Brothers Pizza and offers grocery selections.

  Location

  Convenience Store

• Cripple Creek Candy & Variety

  Cripple Creek Candy & Variety serves vintage candy and makes handmade chocolates and fudge. This store specializes in jalapeño peanut brittle, regular peanut brittle, truffles, and toffee peanut butter cups.

  Location

  Candy Shop

• Iron Tree Restaurant & Brewery

  If you are looking for homemade food and cold craft beer, then you should stop at Iron Tree Restaurant & Brewery. Their hamburgers, craft beer, and cheesecake are among the best in the area.

  Location

  37 Costello Ave, Florissant, CO 80816

• Costello Coffee House

  Costello Coffee House is a Victorian-style coffee shop that was built in 1885. You will find various breakfast favorites, such as turtle lattes, hot chocolate with homemade whip cream, croissants, coffee, quiche, eggs, and bacon.

  Location

  2679 US Highway 24, Florissant, CO 80816

How To Get To Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

If you are traveling north/south on Interstate 24 (I-24), then you want to take the US 24 West exit. You will stay on this highway for 35 miles to the town of Florissant. Next, it helps to pay attention to the signs and follow for 2 miles south until you run into the visitor center, which is located on Teller County Road #1. If you are traveling east/west Interstate 24 (I-24), then you will take the exit for the town of Florissant. After driving 2 miles south, you will reach the visitor center. The visitor center provides transportation to the park for visitors who prefer to park their RV. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is located outside of Florissant, Colorado, on the Gold Belt Byway, one of the most scenic national highways. 

Address

18033 Teller County Rd 1, Florissant, CO 80816

Fee: Entry fee (ages 16+) $10.0

People under the age of 16 do not pay a fee to enter the monument.

If you are interested in geology and want to know what happened 34 million years ago in Florissant Valley, then you should make a stop at this national monument. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is remote and requires some hiking, but it is an excellent national park to visit when wanting to avoid crowds. A personal tour allows for a heightened experience with access to wildlife and incredible views. If you do not own an RV, then you should consider renting one in order to make the most of your visit. You will make plenty of memories shopping, eating local cuisines, sightseeing, and getting to see rare fossils up close. An RV trip through the Ricky Mountain region makes for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.