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.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
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.
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COdrive time
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COdrive time
COdrive time
Driving times from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Entrance fees
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.
Hours
Hours
- Mon
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Tue
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Wed
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Thu
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Fri
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sat
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
- Sun
- 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Activities
Getting there
Winter months - average high 40 degrees F; average low 5 degrees F; Summer months - average high 75 degrees F; average low 40 degrees F;
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to enter Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
- Entrance to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument starts at $10. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
- What is there to do at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Hiking, Bookstore and Park Store, Food, Front-Country Hiking, Guided Tours.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (2 h 49 min), Curecanti National Recreation Area (3 h 5 min), Rocky Mountain National Park (3 h 20 min), Capulin Volcano National Monument (3 h 37 min), Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park (3 h 53 min), Amache National Historic Site (3 h 54 min).