• Massive petrified redwood stumps

    Florissant Fossil Beds

    National Monument Colorado

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  • Exhibit Installation May 14 - 22

    New exhibits will be installed in the new visitor center May 14 - 22. Access to the park film and exhibits may be reduced. You may want to consider visiting after May 23 if you schedule permits. The park remains open every day from 9am - 5pm.

Reptiles

 
A Garter Snake at the Barksdale Picnic Area.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

NPS Photo by Sheena Grabski

Reptiles are relatively rare in the park. However, the most common area for them is the Barksdale Picnic Area on the eastern side of the park. Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes are common in the summer near the water there.
Most snakes in the Rocky Mountain Region are nonpoisonous, except for the Western Rattlesnake, which is mainly found below 8,000 feet. Snakes typically hibernate from about November to March.

Did You Know?

An elk herd in Florissant Fossil Beds NM

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument provides excellent habitat for a variety of mammals including bears, mountain lions, porcupines, ground squirrels, and a small herd of elk.