NPS Photo by Sheena Harper Four self-guided tours are available year-round. A trail map is available at the visitor center desk and all trails have wayside signs. The trails are the Petrified Forest Loop, the Ponderosa Loop Trail, the Geologic Trail and a tour of the grounds of the Hornbek Homestead. Petrified Forest Loop This one-mile trail passes massive, petrified Redwood stumps, an historic excavation site, and a geologic timeline exhibit. This gravel trail is relatively flat and is mostly out in the open. The trail begins at the end of the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center. Ponderosa Loop Trail This 1/2 mile loop trail passes through the modern Ponderosa pine forest. It is the Monument's shortest trail. It is fully wheelchair accessible. The trail begins at the end of the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center. Geologic Trail This self-guided trail highlights over a billion years of geologic history in the Florissant Valley. It passes over the ancient lake bed, crosses Teller County Rd. 1, then ascends past the remnants of a massive pyroclastic flow and ends at a scenic overview of the Florissant valley. The trail begins behind the visitor center and can be hiked as an addition to the Petrified Forest Loop. Click here to view a guide to the trail. Hornbek Homestead Ground Tour Walk the grounds of an historic 1878 homestead. Wayside exhibits and a brochure will help you learn about the ranching and homesteading history of the area. The Hornbek Homestead is located one mile north of the visitor center entrance road. For more information on the Historic Hornbek Homestead, visit https://www.nps.gov/flfo/historyculture/places.htm |
Last updated: June 12, 2020