Choose your own Eocene Adventure

Go on a virtual journey into the past!

To see what this area looked like 34 million years ago, let's go on a virtual adventure!

You'll be traveling back in time to explore the towering Redwood trees in the forest, go swimming in ancient Lake Florissant, or even see a volcano. Since It's your adventure, you'll decide what you want to do! There's a lot to see in the Forest, at the Lake, and near the Volcano. While you're exploring, keep in mind how drastically different the past environment was compared to what we see today.

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves though. Read about Florissant Fossil Beds and the directions below, then choose your character before traveling back in time.

 

About Florissant Fossil Beds

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is located near the small town of Florissant in Teller County, Colorado at an elevation between 8,200 - 8,500 feet (2,500 - 2,600 meters). The National Monument covers an area of about 6,000 acres or 9 square miles (24 square kilometers). There's over 15 miles (24 kilometers) of scenic trails here that visitors can enjoy.

This area was designated a National Monument on August 20, 1969 to protect one of the richest Eocene fossil deposits in the world, which were nearly turned into a housing development. Thousands of insect and leaf fossils along with fossilized remains of vertebrates such as the ancient mammals and fish found in this region are currently being protected. What's also being protected and preserved are the world's largest petrified Redwood stumps by diameter. These fossils are what help scientists understand the past environment of the Florissant area.

 

The fossils found at Florissant Fossil Beds teach us about the past environment here.

NPS Graphic / Karen Ceballos & Astrid Garcia

 

To Play

1. Read each page.
2. Follow any instructions listed on the page.
3. Click the link for your choice.
4. Complete the activity for your choice.
5. Repeat the steps above until you reach the end.
6. Play again to make different choices!

 

Choose your Character

Before time traveling, you'll have to choose your character.