September Activities 2017

Date: August 30, 2017
Contact: Jeff Wolin, (719) 748 - 3253 ext. 202

Activities Planned at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in September

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open year round. During the summer months through Labor Day weekend, the Monument is open every day of the week from 8:00 AM –6:00 PM. After Labor Day the hours are 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Here are some of the activities taking place this September:

September Interpretive Program Schedule:

Daily, 11:00 AM, Ranger-Guided Hike. Are you ready to meet the “Big Stump” Join a ranger for a 1 mile, 1.5 hour hike on the Petrified Forest Loop Trail. Meet behind the visitor center for an interpretive hike on the Petrified Forest Loop.

Daily, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM, Fossil Learning Lab (Yurt). Get “up-close and personal” with fossils! Join us for ranger-led demonstrations, and hands-on searches for fossils. Meet in the yurt located in the picnic area near the visitor center.

Saturday/Sunday, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Hornbek Homestead Tours. Travel back in time to the late 1870s and take a tour of Adeline Hornbek’s house. A ranger will be on site to provide a peak into the life of a homesteader.

Saturday/Sunday, 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Ranger Talk. Join a ranger for a 20 – 30 minute presentation and get a basic orientation to the history and prehistory of the area. Meet in the amphitheater behind the visitor center.

Special Activities:

Saturday, September 2, Leave No Trace Training, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Join a Leave No Trace Instructor for a 1 hour workshop and learn how to lightly tread as you day hike throughout our public lands. Meet at the visitor center.

Thursday, September 14, Night Sky Program, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the Visitor Center.  


Saturday, September 23 and Saturday, September 30, Aspen Leaf Hike, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM.
Join a ranger for a 2 hour, 3 mile hike to view hidden pockets of golden aspen leaves in the Monument. Meet at the visitor center.

Every Monday, Yoga Hikes, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM.
Join a certified yoga instructor and park ranger on a yoga hike. Be prepared for doing yoga poses and also hiking. Bring water, sun protection, and dress in layers. Meet at the visitor center.

Elk Hikes. Join a ranger for a RESERVATION ONLY hike, after hours to listen to the magical sounds of elk bugling. These are 1 – 2 mile hikes are off trail over rugged terrain. Times and Dates vary (see below).  Reservations can be made by calling Ranger Jeff at (719) 748 – 3253 ext. 202.
    Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 15 – 17, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 22 – 24, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
    Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 29-30, October 1, 4:45 PM – 7:15 PM

Saturday, September 30. Public Lands Day and Fee Free Day with President Teddy Roosevelt, a Junior Ranger Concert, and a Bird Hike
Celebrate our nation’s public lands by visiting Florissant Fossil Beds for free! There will be numerous events that day including:

·       Local area birder, Debbie Barnes, will lead a bird hike from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

·       Kids and families can enjoy a music concert for kids from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

·       Teddy Roosevelt, the Conservation President, will be here and give a 30 – 45 minute talk at 1:00 PM in the amphitheater behind the visitor center.

There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, two short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call [phone] or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook at /FlorissantNPS