Trip Idea

What to do at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Multiple Parks

A massive petrified redwood tree stump in the stump shelter outdoor exhibit area
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Fossils and Paleontology, Petrified Wood, Geology, Forests and Woodlands
Activities Front-Country Hiking
Type Kid Friendly, Active, Educational, Inspirational, Indoors, Outdoors more »
Parks Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
A typical visit to Florissant Fossil Beds starts in the visitor center. There you can get orientation information, pay your fee or show your pass, see the Monument's 18 minute orientation film, and experience the hands-on exhibits and fossil displays. Next, we recommend going to the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center where you can see some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world. Lastly, we recommend hiking one of the short self guided trails.
Self-Guided Trails
  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    Hiking the Ponderosa Loop Trail
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Age: 0–90 years old
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Ponderosa Loop Trail
    • Duration: 10–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    a modern, pine tree about 30 feet tall is growing out of an exposed petrified tree stump

    Take a stroll on a short, easy trail through a peaceful Ponderosa pine forest and learn about the area's natural history. The highlight of the trail is a modern Ponderosa pine tree growing out of a petrified redwood tree stump.

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  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Age: 0–90 years old
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Petrified Forest Loop Trail
    • Duration: 30–60 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    large, white, petrified tree stump, about 10 feet wide, sticking out in a grassy field

    Take a self-guided, one mile hike and see some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world.

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  • Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

    Hiking the Geologic Trail

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Front-Country Hiking
    • Age: 7–90 years old
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Geologic Trail
    • Duration: 30–60 Minutes
    A grassy hillside with some trees overlooks a larger grassy valley with mountains in the background

    This 1.2 mile trail highlights over a billion years of geologic history of the Florissant valley.

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Last updated: January 30, 2021