Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in central Colorado is one of the state’s top archaeological sites. Located 35 miles west of Colorado Springs, the 6,000-acre park includes a wide array of well-preserved plant and insect fossils that date back millions of years.
At the visitor center, groups can learn more about the role the nearby Thirtynine Mile volcanic field played in helping the area become a major fossil repository. They can see the 14-minute movie, “Shadows of the Past,” and view hands-on exhibits and fossil displays.
A number of ranger-led activities are available, including the popular night sky programs. Offered monthly, these sessions start with a 30-minute presentation and then participants have 90 minutes for telescope use and stargazing. From the park, it is possible to see the Milky Way, other galaxies, planets, comets, star clusters and more.
The monument also is home to North America’s largest collection of petrified redwood stumps. Several of the massive redwood stumps are behind the visitor center, while short loop trails lead to others.
Additional nature walks on the park’s 14 miles of trails wind through pine-covered hills that are home to Douglas fir and aspen trees. The 3.8-mile Hornbek Wildlife Loop takes hikers through meadows and past Hornbek Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
To learn more, call +1.719.748.3253 or go to nps.gov/flfo.
Top photo: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Photo by CC Flickr/David Fulmer: bit.ly/2FtPP4k
