Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Welcome to one of the richest and most diverse fossil beds on the planet, Colorado's Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument located 35 miles west of Colorado Springs at an elevation of 8,400 feet.

Park History: The valleys, foothills, rocks and fossils of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument help reveal to us an ancient history of volcanic eruptions over 34 million years ago and redwood forests. Long before the arrival of European settlers the Ute and Apache tribes hunted this land's game. In the roaring 1920's the tourism industry began sprouting up in the region and people came from miles around to see the Colorado Petrified Forest and all the fossils. In the 1960's development began posing a threat to this magnificent landscape and concerned scientists and citizens began to advocate for it's protection. On August 20th 1969, one month after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon, Congress and President Richard Nixon (To whom the founder of RecPlanet is related) established Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

Flora and Fauna: The forests and meadows of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument help protect the home of numerous plant and animals species. Some of the plants that grow inside the park boundaries include aspens, Ponderosa pines, and firs. Some of the wild animals who call this place home include mountain lions, elk, bobcats, black bears, foxes, and eagles. Please treat their home with respect.

For the lover of the outdoors this park boasts over 14 miles of hiking trails, tons of scientific history, and so much more. Come on out and explore.