Guide to Florissant Fossil Beds

You can see fossils, petrified Redwood trees and what Colorado used to look like MILLIONS years ago at Florissant Fossil Beds! There used to be Redwood trees in Colorado! Thats crazy to me!

David has gone here when he was a kid. Myself and the kids have never been. I loved the scenery and that the kids got a lesson on the past, what petrified means and how in the world Redwood trees survived here. The Exhibit Center was very interesting and the trails we well marked. We went on the short trail called Petrified Loop. It’s a self guided trail that has signs along the trail to educate you on the past.

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Below is your informational guide to Florissant Fossil Beds.

What can you see at the Florissant Fossil Beds

When you walk into the Visitor Center you will be greeted by a sweet attendant or a Park Ranger. You can then pay your fee and/or pick up a couple souvenirs. To the left is the Exhibit Center. Or you can choose to watch a film on the history of the place. Go out the double doors and follow the sidewalk to see an enormous petrified Redwood tree. You can then choose a path you’d like to explore.

They also have a Junior Park Ranger Program, Stargazing and Geocaching. The boys were excited about the Junior Ranger program. We didn’t try too hard to look for geocaches while we were hiking because we only have the free version of the geocaching app. The geocaches that were there are part of the paid version. But nonetheless we had a great time!

Things to do at Florissant Fossil Beds

Visit the Exhibit Center

The Exhibit is FINALLY opened!! It has been closed since Covid appeared in our lives. This is where you’ll see fossils! From plants, bugs, fish and many others. And there are interactive areas for you to play with. There is a spot at one of the windows that shows you what the area used to look like millions of years ago. We spent a lot of time in this area. The kids were immersed in all the information that is there.

Stargazing

Yes, stargazing…in the mountains. The park has designated days that they are open from 8-10pm. They give you a quick orientation then take you to the viewing area where they have telescopes and laser pointers tours. The Colorado Springs Astronomical Society (CSAS) is there to provide additional knowledge. It is an exciting experience. It’s best to call first to make sure that the weather hasn’t prevented the tour. Also dress warm. It’s ALWAYS colder in the mountains.

Trails

My favorite part…the trails. We took the self guided tour, the small loop. We loved it. It took about 40 minutes. We stopped and read most of the signs and one kid was being extra pokey. The Ranger said that if we stopped and read all the signs that it would take about 45 minutes. We can confirm that is about right. The trails are not paved. A stroller would be tricky. The day we went, there was still snow on the trail and it’s not shaded. So the summer sun will be on you most of the time.

The other trials are moderate in difficulty. They are between 2.5 – 4 miles long. Except the Petrified Loop, it’s only a mile long.

Geocaching

On the Geocaching app there are a few caches in the park. There was 2 on the trail that we went on. But they are the caches that are greyed out. So it’s part of the paid program on the geocaching app. We didn’t bother looking for them. The kids usually get bummed out that they can’t find these. We only have the free version on the Geocaching app. So we skipped it. But if you have the paid version, then this might be fun for you.

Junior Ranger Program

Your kiddos can earn their Junior Ranger badge. Depending on their age, they complete a couple pages from the book the ranger gives out, say their pledge and they will get their very own badge. My boys thought this was the most amazing thing. Until they learned that they wouldn’t be able to get in until they get home. The Ranger stated that because of Covid they give the books and badges to the parents and have them complete the required pages at home. Bummer. So the boys did the pages when we got home, said their pledge and now have a badge!

Frequently asked questions

Can you dig for fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds

You cannot dig for fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds. They do have a Paleontologist and they sometimes still excavate for fossils. But no public digging.

Are Dinosaur fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds

There are not any dinosaur fossils at Florissant Fossil beds. If you want to see dino bones… we recommend going to the Dinosaur Resource Center in Woodland Park. It’s amazing! And if you are coming from Colorado Springs…. It’s literally on the way to Florissant Fossil Beds.

How long do people spend at Florissant Fossil Beds

We were there over an hour. We went into the Exhibit Center, talked with the Ranger and did the short hike. If you choose a more difficult hike, or spend more time in the Exhibit than you could easily be there longer than an hour.

What is the cost

The day pass entrance fee is $10 per adult and kids are free. (16 and under are free). This pass is good for 7 days! Which is awesome! You could get the Florissant Fossil Beds yearly pass for $35. Or you can get the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, which is good for all the National Parks. This pass is $80 for the whole year. Which is a great deal. Or if you have a Fourth Grader…. you can get a pass for free.

Can you camp

Nope. There are places to stay and camp in Woodland Park, which is close. And it’s our favorite little mountain town! We have camped at Diamond Campground and LOVED it! Such a great place to camp. We’ve also stayed in airbnb’s. And have loved every one!

Wrapping up your guide

A couple take-a-ways…

• If you are looking for an educational day trip and a fun hike, this is the place for you.
• If you are looking for Dinosaur bones, not the place for you. You past that museum on the way to Florissant Fossil Beds!

Also since you are 8,400 feet up, wear/bring sunblock. Wear sunglasses and a hat. Bring bottles of water. We never bring enough. I think one bottle per person is good…it’s not. Bring more. Storms come out of nowhere! Be prepared just in case. I’m sure you know this…but do not feed the wildlife, no matter how cute Bambi looks.

Have you ever been to Florissant Fossil Beds? What did you do there when you went?