| Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a wonderland of meadows, forests, and wildflowers. The fossil beds are internationally renowned for the variety and number of fossils—particularly of insects and plants—they have yielded since their discovery by scientists in the late 1800s. Paleontologists have collected more than 50,000 specimens for museums and universities around the world. |
| Fees: |
$3.00; good for seven days.
This is a per person charge for individuals 16 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 years is free. |
| Hours: |
The Monument is only open to the public for day use. Park access is prohibited during closed hours except by permit.
- Summer Extended Hours: June 8 to Labor Day: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Fall, Winter, Spring Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for Thanksgiving, December 25, and New Year's Day.
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| Visitor Center: |
The visitor center is a museum and information center, open daily except on Thanksgiving, December 25, and New Years day. |
| Facilities: |
There are three picnic areas—one outside of the Visitor Center, the Barksdale Picnic Area, and at the Hornbek Homestead. Restrooms and potable water is available at the Visitor Center. |
| Directions: |
- Visitors traveling north/south on I-25 should exit at US 24 West and travel 35 miles to the town of Florissant. Then follow signs two miles south to the Visitor Center on Teller County Road 1.
- Visitors traveling east/west on US 24 should exit in the town of Florissant, then follow signs two miles south on Teller County Road to the Visitor Center.
- Visitors traveling from the town of Cripple Creek should follow Teller County Road 1 north for 16 miles.
- Get directions from MapQuest.
- NPS Directions.
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| Coordinates: |
Map Coordinates (NAD83): 38 54.825N; 105 17.177W. |
| Weather: |
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| Regulations: |
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| Precautions: |
- Lightning often occurs in mid-afternoon in the summer. Head for shelter if you hear thunder.
- Mountain weather can change rapidly from one extreme to another. Be prepared with layers of clothing to put on or take off.
- Thin Air. Don't overdo physical activities. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen for protection from the sun.
- Headache, fatigue, and nausea can be symptoms of altitude sickness.
- See Backcountry Considerations.
- See Backcountry Emergencies.
- NPS News Updates.
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