National monument and fossil landscape

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

12.93 miles straight-line · about 16 road miles north via Teller County Road 1

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument preserves a 34-million-year-old fossil landscape, accessible petrified-stump exhibits and the 1878 Hornbek Homestead about 16 road miles north of the railroad.

The place

About Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument protects one of the world's richest records of late-Eocene life in a high Colorado valley. Volcanic ash and lake sediments preserved delicate insects and plants, while volcanic mudflows buried the bases of enormous redwoods that survive as petrified stumps. The visitor center combines museum exhibits, an 18-minute film and a bookstore with the outdoor exhibit area immediately behind the building.

The two stump shelters have fully accessible sidewalks around some of the park's largest petrified redwoods, including the unique three-trunk Redwood Trio. An amphitheater and picnic tables share the shelter area. The 0.4-mile Ponderosa Loop is the specifically published wheelchair-accessible trail; the 1.1-mile Petrified Forest Loop is rated easy and reaches Big Stump, but that easy rating is not a blanket wheelchair-access claim.

A separate stop along Teller County Road 1 interprets Adeline Hornbek's 1878 homestead. Hornbek, a single mother of four, claimed 160 acres and built a successful ranch. A short gravel walk leads from the dedicated lot to the original home and nearby outbuildings, some moved from other local sites. Current official information does not promise that the house interior will be open, and the seasonal restroom can close.

The main visitor-center gate is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and locks at 4:30. Entry is cashless: $10 per visitor age 16 or older for seven days, free for age 15 and younger, or $35 for the park annual pass covering the cardholder and up to three adults. Pets cannot enter trails, the visitor center, exhibit area or Hornbek Homestead; leashed pets are limited to the visitor-center parking lot and designated exercise area.

What stands out

See giant petrified redwoods

Fully accessible shelter sidewalks circle massive stumps behind the visitor center, while the Petrified Forest Loop reaches the 12-foot-wide Big Stump.

Read a 34-million-year-old ecosystem

Museum exhibits, an NPS film and outdoor geology connect delicate lake fossils, volcanic mudflows and the redwood forest that once occupied the valley.

Add a short accessible forest loop

The specifically published 0.4-mile wheelchair-accessible Ponderosa Loop moves from the fossil exhibits into a living conifer forest.

Visit Adeline Hornbek's homestead

A separate roadside stop interprets how a single mother of four established a prosperous 160-acre ranch beginning in 1878.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad trip

Florissant lies 12.93 miles straight-line and about 16 road miles north of the Cripple Creek railroad via Teller County Road 1. It ranks first because it adds an independently operated federal fossil landscape, accessible interpretive facilities and homesteading history without duplicating the train. Protect the first-come railroad departure and the monument's 4:30 p.m. gate closure. Use the main visitor-center address for fossils and trails, then drive separately to the signed Hornbek lot if adding the homestead.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • Main gate hoursThe visitor center and main gate are open every day from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the gate is locked daily at 4:30. Check current alerts before travel.
  • Cashless entrance fee$10 per person age 16 or older for seven days; visitors 15 and younger are free. The park is cashless and accepts credit, debit and mobile payments.
  • Annual passThe $35 Florissant annual pass covers the passholder and up to three additional adults for one year; child admission remains free.
  • Main parkingThe visitor center lists 99 standard and 9 oversized spaces, including 8 accessible spaces identified as ADA, van-accessible and step-free.
  • Published accessibilityAccessible parking and walkways serve the visitor center; the visitor center, theater, restrooms and outdoor exhibit area are wheelchair-accessible. The film has subtitles, audio description and assistive listening.
  • Accessible outdoor routeStump shelters have fully accessible sidewalks, and the 0.4-mile Ponderosa Loop is specifically wheelchair-accessible. Do not project that claim onto every trail.
  • Pets and service animalsPets are prohibited on all trails, in the visitor center and exhibit area, and at Hornbek Homestead. Leashed pets up to six feet are limited to the main lot and designated exercise area; task-trained service dogs may go where visitors may go.
  • Hornbek arrivalUse the separate Hornbek lot and short gravel walk. The lot has 20 spaces including 2 accessible spaces; restrooms are seasonal and the home's interior is not promised open.
  • Weather and elevationThe monument is near 8,400 feet. Carry water, use sun protection and leave exposed trails when summer lightning threatens.
  • Resource protectionFederal law prohibits collecting fossils, petrified wood, rocks, plants or cultural objects. Stay behind rails and leave everything in place.

Pair fossils with steam

Add Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad

Add Florissant after a first-come steam departure for a separate federal fossil landscape about 16 road miles north, while protecting the monument's 4:30 p.m. gate closure.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the monument's current hours?

The main visitor center and gate are open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the gate is locked at 4:30. Check current NPS alerts before a long drive.

How much does admission cost?

Admission is $10 per person age 16 or older for seven days, and visitors age 15 and younger are free. The park is cashless. A $35 park annual pass covers its holder and up to three adults.

Is the monument wheelchair-accessible?

The main lot has designated accessible spaces and wheelchair walkways. The visitor center, theater, restrooms and outdoor stump exhibits are accessible, and the 0.4-mile Ponderosa Loop is specifically wheelchair-accessible. Other trails need separate review.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are prohibited on trails, inside the visitor center, in the outdoor exhibit area and at Hornbek Homestead. Leashed pets are limited to the main parking lot and designated exercise area. Task-trained service dogs may accompany visitors.

Can visitors collect fossils or petrified wood?

No. Federal law prohibits collecting fossils, petrified wood, rocks, plants and cultural objects. Leave everything in place and stay behind protective barriers.

How long should a train-day visit take?

Allow roughly 60-120 minutes for the visitor center, stump shelters and one short trail, plus about 30 minutes each way for the road connection. Add more time for Hornbek or longer trails.

Is Hornbek Homestead at the visitor center?

No. It has a separate signed lot along Teller County Road 1 and a short gravel approach. The current NPS page does not promise interior access, and its restroom is seasonal.

What parking is available?

The main visitor center lists 99 standard and 9 oversized spaces, with 8 accessible spaces. Hornbek lists 20 spaces including 2 accessible spaces.

What is Big Stump?

It is a petrified redwood base about 12 feet in diameter. NPS explains that the tree may have stood more than 230 feet tall before a volcanic mudflow buried its base roughly 34 million years ago.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-16. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.