florissant fossil beds national monument
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florissant fossil beds national monument印象
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We stopped here on scenic drive between Colorado Springs and Aspen. The movie at the Visitor's Center was definitely worth viewing before heading out to see the redwood stumps. Little fossils are inside or removed. Time constraints and inability to take dogs on hike meant we did closest walks by Visitor center. Very good rangers, didn't 't make me return to car to get my Golden Age pass ( flashed my Pima Co library card by mistake) and another ranger said to move our vehicle to bus parking area so dogs could be in the shade while we were inside.
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Only about 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, there is much to see and learn with several well groomed and identified hiking trails- most of which are considered, "moderate". Sitting at an altitude of 8,400 feet, it can take your breath away. There is a lovely state of the art Visitor's Center with a learning center chocked full fossils and information about the area. A main attractions are the petrified redwood tree stumps. Huge, and protected. There is also a pioneer homestead on the property which has been lovingly preserved. A great place to bring the kids to learn of some of Colorado's history-Not to mention the crisp mountain air. We went as a day trip and packed in our lunch. While there are several shaded pic-nick tables close to the Visitors Center it is easy enough to find a grassy place to enjoy your lunch and watch for elk. We enjoyed several of the trails but my favorite was the Sawmill trail. It meanders through the woods and across the high meadows. Because it is so close "to home" it has become a new favorite place to day hike. Bring hats, water and I'd recommend hiking shoes- lots of loose gravel on the trails.
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We visit all the properties in the national park/monument system that we can and have now hit 200 different places. Alas some are better than others. This has a pleasant enough building and an enthusiastic ranger manning the desk. However after the movie, there just is not a lot there to warrant more than a short visit.
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Stopped here by chance when passing through the area. Fascinating monument with great museum and information of early Colorado geologic history. Numerous petrified stumps of Redwood trees (normally thought of as being in California). Good hiking trail to view grounds with excellent signage to explain what you are seeing. Just off rte 24, you will be glad you stopped.
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This was our first visit to Florissant during the winter months, and our first since the new visitor's center opened. NPS has done a first-rate job with the new center and the displays therein. Though we were not able to hike any of the trails because of ice and an impending winter storm, we spent a pleasant hour or so browsing the displays before hieing down the road ahead of the weather. The new arrangement gives far greater insight into the scientific history of the site than we were able to see on previous visits.
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There are two types of fossils here: the huge petrified redwoods and the tiny leaves and insects trapped in shale. The redwoods are dotted along the trails. The others are viewable at the visitor center (awesome interpretation at the center, focusing on the scientific process and featuring scientists from many backgrounds, not just the usual white dudes). The trails through ponderosa forests and alpine meadows are fabulous. All the staff were incredibly helpful. I highly recommend a visit!
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Some of the loops were a little more moderate. As long as you are athletic you can tackle all of the trails.
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We really enjoyed our time in this park. The rangers are informative and enthusiastic. The trails are great and there is much to learn. We still can't get over that the tse-tse fly was once found in North America. There were several school field trips going on while we were visiting but there are enough trails so that you don't have to overwhelmed by enthusiastic school kids. And, at one junction while we were bird watching the adults "shushed" the kids to minimize the noise. The trails are moderate enough so that those of us coming from 8' above sea level could manage the elevation.
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The Florissant Fossil Beds N.M. is a great place to learn about a relatively little known central Colorado resource. It lies in the middle of an area that is world famous for geologic features, including the gold deposits at Cripple Creek/Victor and the mineral deposits of the Crystal Peak area, made famous by The Prospectors TV show on the Weather Channel. The NM is relatively compact, at 6000 acres, with about 15 miles of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate (it's mostly at about 9000 ft. elevation, so be prepared to take your time). Rangers do everything they can to make this a fun, educational experience--home schoolers can learn some real science while here. There are also activities for organized school groups. Although it's a bit slow in the winter, there are volunteer scientists, as well as the paid staff, available to actually TALK WITH visitors, on a one-to-one basis--a rare thing in the National Park system. Don't miss this if you're vacationing or visiting in central Colorado.
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Part of the Gold Belt Loop. Nice facilities, informative video, and a little museum with top notch explanatory displays of small fossils. Outside, the petrified giant redwood trunks were simply amazing to me. Nice walking trails and picnic area. Sorry I couldn't walk far enough to see the largest stump. Can also walk to an original homestead--or stop at it along the road north of the Fossil Beds headquarters.