Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.

Hornbek Homestead, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Youth of all ages participate in the Junior Rangers program at the Monument.

Junior Rangers

Visitors explore the Hornbek Homestead, built in 1878.

Hornbek Homestead Visitors

View from the top of the self-guided Geologic Trail

Self Guided Trails

Captured 34 million years ago, this ancient wasp and other insects are on display at Florissant Fossil Beds NM.

Ancient Wasp Fossil

Located in the Montane life zone, the Monument's wildlife ranges from ground squirrels to elk.

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

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Nearby Parks

Royal Gorge