Florissant Fossil Beds National Monuments near Colorado Springs, Colorado, is a fossil-rich valley that protects thousands of fossilized insects and plants, some of which are displayed at the very nice visitor center. If you have only a couple of hours, a quick tour in the VC will provide information about the geologic history of the area and orientation of the grounds. The NPS maintains fourteen miles of trail here, but if time is short, the Petrified Forest Loop (about a mile) will steer you past numerous giant petrified redwood tree stumps and some lovely views of the valley. On the Geologic Trail (half mile out and back), you will pass over an ancient lake bed while being led to the remnants of a massive pyroclastic flow. This is a wonderful little recreational area that doesn’t receive the massive public attention of other Colorado NPS parks.
Rocky Mountain gentian
