Just up the highway from Pikes Peak is Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, a treasure trove of Eocene fossils. The most spectacular fossils for visitors to experience are the massive petrified redwood tree stumps found near the heart of the park near the visitor center. In addition to these fascinating fossils there are several miles of hiking trails throughout the monument with many wildlife viewing opportunities.
I was on a tight schedule, so I just had time to visit the tree stumps made of stone. It is amazing to think of the events that took place thousands of years ago to create this record of an ancient and very different time when this part of Colorado was more tropical and very lush with massive redwood trees towering over prehistoric rhinoceroses and horses.
Inside the visitor center guests can see some of the more delicate fossils found on the site of insects, reptiles, plants and more. There is also a discovery yurt where guests, particularly kids, can get a little more hands on with fossils.
A short jaunt from Florissant Fossil Beds is the historic gold mining town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. All summer at This is the Place Heritage Park in Utah, I heard my performing co-workers sing a song called Cripple Creek, so I had to make the quick detour through this small town. I didn’t really explore anything, but the drive to and from was lined with beautiful scenery.
