How old are the fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
approximately 34 million years ago
The fossils from the Florissant fossil beds are from the late Eocene Epoch, approximately 34 million years ago, and the dinosaurs went extinct approximately 65 million years ago at the end of the Cretaceous Period.
What are the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
Florissant Fossil Beds is a beautiful collection of petrified trees and fossils spread across many acres west of Pikes Peak. It’s located just west of Pikes Peak and Colorado Springs. Known for it’s petrified trees, Florissant Fossil Beds makes a great place to trek around for a couple hours.
What are three unique specimens found at the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument?
The invertebrate fossils of the Florissant are arthropods, such as spiders, millipedes, insects, and ostracods; and mollusks such as clams and snails. Of these, the most significant seem to be the spiders and insects, of which over 1,500 species have been identified in the fossil beds.
How were the Florissant Fossil Beds formed?
The Florissant Formation Lahars from the Guffey Volcanic Center flowed swiftly down the mountains and into the valley that was Florissant. A stream flowing through the Florissant valley was dammed by one of these lahars, forming the first of three lakes into which the lower shale unit was deposited.
How long do people spend at Florissant fossil Beds?
Trail Snapshot: Petrified Forest Loop at Florissant Fossil Beds
| Hike Distance | 1 to 1.5 miles Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Seasons | Year Round |
| Dogs | Pets are not allowed on the trails |
| Hike Trail Map | Click for a Map of Hiking Trails Map at Florissant Fossil Beds |
| Denver Drive Time | 2 hours |
Is Florissant Colorado a good place to live?
Is Florissant, CO Safe? The B+ grade means the rate of crime is lower than the average US city. Florissant is in the 75th percentile for safety, meaning 25% of cities are safer and 75% of cities are more dangerous. The rate of crime in Florissant is 18.02 per 1,000 residents during a standard year.
How long do people spend at Florissant Fossil Beds?
What can you see at the Florissant Fossil Beds?
Florissant is especially noted for its delicate insect and spider fossils. Fossil plants show evidence of damage from insects similar to today. Delicate fossil butterflies and moths are very rare. Florissant has more species of these ,perhaps than any other fossil site in the world.
How much snow did Florissant get?
The US average is 205 sunny days. Florissant gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 85 days per year….Climate Averages.
| Florissant, Colorado | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Snowfall | 84.2 in. | 27.8 in. |
| Precipitation | 85.4 days | 106.2 days |
| Sunny | 247 days | 205 days |
| Avg. July High | 76.5° | 85.8° |
How far is it from Florissant Co to Colorado Springs?
Distance conversions
| Distance type | Miles | Kilometers |
|---|---|---|
| Straight line distance | 26.34 mi | 42.39 km |
| Driving distance | 34 mi | 54.81 km |
What is the average annual rainfall in Florissant Colorado?
15 inches
Florissant, Colorado gets 15 inches of rain, on average, per year. The US average is 38 inches of rain per year. Florissant averages 84 inches of snow per year.
What is divide Colorado known for?
Divide is a Highway 24 town that sits at the top of Ute Pass on the north slope of Pikes Peak at an elevation of 9,165 feet. There’s a retail strip with a grocery store, restaurant and gas station. The town motto is the “Center of the Known Universe”. It was named Divide due to the way water runs from its location.
Do you get to keep the fossils you find at Florissant?
Hunt for real fossils and you get to keep the fossils you find! The Florissant Fossil Quarry is a hands-on fossil hunting experience perfect for kids and fossil hunters of all ages. Visit us for an hour or half-a-day and experience the wonder of discovering ancient treasures hidden in the layers of shale.
How long is the Florissant fossil quarry tour?
The Florissant Fossil Quarry is a hands-on fossil hunting experience perfect for kids and fossil hunters of all ages. Visit us for an hour or half-a-day and experience the wonder of discovering ancient treasures hidden in the layers of shale. Everyone is welcome including individuals, families, small groups, bus tours, school classes, etc.
Where can I find fossils in Denver CO?
Specimens found at our quarry are on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, CO, and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, CO. Florissant Fossils date back from the late Eocene epoch, 34 million years ago.
Is there a fossil quarry in Colorado Springs?
Every visitor gets a hands-on and unique fossil hunting experience. We are a private fossil quarry located less than one hour west of Colorado Springs, CO. The best part is that you get to keep what you find! No reservation required. Pay when you arrive (cash only at this time). We are weather dependent.