Hiking the Petrified Forest Loop

Just one of the many massive petrified tree stumps you can see on the Petrified Forest Loop

The one-mile, self-guided Petrified Forest Loop Trail is the main trail to hike on to see fossils at Florissant Fossil Beds. The fossils you will see on this trail are petrified redwood tree stumps. These are some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world (by diameter). The trail is gravel and is mostly level. It can be accessed behind the visitor center. There are interpretive exhibit panels along the way.  

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

The trail can be hiked fast in about 30 minutes, but if you take your time and look at exhibits, it might take up to 60 minutes. 

Activity

Front-Country Hiking

This is a relatively easy, 1 mile self-guided trail which goes past some of the biggest petrified tree stumps in the world. The trail is gravel and is relatively flat, however, the Monument is located at 8,500 feet in elevation and that can affect visitors from lower elevations. 

Age(s)

0-90

This trail can host most strollers and is an easy hike with a baby in a back pack. The trail is relatively flat but not graded to be universally accessible. 

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed on this, and/or any of the trails at Florissant Fossil Beds. They are allowed in the parking lot and in the picnic area near the parking lot on a leash. 

Activity Fee

Yes

The fee to enter Florissant Fossil Beds (which covers all trails) is $10.00 per adult (16 years or older). Anyone 15 or younger is free. Interagency passes are accepted and get the passholder and three other adults into the park. 

Location

Petrified Forest Loop Trail

This trail can be accessed behind the visitor center at Florissant Fossil Beds.  

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Florissant Fossil Beds is open year round. The Petrified Forest can be walked mostly year-round. There are times in the winter when it may be covered in snow and/or perhaps too cold to walk outside. Spring/Summer/Fall are probably the best times to hike the traill. 

Time of Day

Day

The Monument is open 9 - 5 in spring/summer/fall and then 9 - 4:30 in the winter. Check the website/social media/or call for exact times. This trail is closed after that time. 

Accessibility Information

Service animals are allowed on this trail on a leash. The trail is one mile in length and relatively flat. It has a few sections that go up in elevation about 20 - 30 feet at about 30% grade and a few downhill sections going down 20 - 30 feet at about 30% grade. There are some water bars on the trail. The trail has a gravel base. The trail is about 4 - 6 feet wide.