Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is open year round. During February, the Monument is open every day of the week from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Here are some of the activities taking place this month.
Saturday, February 10, Hike for Your Health, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Join park volunteer interpreters on a guided hike up to 3 miles in length. This is a hike just for health. Enjoy the healing and restorative powers that your national park area can provide. Dress in layers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Please be prepared with good foot gear. Weather permitting, call (719) 748 – 3253 for up to date information on the hike. Meet at the visitor center.
Friday, February 16, Night Sky Program, 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM. Join park staff and members of the Colorado Springs Astronomical Society to gaze at the dark skies above Florissant Fossil Beds in search of planets, galaxies, nebulas, and more. Meet at the visitor center.
Saturday, February 17, Great Backyard Bird Count, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Friends of Florissant Fossil Beds along with many partners will host a citizen science event. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a great way for people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with nature and make a difference for birds. There will be two opportunities to join a scientist and help count birds. The times are 9:15 AM – 10:30 AM or 10:45 AM – 12:00 PM. You may participate in one or both if you would like. Meet at the visitor center. From 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM families can participate in a scavenger hunt and/or make a bird feeder.
Saturday, February 24, A Winter Poetry Walk, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Learn to write a nature poem. Join volunteer interpreter Steven Veatch and discover your inner poet. The program will begin inside the visitor center with a brief discussion on poetry writing techniques. Meet at the visitor center. Participants will then explore part of the Monument while hiking on easy nature trails (less than 1 mile). During the walk experience the Monument’s spectacular paleontological marvels and collect “picturesque” words, explore language, and create an optional three-line haiku while enjoying the winter day. The afternoon is an exceptional opportunity to be immersed in a natural setting and unleash individual creativity in a fun and supportive environment.
Sunday, February 25, Hike for Your Health, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM. Join park volunteer interpreters on a guided hike up to 3 miles in length. This is a hike just for health. Enjoy the healing and restorative powers that your national park area can provide. Dress in layers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Please be prepared with good foot gear. Weather permitting, call (719) 748 – 3253 for up to date information on the hike. Meet at the visitor center.
There are no additional fees for any park programs beyond the daily entrance fee of $7.00 per adult (15 and younger are free). Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument offers 15 miles of beautiful, yet lesser known, hiking trails to explore, a free Junior Ranger Program, three short self-guided trails, a park video and museum exhibits, and bookstore. For additional information, please call (719) 748-3253 or visit our website: www.nps.gov/flfo or on Facebook or Twitter at /FlorissantNPS