10-30 MinutesFee applies
Hiking the Ponderosa Loop Trail
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
Take a stroll on a short, easy trail through a peaceful Ponderosa pine forest and learn about the area's natural history. The highlight of the trail is a modern Ponderosa pine tree growing out of a petrified redwood tree stump.
The Ponderosa Loop Trail is a 1/2 mile long, accessible, trail located behind the visitor center at Florissant Fossil Beds. This is a short, easy, and peaceful walk through a mostly Ponderosa pine forest. It features numerous exhibits along the trail that interpret the natural history of the area. One of the main features on the trail is a modern Ponderosa pine tree growing out of a petrified redwood tree stump.
Tags
Front-Country HikingForests and WoodlandsFossils and PaleontologyPetrified Woodfossilsfamily hikeaccessible trailinterpretive trail
Visitor Photos
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Details
Duration
10-30 Minutes
Duration Details
This is a short trail which can be hiked relatively fast. If you take your time to read exhibits and stop and contemplate the scenery it might take up to 30 minutes.
Fees
The fee to enter the park is $10.00 per adult (16 and older). Anyone 15 and younger is free. Interagency passes are accepted and will get the passholder and three other adults into the park.
Fees Apply
Yes
Seasons
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility
The 1/2 mile Ponderosa Loop Trail has been graded for accessibility and is composed of compacted finely crushed rock. The trail width is about 6 feet. The trail can be accessed by going through the visitor center and finding the trail head just beyond the outdoor exhibit area which is behind the visitor center. The parking lot, front patio, visitor center, and outdoor exhibit area leading to the trail head are all accessible. Service animals are allowed on this trail.
Pets
No — Pets are not allowed on any of the trails at Florissant Fossil Beds. They are allowed, on a leash, in the parking lot and/or picnic area next to the parking lot in front of the visitor center.
Reservations
No
Age Info
This trail is easily accessible to strollers and/or carrying a baby in the backpack and is also accessible and can accomodate wheel chairs, walkers, and/or anyone who needs easy grades and a short path.
Location
Ponderosa Loop Trail