 The difficulty rating system: scale of one to four boots. One is easiest with little elevation gain, and it is at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme length or altitude.
The Caves at the Fossil Beds
Area: Teller County Miles: 3 Elevation gain: 0 Dogs: no
Summary
Officially known as the Boulder Creek Trail, this Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument path leads to a fun series of grottoes along a creek.
Location
Near Florissant
Hike
Start at the Visitor Center and follow the sign for Boulder Creek. You'll walk past the two yurts covering the monument's signature petrified redwood stumps. Be sure to stop inside to gaze at the 35 million-year-old stone giants. Then begin a long stretch of flat trail that soon dumps you into a wide valley. The trail is wide enough for two or three people at most spots. When you reach a pond, be sure to stop and look back at the monument sprawling behind you. After 1.6 miles, you'll come to a cluster of granite boulders called The Caves. There are no real caves here, but the boulder cluster does form some little dark spaces that kids will love to explore. A small creek runs through here, and if you go up and over the rocks, you'll come to the park-boundary fence. Cross the creek on the wooden bridge and head back on this loop trail. The next 1.6 miles are the most surprising part of the trip for those who think they know the Fossil Beds. Head uphill, in the biggest elevation gain on this hike, through a forest. Watch the trees: first, you'll see only Douglas fir and blue spruce; then, after you round a curve, the forest changes into pure ponderosa, and soon after that, becomes a dense aspen grove. The trail winds gently through the trees, and even in spots that still hold shade-protected snow, it's impossible to lose it; just look ahead for the next bend.
To get there
Take U.S. Highway 24 west to Florissant; turn left on Teller County Road 1; park entrance is on the right, just past Hornbek Homestead.
Trip Log
3.2 miles total, minimal elevation gain
Details
National Monument rules apply: no dogs; no bikes; no gathering of rocks, fossils, flowers; no open fires (grills only); no camping, $3 per person; free for kids 15 and younger; payable at visitor center. Information: 748-3253, www.nps.gov/flfo. 
View Trail Map
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