When snowpack sustains overall depths of over six inches, the relatively flat terrain at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a great option for snowshoeing. Chilly winter mornings are the best time when the snow is dry and fluffy. Early spring can be good too but the snow tends to be wetter and may clump more on the snowshoes. The Fossil Beds are at about 8,200 feet and during winter the snow levels can vary from deep to minimal. When snow levels are low, a good backup plan is nearby Mueller State Park. The Park is about 1,500 feet higher with a more hilly and forested landscape, so the colder and shadier trails tend to hold more snow.

Begin the adventure at the Fossil Beds Visitor Center, accessed from an entrance road off of County Road 1 south of Florissant. Behind the building are some benches that provide a convenient spot to strap on the shoes. From the covered structures protecting the petrified stumps, begin hiking the Sawmill Loop southward through Ponderosa Pine woodland.

The trail enters a more open area with views of the western slopes of Pikes Peak then crosses a service road. As the trail progresses the landscape varies from pine forest to wide meadows along with some aspen groves. With the diverse habitats, a variety of animal tracks are reliably found along the snowy trails at Fossil Beds.

After about a mile hit an intersection for Hans Loop and cut right to stay on Sawmill. After about another quarter mile connect to the other end of the Hans Loop and bear right to continue northward on Sawmill. Over the next mile the route passes a couple more trail intersections and swings eastward back to the covered structures and petrified redwoods.

If time allows, explore the outdoor displays of the petrified trees and the Visitor Center. Note that during winter the Visitor Center building is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but the parking lot and trails at the VC are accessible every day of the week from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

—

Joe LaFleur is a hiking enthusiast that hits the trails weekly. He has successfully summited over 150 unique 13ers and 14ers in Colorado. Contact Joe with questions or feedback at joe@betterbirdwatching.com. Hiking is great exercise but can be hazardous. Always be sure to plan well, check the weather, bring a printed map, tell someone where and when you are going and contact them when you return safely.

—

IF YOU GO

PARK: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Year round

TRAILS: Sawmill

LENGTH: About 2.25 mile loop-style hike

DIFFICULTY: Easy

NOTES: Standard daily entrance pass for Florissant Fossil Beds is $10 per person. From November 1 to May 22, the Visitor Center is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but the trails at the VC are still accessible. To download a pdf of the Fossil Beds hiking trails visit: nps.gov/flfo/planyourvisit/hiking-trails.htm.