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Main Menu > Rocky Mountain National Park > Also Nearby Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Florissant, Colorado This Excursion Comes From ... National Geographic's Guide to the Lewis and Clark Trail For more National Geographic travel guides—from Europe to Antarctica and everywhere in between—visit National Geographic Books >> Some 35 million years ago a nearby volcanic field erupted, trapping wildlife in the ash that fell on ancient Lake Florissant. More than 1,000 species of fossil insects, 140 plants, and numerous fish, bird, and small mammal species have been excavated from the Florissant shales—making this one of the world’s most comprehensive fossil sites. 5,998 acres [2,427.3 hectares]. Facilities include hiking, horseback riding, picnic areas, cross-country skiing, handicapped access. Open all year, dawn to dusk. Visitor center on County Road 1, off US 24, about 150 miles [241 kilometers] from Rocky Mountain NP. +1 719 748 3253. More Recommendations for Rocky Mountain National Park