Tag: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
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Park Madness: We rank Colorado’s top outdoor destinations in this tournament- inspired bracket
As college basketball players vie for one shining moment, we imagine an impossible challenge between some of Colorado’s natural treasures. Colorado parks with towering peaks, hidden gems and amazing views go head-to-head in this March Madness-inspired bracket. We’ve split our field of 64 parks into four regions: South, West, North and Central. Which one came…
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National parks log record visitation amid cuts; some increases around Colorado, too
America’s national parks reported record visitation in 2024 as government cuts loom over federal lands in Colorado and beyond approaching the busy season. As part of a sweeping set of stated cost-saving measures under President Donald Trump, the latest reports suggest the administration is considering a 30% slash to the National Park Service’s payroll. Those…
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The presidents behind Colorado’s national parks and monuments: A timeline
Several presidents have their names attached to some of Colorado’s greatest natural treasures. After all, it takes a president’s pen to create national parks and monuments. This Presidents Day, we’re reflecting on the history of these designations. However distant these scenic wonders on the opposite side of the country, they are forever linked to momentous…
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Quick guide to fall in Teller County: Scenic hikes, drives and attractions to visit
In Colorado, aspens prefer higher elevations. It’s no wonder they’ve found a pleasant home in “the City Above the Clouds.” That’s Woodland Park, situated near 8,500 feet. But when it comes to appreciating our favorite tree of fall, the opportunities extend far beyond town — far across the hilly forests and meadows defining this side…
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Forest Service adds nearly 130 acres of public land in Pikes Peak region
Public land is expanding in the foothills west of Colorado Springs. The U.S. Forest Service on Wednesday announced acquiring nearly 130 acres of previously private property — a swath of stream-fed pine and aspen with wildlife-frequented meadows and mountain views. The acreage is being referred to as the Wagon Tongue Co. property, just south of Lake…
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Free day coming up at Colorado’s national parks and beyond
For one day coming up at Colorado’s national parks and monuments, no need to take out your wallet. The National Park Service is waiving admission for one of its “fee-free days” on the calendar: June 19. That’s in recognition of Juneteenth, the federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth was…
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The story of Charlotte Hill, a Colorado homesteader who collected ‘staggering’ amount of fossil specimens
Numerous fossils collected by Charlotte Hill in Florissant are preserved in the Smithsonian’s Museum of Natural History, and at Harvard and Yale universities.
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Mark your calendar for free day at Colorado’s national parks
The opportunity comes around only so often to visit America’s national parks free of charge. Take advantage Friday. That’s the National Park Service’s next free entrance day, including for Colorado’s four national parks: Rocky Mountain, Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde. If you’re eyeing Rocky Mountain, be advised timed entry…
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Chasing stars in rare, dark skies beyond Colorado Springs
FLORISSANT • Out of the bright visitor center and into the night, David Warner asks you to stop. Look around, he says here at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. You might feel disoriented, he says. That’s normal — it’s a staggering change from that kind of light to this kind of darkness. “We were just…
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‘Jurassic Park’ in Colorado: Discover dinosaurs at these 8 sites
Near the northern Colorado-Utah border, there’s a river-cut land of colorful rock traversed by the short Fossil Discovery Trail. It is an interpretive trail, with educational signs and remembrances of Earl Douglas. He is the paleontologist credited with the 1915 establishment of Dinosaur National Monument. Along that trail through this sweeping dinosaur graveyard, one panel…