HIKE INFORMATION: We are providing hike length and difficulty so you can judge your comfort
level. We generally stay together as a group and leave no hiker behind.
HIKE NAME: Hornbeck Wildlife Loop, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
DATE: Monday, August 17, 2026
HIKE POSTER: Pat Zeddies
EMAIL: patzeddies@gmail.com
PHONE: 651-748-4989
TRAILHEAD: Hornbek Homestead trailhead parking- 15806 County Rd 1, Florissant, 80816
Note - do not meet at the Visitor Center. Meet at the parking lot of the homestead site.
HIKE STARTS at: 8:30 Please arrive at trailhead by:8:20.
HIKE DISTANCE: About 3.5 OR 4.5 miles if you take a short optional 1 mile loop to the Big Stump.
ELEVATION GAIN: 500 feet
HIKING TIME (moving time): 2-21/2 hours.
HIKE DIFFICULTY RANGE: easy to slightly challenging -due to elevation and rolling hills. This will be a moderately paced hike, as there are many things to see.
HIKE DESCRIPTION: This easy to moderate mile loop trail in the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument wanders around large, rolling meadows and through a Ponderosa pine forest. We will begin at the Hornbek Homestead Ranch which was maintained in the 1870s by Adeline Hornbek, mother of four children and amateur fossil specialist. We will hike a geologic trail and pass by the Visitors Center where we will take a short break. Near the Visitor Center, there will be an option to take a short 1 mile loop to see the Big Stump, or explore the large fossilized tree stumps on display. A Senior Pass or a $10 daily park pass is required. There is a payment station on site where you can pay. The senior pass covers up to 4 people.
HIKER PREPARATION/EQUIPMENT: Hiking poles may be helpful on some gravel trails. Bring a snack/lunch and plenty of water.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD: from Highway 25, take exit 141 for US 24 W. Drive west on US 24 for 33 miles. Turn left onto Teller County Rd 1 and drive for 1.5 miles. Turn right and arrive at Hornbek Homestead Trailhead. 15806 Co Rd 1, Florissant.
RESTROOM: Two restrooms- one at the trailhead and one at the Visitor Center.
PETS: No pets allowed, National Monument
Please note:
Each hiker is solely responsible for his/her Own Personal Safety & Comfort.
Every hiker (including a non-member guest) must determine whether he/she has the fitness and hiking experience needed for a given hike. If you are new to mountain hiking or higher altitudes, we recommend you start with easier hikes and work your way up. If you need more information about a hike after reading the post you may contact the hike poster.
Each hiker is solely responsible for his/her own safety & comfort on the trail, which includes bringing: plenty of water, appropriate clothing for forecast weather conditions, a hat and other sun protection, sturdy hiking boots/shoes and hiking poles. You can contact the person posting the hike to ask for names for possible ride sharing.