Fossil Collecting in Colorado
Fun for the Whole Family!
Hunt for 34 Million Year Old Fossils
Unlimited Hunting, Keep What You Find
We Guarantee You Will Find Fossils
Enjoy a Hands-on Paleontology Experience
Fossil Hunting Season is Open!
Happy Spring 2024! We are excited to welcome visitors from all over the world this season!
Before You Go…
Experience Fossil Hunting Wherever You Are!
Eocene Adventure Bags
Our Eocene Adventure Bags come complete with 3 pounds of fossil shale and instructions.
$20 plus shipping.
Eocene Experience Kit
Our Eocene Experience Kit features:
- Paleo brush
- Splitting tool
- Magnifying glass
- 4 pounds splitting materials
- Book of illustrations and instructions
- Complete in wooden keepsake box
All for $40.00 plus shipping.
The Fossil Mobile
The Fossil Mobile is up and ready to come to your school or special event. Our customized school bus is a self-contained fossil lab which can serve as a mobile classroom. ‘Shale’ we see you soon?
Fossil Collecting in Colorado for the Entire Family
Experience the fun and excitement of finding your own fossils from 34 million years ago. Every visitor gets a hands-on and unique fossil hunting experience. We are a private fossil quarry located less than one hour west of Colorado Springs, CO. The best part is that you get to keep what you find!
No reservation required. Pay when you arrive - $20 per collector (cash only at this time).
We are weather dependent. If the forecast calls for rain, we recommend calling or emailing us to confirm hours.
We will provide you with tools, personal instruction, and access to freshly excavated shale from the Florissant Formation which was created during the late Eocene Epoch.
Reminder: We do not accept reservations unless it is for a group of 10 or more people.
Hours
We look forward to hosting visitors over Labor Day weekend! This Labor Day, our hours are:
Friday 10a-5p, Saturday 10a-5p,
Closed Sunday, Monday 10a-5p. We will be open on Saturdays through September from 10a-4p or by appointment. After September, we are only open by appointment.
Contact us for more information!
Directions
Searching for places to hunt and collect fossils near me? Our fossil quarry is located in Florissant, CO, one hour west of Colorado Springs and at an altitude of 8,500 feet. Click to open a map to our location.
Plan Your Visit
Our DIY fossil hunting attraction is located in the heart of the Pikes Peak tourist attractions. Click for information on the area, things to do, eating, lodging, and what to wear.
Best Place to Hunt Fossils in Colorado
So much fun! Hunt for real fossils and you get to keep the fossils you find!
The Florissant Fossil Quarry is a hands-on fossil hunting experience perfect for kids and fossil hunters of all ages. Visit us for an hour or half-a-day and experience the wonder of discovering ancient treasures hidden in the layers of shale.
Everyone is welcome including individuals, families, small groups, bus tours, school classes, etc. We are easy to get to and offer plenty of free parking. No reservations are required.
Specimens found at our quarry are on display at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, CO, and the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument in Florissant, CO.
Step Back in Time
Florissant Fossils date back from the late Eocene epoch, 34 million years ago. Each volcanic eruption formed a cloud of dust and ash that settled on the lake. As this process took place small animals, fish, insects, and plants would be trapped under the weight of the ash and sent to a watery grave at the bottom of the lake. Each layer of shale represents one eruption. Eventually, the lake was filled, climatic changes took place, and this is what we see today.
Top-Rated Attraction in the Pikes Peak Area
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Nearby Attractions
There are lots of fun family attractions and activities in the Pikes Peak area, all within a 30 minute drive of the Florissant Fossil Quarry.