Alerts & Conditions

Alerts

 

A wintery scene along the Petrified Forest Loop.

NPS Photo - C. Peterson

Petrified Forest Loop

The Petrified Forest Loop winds past the Shale Outcrop viewing area. The trails are snow covered. Please bring appropriate winter clothing, shoes, and gear. Photo taken on 11/9/2024.

 

Looking north across the Florissant Valley in early November.

NPS Photo - C. Peterson

Looking north across the valley, snow covered hills rest under partially cloudy skies. The start of Petrified Forest Loop closest to the Visitor Center is framed by two Ponderosa Pine trees. Photo taken on 11/9/2024.

 

A fossilized redwood tree stump dusted with snow.

NPS Photo - C. Peterson

Ponderosa Loop

The fossilized redwood tree stump at the beginning of the Ponderosa Loop has a light dusting of snow. Photo taken on 11/9/2024.

 

Fresh snow on the Ponderosa Loop.

NPS Photo - C. Peterson

Snow covers the trail at the beginning of the Ponderosa Loop. The Ponderosa Loop is a short trail located behind the Visitor Center. Photo taken on 11/9/2024.

 

Current park operating hours:

• The park is open seven days a week, hours of operation vary by location
• The Visitor Center and Visitor Center parking lot are open 9:00am to 4:30pm.
• The Barksdale Picnic area is open from dawn to dusk.
• The Hornbek Homestead area and trails are open for day use seven days a week. The Hornbek Homestead Parking Lot is open at night for night sky viewing.
• Flush toilets are available at the Visitor Center seven days a week from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Pit toilets at the Hornbek Homestead and the Barksdale Picnic area are closed during the winter months.