Pets/Horses

Service Animals

Dogs classified as service animals are individually trained to do work or perform specific tasks that assist a person with a disability. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Learn more about requirements for service animals. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals, as well as service animals in training, are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act and must abide by all pet regulations.

Pets

Pets are prohibited on ALL trails at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Pets are also prohibited in the visitor center.

Pets and owners have a special bond. But a national park unit is not always the best place for pets. Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument's purpose is to preserve and protect the monument's fossils, scenic beauty, and wildlife.

Where Pets Can Go

Leashed pets may accompany you only in the following areas:

• Visitor center parking lot

• Pet exercise area which is located within the picnic area near the visitor center

Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet. Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife. Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles.

Where pets are NOT allowed:

• All trails, visitor center, exhibit area, Hornbek Homestead, Barksdale picnic area

Why Can't I Have My Dog on Trails?

• Your pet could become prey for wildlife like coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, and Great Horned Owls.
• Dogs are predators that can chase, scare, and transmit diseases. Dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent. This scent can linger, disrupting the native animals this park protects.
• Dogs can bite humans, and some people are uncomfortable around dogs. Visitors should be able to enjoy native wildlife in their natural environment without disruption from other visitors’ pets.
• Pets may dig or trample fragile vegetation or fossil sites.

Hiking Alternatives Outside Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

If you'd like to hike with your pets, there are nearby trails outside Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, including trails in the Pike-San Isable National Forest, multi-use trails around the Towns of Lake George, Divide, and Woodland Park. Always check for local conditions.

Contact information for bordering National Forest districts

USFS Pikes Peak Ranger District, Colorado Springs	719-636-1602	Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands - Districts (usda.gov)
USFS South Park Ranger District, Fairplay	719-836-2031	Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands - Districts (usda.gov)

Horses

• Limited horseback riding is available within the boundaries of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.
• Horseback riders must pay the daily entrance fee at the visitor center or possess an annual pass. Pets are prohibited.
• Riding on any trail or in developed areas is prohibited. Ride dispersed; do not create new trails.
• Horseback riders must park their horse trailers at the designated pull off area located on Lower Twin Rocks Road.