HAPPY TRAILS: 'The caves' at Florissant fossil Beds

This fantastic family hike has fossils, flowers and a payoff at the end: small caves along a creek that are perfect for kids to explore.

TO GET THERE

Take U.S. Highway 24 west 30 miles to Florissant, turn left on Teller County Road 1. Drive 1.9 miles to the entrance to Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument on your right. Park in the lot.

THE HIKE

Ask for a trail map at the visitors center, then strike out west on Ponderosa Loop, following signs to Boulder Creek. Those who want to make the hike longer can head southwest on the Sawmill and Hans Loops. The shortest trail leads through ponderosa groves and open meadows for just less than two miles. Take time to see the June wildflowers that give Florissant (a French word meaning "in bloom") its name.

The trail ends at the western edge of the park, where house-size boulders piled in a jumble have made a series of shady passages and grottoes. Boulder Creek flows through the bottom.

This is a great place for a picnic before returning the way you came, or via a loop on the Boulder Creek Trail.

DETAILS

No camping, no bikes, no dogs, no horses. $3 per person entry free.

RATING

• 2 boots, for terrain
• 4 miles
• Minimal elevation gain

A scale of one to four boots. One is more gentle, with little elevation gain at a reasonable altitude. Four is most difficult, with severe elevation gain, difficult terrain or extreme distance or altitude.