Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of Wednesday, March 18, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument will be closing the visitor center. Rangers are available at the entrance to the visitor center to provide access to outdoor exhibits & trails in this part of the park. The picnic area and outdoor restrooms adjacent to the visitor center will remain open. The grounds of the Hornbek Homestead, the Barksdale Picnic area, and all other park trails will also remain open.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Florissant Fossil Beds is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels.

The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations. [insert any contact information if public tickets/refunds or other information is necessary to be provided].