Approximately 35 million years ago volcanic eruptions buried a lush valley in this area, petrifying some of the giant redwood trees that grew here. The fossilized remains of excavated redwood trunks are the main attraction of the monument's numerous trails, but some decent birding can be done here as well. Williamson's Sapsucker, Western and Mountain Bluebirds, Green-tailed Towhee, and Red Crossbill figure among the more likely species.

Habitat: Ponderosa Forest

Directions: Take US 24 to the town of Florissant. Turn left (south) on CR 1 (Florissant Road) and head approximately 2 miles to the monument's main entrance. Note that there is a small fee to enter this area.

Acknowledgments: Hotspot information was originally compiled on Birding Colorado, a service of Colorado Field Ornithologists. CFO thanks all the original contributors.