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A Walk Through Time
Featured Route
This self-guided trail leads through the beds of ancient Lake Florissant. It passes numerous giant petrified redwood tree stumps, including the colorful “Big Stump”. This trail starts behind the outdoor exhibit area. Signage features the “Walk through Time”.
- Loop
Geology- Kid-Friendly
- Hiking
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Elevation Profile
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Timeline
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Just off the main loop is an outcropping of shale that is a remnant of ancient Lake Florissant.
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The Big Stump is a fossilized redwood (Sequoioxylon pearsallii, probably synonymous with Sequoia affinis). Before the Monument was created, collectors attempted to cut the stump up and remove it in pieces. The attempt was unsuccessful, as the blades broke off in the stump, where they are still visible today. Read more on NPS overview.
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For 0.6mi
Several additional petrified stumps can be seen along this final stretch of the loop.
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