

Colorado National Parks
Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site

WELCOME TO INDIAN SPRINGS TRACE FOSSIL SITE!
Would you and your family like to discover the Odrovician Period, 450 million years ago? Then, Indian Springs Trace Fossil National Natural Landmark is the right place for you! ThisĀ National Natural Landmark is on PRIVATE PROPERTY. You have to make an appointment to see the Fossils at Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site to explore with a guide - callĀ 719-372-3907.


In south-central Colorado, East of Cañon City along the Goldbelt Tour Scenic Byway, on the grounds of Indians Springs Ranch/Campground lies what is considered North America's best site for trace fossils. There are at least 25 different types of fossils found here. Including horseshoe crab, brachiopods, trilobites and jawless armor-plated fish that roamed the inland seas that were once here. You will see, in amazing detail, their every footprint, resting spot, and flick of a fin in the sand. The Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site changed history when it was discovered in the 1960s by owner Bennie Thorson, and today it's not only a hot spot for geology groups from around the country, but for tourist and families alike. Mr. Thorson's daughter, Carly Thorson, still conducts tours of the fossil site and will gladly decipher and explain the creatures who's incredibly well preserved fossil footprints were captured in one moment of time millions of years ago.


The National Park Service designated it a National Natural Landmark in 1979 due to the importance of the Ordovician Period trace fossils found here. There are tracks left by animals walking, swimming and burrowing in what had been a tidal lagoon's mudflat.
Ownership: Private
Designation Date: 1979
DIRECTIONS TO INDIAN SPRINGS TRACE FOSSIL SITE

PLEASE NOTE: You have to make an appointment to see the Fossils - Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site is private property.
PHONE: 719-372-3907
From Colorado Springs: From the Junction of I-25 and Colorado Highway 115 follow CO 115 south for about 32 miles. Turn right on 3rd Street in Penrose. Continue on Fremont County Road 123. Turn right on Phantom Canyon Road (also known as CR 67); from CR 123/67 intersection turn right and travel 1-1/2 miles further to the road sign "Indian Springs Ranch" turn left to enter our property. The office is 1-1/4 miles from the entrance.
From Cañon City: Follow Royal Gorge Boulevard (also known as US-50) east out of town to the intersection of CR 67/US 50; make a left onto CR 67; drive 3.25 miles to the road sign "Indian Springs Ranch" turn left to enter our property. The office is 1-1/4 miles from the entrance.
Places to Stay & Fun Things to Do


A unique, family friendly destination Campground. A NATIONAL NATURAL LANDMARK FOR FOSSILS -- Tours by Appointment ONLY! Working Cattle Ranch 10 miles from Cañon City, CO. We LOVE GROUPS!
More Activities & Information
Royal Gorge Area, Colorado includes: Cañon City, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Florence, Guffey, Penrose, Texas Creek