Attractions and Places To See in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge - Top 9

The refuge offers a variety of natural features, including serene lakes and expansive prairies. You can visit Lake Ladora, known for its birdwatching opportunities, or the peaceful Rod and Gun Club Pond, a great spot for observing waterfowl. For panoramic views where prairie meets woodlands, head to First Creek Overlook. The 11-mile self-guided Wildlife Drive also allows you to experience the diverse landscapes from your vehicle.

The refuge is a haven for over 330 species of animals. You can frequently spot a reintroduced herd of American bison grazing the open prairies, especially from the Wildlife Drive. Deer, coyotes, raccoons, and cottontail rabbits are also common. Birdwatchers will delight in over 280 recorded bird species, including bald eagles, various hawks, and owls. Keep an eye out for large black-tailed prairie dog towns, which support other species like burrowing owls. Near the Visitor Center, you can even see live black-footed ferrets, an endangered species.

Yes, the refuge is very family-friendly. The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits and a Discovery Room with hands-on activities for children. You can borrow binoculars and explorer backpacks for free to enhance your outdoor experience. The 11-mile Wildlife Drive is a great way for families to observe wildlife from the comfort of their car. Many trails, such as those around Lake Ladora and Lake Mary, are easy and suitable for all ages.

The refuge represents a remarkable success story in environmental cleanup and conservation. It was once a chemical weapons manufacturing site during World War II and an industrial area. After extensive remediation efforts, it was designated a national wildlife refuge in 1992. The Visitor Center's exhibits comprehensively cover this fascinating transformation from a contaminated site to a vibrant wildlife sanctuary.

The refuge offers over 20 miles of easy hiking trails winding through grasslands and wetlands. Popular options include the Lake Mary Trail and the Lake Ladora Trail. For a longer adventure, the Perimeter Trail is the longest trail, stretching 14 miles in one direction. You can find more details and routes for easy hikes on our dedicated guide: Easy hikes in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

Yes, biking is permitted on designated trails. The Greenway Trail is a well-graded gravel path that connects different trails on the southern side of the refuge and is open for bikes. Other trails south of 64th Avenue also allow cycling. For more cycling routes and information, explore our guide: Cycling in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

While many areas of the refuge are focused on wildlife protection, the Perimeter Trail is one of the few trails that allows dogs. Please note that dogs must be kept on a leash, and you might be close to roads in some sections. The Greenway Trail, for example, does not permit dogs.

No, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers free admission. It's a free and family-friendly opportunity to connect with nature and observe abundant wildlife. Fishing in Lakes Mary and Ladora does require a daily fee for those 16 and older during the open season.

The refuge is open year-round, and wildlife can be spotted throughout the seasons. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for wildlife viewing, as many animals are most active then. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and opportunities to see migratory birds. Winter can be excellent for spotting bison against a snowy backdrop and observing raptors.

The refuge has designated parking areas, primarily at the Visitor Center, which serves as a central hub. From there, you can access various trails and the start of the Wildlife Drive. There are also smaller parking areas near trailheads throughout the refuge.

The refuge aims to be accessible to all visitors. The Visitor Center is accessible, and the 11-mile Wildlife Drive allows visitors to experience much of the refuge's beauty and wildlife from their vehicle. Many of the hiking trails are described as easy, and some sections of the paved or well-graded gravel trails may be suitable for wheelchairs. It's recommended to contact the refuge directly for the most up-to-date information on specific accessible routes.

Beyond hiking and cycling within the refuge, you can explore more extensive mountain biking trails in the surrounding area. For detailed routes and information on mountain biking, check out our guide: MTB Trails in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge's lakes also offer catch-and-release fishing during the open season.