Facility Activities

Hunting & Fishing

Hunting and fishing are important wildlife management tools that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. These activities can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on Refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support since their natural predators are gone.

To learn more about hunting opportunities, seasons and regulations at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, see the Hunting and Fishing Brochure or call Refuge staff at 970-365-3613. Due to the lack of cell signal in this area, Refuge staff recommend saving the Hunting and Fishing Brochure to your cell phone before visiting the Refuge. 

No commercial guiding and/or outfitting allowed on the Refuge.

Wildlife Observation

Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife and birds on the Refuge. Remember to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and not to disturb them.

Interpretation

The Browns Park Wildlife Drive is an 8-mile auto tour route that shows off the many habitat types and wildlife that are in Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Interpretive signs, viewing platforms, and brochure boxes are placed along the road to educate visitors about the area, conservation, and the work that staff at the Refuge do to improve habitat for wildlife. This route also passes two campgrounds which have informational kiosks and accessible restroom facilities. 

Environmental Education

The headquarters building contains displays and information about the Refuge. Staff can answer questions regarding Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife and conservation, and some of the local history of the area. Staff may provide educational lessons to school and conservation groups if an event is planned in advance. 

Photography

Photography is a perfect way to enjoy nature, create memories, and leave only footprints. This growing hobby annually attracts millions of people to public lands where they can capture beautiful scenes of wildlife and natural landscapes. With the beautiful landscapes and interesting wildlife at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, it’s always a good idea to carry a camera in case you see something exciting or unique.  

The rugged country of Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge was once a hideout for horse thieves and cattle rustlers. Outlaws like Butch Cassidy knew they could evade sheriffs in the remote canyons. Situated in a remote area of northwestern Colorado bordering Dinosaur National Monument, the...

Fishing within the Refuge is allowed on the Green River and Beaver Creek. The Green River is shallow and is suitable for non-motorized, small, flat-bottom boats, rafts, canoes, and kayaks. Fishing is permitted year-round. There is an accessible fishing pier on the Green River. Available species...

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge maintains two primitive campgrounds, Crook and Swinging Bridge. Both campgrounds are a short distance from locations which offer hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. The campgrounds and associated facilities are open throughout the year....

Hiking is permitted throughout the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, so park your car, and do some exploring on foot. Please avoid disturbing animals by getting too close. You know you are approaching too close when animals stop feeding, when they stand up after they have been resting, when...

The Wildlife Drive is an 8-mile auto tour route that winds through a variety of habitats and provides good opportunities for viewing wildlife in the refuge. The route is passable by passenger vehicles. All other dirt roads are only seasonally passable and are not maintained. Four-wheel drive or...

Boating on the Green River within the Refuge is only permitted with non-motorized boats and watercraft. These include drift boats, rafts, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards.

Gravel boat ramps are located at the Swinging Bridge and Crook Campgrounds. There is no overnight parking except...