Welcome to Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge! Located just 20 miles from of downtown Denver, step into nature and see the native wildlife that call the Refuge home. Elk, deer, raptors, songbirds, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and coyotes are just a few of the animals you will see on your visit. Take a nature escape and discover the variety of wildlife and outdoor recreational experiences waiting for you.

Visit Us

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of busy urban life where time moves at nature's pace. With its expansive views, wildlife viewing opportunities, and recreation activities, it's easy to take a nature escape!

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • 10 miles of hiking trails
  • Bicycling
  • Horseback riding
  • Cross country skiing
  • Snowshoeing 
  • Coming summer 2024 - new archery range


Visiting the Refuge is FREE! For Refuge hours see Location and Contact Information below. Visit the Refuge Trail Map and Refuge Rules and Policy page for more information

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is part of the Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex. For questions about the Refuge, please call Refuge Headquarters at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge at 303-289-0232.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Established in 2007, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge was created in part to preserve and protect more than 630 species of plants, as well as the globally rare xeric tallgrass prairie.

      The Refuge has striking vistas of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and rolling prairie grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. It is home to 239 migratory and resident wildlife species, including prairie falcons, deer, elk, coyotes, songbirds, and the federally threatened Preble’s meadow jumping mouse, and provides a protected corridor for migrating wildlife.

      What We Do

      Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
      A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

      Learn more about national wildlife refuge
      is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.

      At Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge we are working for wildlife to ensure that our natural resources are conserved for current and future generations to enjoy.

      Our Organization

      A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
      The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
      A bison grazing in the foreground with mountains and a city and electrical infrastructure in the background
      The Urban Wildlife Conservation Program improves lives by expanding access to green space, education and outdoor recreation for Americans living in and around cities. Program members work to clear social and historical barriers and foster new connections that advance conservation and strengthen...