Features

  • Lake Ladora Dave Showalter 220 x 120

    Wildlife Drive

    Come explore the 11-mile auto wildlife drive loop to see bison, deer, hawks, coyotes, waterfowl, birds and more!

    Wildlife Drive Interpretive Guide

  • bison calf between moms 220x120

    Refuge Video

    Take a closer look at the Refuge before your visit by watching our short video

    Refuge Video

  • Cornell Lab of Ornithology Logo

    eBird Trail Tracker

    Find out what birds are currently at the Refuge.

    eBird Trail Tracker

  • Rocky Mountains with sunflowers

    National Park Passes

    The Refuge has the America the Beautiful National Park Passes.

    Click Here for Details

General Information

Vote For Your Favorite Refuge Photos!

150 x 118 You Can't See Me

The Refuge's Ninth Annual Amateur Photo Contest is underway! Stop by the Visitor Center through November 30 to cast your vote. Winners will be announced in early December and will have their photos turned into postcards available for sale at Nature's Nest Books & Gifts.

Wildlife Drive and Trail System

Serene Sunrise 150x118

Take the Refuge's 11-mile Wildlife Drive in your vehicle to see bison, deer, hawks, waterfowl and more! Along the way there are parking lots near trail heads to hike the more than 10 miles of trails. Click on the link below for a map of the wildlife drive and trail system. It's free and a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Refuge.

Trail and Wildlife Drive Map

Year-Round Free Nature Programs and Refuge News

Birding Nature Program

Check out our nature programs, tours, hands-on activities, news and more. Best of all, these programs are free! To sign up for a nature program please call the visitor center at 303-289-0930, space is limited. To receive an electronic copy, send your e-mail address to rockymountainarsenal@fws.gov. Include in the subject line Wild News.

Wild News Nature Programs

Black-footed Ferrets at the Refuge

Ferret - Chigger by mound 150x118

Since October 2015, 54 black-footed ferrets were reintroduced into the wild at the Refuge. Get a chance to see this endangered and nocturnal animal up close by visiting our black-footed ferret exhibit located a few steps away from the Visitor Center back patio. This free exhibit is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Click on the link below to learn more about the black-footed ferret and see our Wild News Nature Programs above for free programs about the ferrets.

Learn More About Black-Footed Ferrets
Hours of Operation

Refuge and Visitor Center Hours

Visitor Center Exterior 150x118

Visiting the Refuge is FREE! The Refuge is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week and is open most federal holidays (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). The Visitor Center is open Wednesdays - Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and all federal holidays). Contact RTD for information about bus service for route 62 located near the Refuge. Please note taxi service can be limited or intermittent. Call 303-289-0930 for more information. Refuge Address and Directions: 6550 Gateway Road Commerce City, CO 80022. From I-70 exit at Quebec Street and go north. Travel approximately 2.8 miles to Prairie Parkway/64th Avenue. Turn east (right) at Prairie Parkway and travel 0.6 miles to Gateway Road. Turn north (left) at Gateway Road. Continue on Gateway Road until you reach the Refuge entrance.

Trail/Wildlife Drive Map

About the Complex

Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

NWRS Logo

The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online