Seasonal weather patterns and the amount and type of precipitation that occur dictate road closures on the Refuge. These influences will change from year to year. The staff attempts to keep as much public access open as possible, but road maintenance on the Refuge is balanced with other resource priorities. Roads are also closed to minimize winter disturbance of elk, which frequent the Refuge October through March. First snowfall usually occurs in late October and will continue periodically through mid-May. Late May through September are the best months for public access on the Refuge. Generally, all refuge roads, except for the main Entrance Road from State Highway 125, will be closed from December through mid-May due to winter snowfall. During the months of May and April drifted snow and mud conditions determine how quickly roads can be re-opened, with drier years allowing for earlier access. It is a good idea to call ahead to check on the road conditions before making a trip to the Refuge during the spring and fall seasons.
Refuge ponds are filled by water diverting from the Illinois River to flow through a system of ditches. Beginning in April the staff does its best to disperse the water in order to fill as many ponds as possible for the returning waterfowl and shorebirds. Their ability to do so depends on the level of the water flowing in the river. This is a direct result of the amount of snowfall over the winter months, the amount of springtime precipitation and the intensity of the warming spring temperatures. The majority of the river water at this time is due to the runoff flowing down from the mountains. For instance, a snowy winter accompanied by a colder spring will delay the spring runoff whereas a winter with average snowfall in combination with a warm spring may cause the river to run over its banks for a period of time. Wetland recharge is also affected by the Refuge's legal priority to access the river's water in accordance with local water right entitlements. These may be initiated by other river users during low precipitation years and can delay the Refuge's permission to divert the river water. Also, the constant need to maintain the ditch system is another impact on the ability to get water to the ponds. During a normal year, ponds are full from May until the water level drops in late summer. Fall rains can recharge wetlands for the fall migration.
Check on the weather at www.weather.gov
Each year the mountain bluebirds return to North Park for milder weather and better feeding grounds. They spend winters as far south as central Mexico. Their return is always a welcome clue that spring weather is on the way! Below is a link with information that can help you attract bluebirds and other species to your backyard.
USFWS Backyard Birding
Limited Draw Elk Hunt
Questions about licensing or the draw for this special elk hunt should be addressed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Steamboat Springs, Colorado at 970-870-2197. BASIC INFORMATION: There is a Limited Draw Elk hunt in Units B and C during Colorado State Elk seasons 1 through 4. Selection preference is given to youth and disabled hunters. Hunters must possess a Unit 17 or 171 tag in addition to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife selection letter for Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. Selected hunters are required to attend a pre-hunt meeting at the Refuge prior to participating in the hunt.