Welcome to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, it's FREE to visit! Located just 10 miles northeast of downtown Denver, you can step into nature and see the native wildlife that call the Refuge home. Bison, 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.
Refuge Alerts and Information
  • The Wildlife Drive will be temporarily closed after mile marker 2 on Sunday, October 27 through Thursday, October 31, 2024, for moving bison to different pastures within the Refuge.
  • Refuge Hours: Sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Visiting the Refuge is free!
  • Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 9am - 4pm (closed Monday, Tuesday, and federal holidays).
  • Check out our free nature programs and events
  • America the Beautiful passes (annual pass, senior lifetime pass, military pass, etc.): Pass sales are by appointment Wednesday - Sunday. Call 303-289-0930 or email rockymountainarsenal@fws.gov. Monetary passes are exact cash or check only.
  • Check out the Refuge Rules and Policies page to recreate responsibly.

Visit Us

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban refuges in the country. It 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! The Refuge is open sunrise to sunset daily and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Visiting the Refuge is free! 

Activities 

  • 20 miles of easy hiking trails.
  • Bicycle on select trails.
  • Drive the 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour while listening to the Refuge podcast
  • Free nature programs.
  • Wildlife viewing.
  • Junior Ranger program.
  • Fish seasonally at Lake Mary and Lake Ladora for a small fee.
  • Photograph wildlife and landscapes.
  • Practice your archery skills at the archery range.
  • Explore the Visitor Center, which includes exhibits, wildlife activities, and Nature's Nest Books and Gifts.

View the Refuge Wildlife Drive and Trails Map - English, Spanish 

Know Before You Go: Check out the Refuge Rules and Policies page to recreate responsibly. Remember to stay on the trails, no swimming or wading at Refuge lakes, only service dogs are allowed at the Refuge, bicycles and Class 1 e-bikes are permitted on the Greenway Trail and trails south of 64th Avenue, park in designated parking lots, and visitors must stay in their vehicle when viewing bison.

Location and Contact Information

      About Us

      Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2004, in part, to protect our national symbol, the bald eagle. The land has a unique story - it has survived the test of time and transitioned from farmland, to war-time manufacturing site, to wildlife sanctuary. It may be one of the finest conservation success stories and a place where wildlife thrives. 

      Tours

      One of the best ways to experience this 15,000 acre Refuge is by taking the 11-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour in your vehicle. Listen to the podcast, which corresponds with each mile marker along the way to discover more about the Refuge and its wildlife. The Wildlife Drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to complete and is free. 

      Know Before You Go

      • The Wildlife Drive is open to motorized vehicles; speed limit is 30 mph.
      • Follow the directional symbols. Park vehicles only in designated areas on map.
      • Stay on paved roads and observe all posted signs such as "Stay in Vehicle" or "Area Closed".
      • Stay in your vehicle when the road becomes one way only.
      • Always stay at least 75 feet (23 meters) away from bison.
      • Be sure to view the Wildlife Drive and Trails Map - English, Spanish for map and details.
      • For winter snowstorms, the Refuge may delay opening to plow the roads.

      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 Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge we are working for wildlife to continuously 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...