Visit Us

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surrounds. Take a nature escape and discover all that Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge has to offer and best of all it's FREE to visit!

Activities

The Refuge offers a variety of visitor activities for all ages! Discover wildlife nature programs, environmental education programs for elementary students, guided nature hikes, pollinator and stewardship programs, and more, plus all programs are free! For more information call 303-289-0232 or click on the activity links below for details. 

Trails

There are 3 miles of trails open for hiking, nature observation, and wildlife photography. Refuge trails meander through mixed prairie grasses. Trail surfaces are crushed gravel or dirt. Self-guided trail brochure available at kiosks.

Loop Trail 1

Open: May – September to hiking

Length: 0.3  miles

Catch this short trail in the Refuge's Environmental Education Area just off the main meadow facing Friends Pond. This grass trail loop takes you higher for ideal views of several natural areas including the Rocky Mountain Front Range. The trail is wheel-chair accessible with crusher fines used on the switchback to navigate the steeper slopes. Several benches are scattered along the trail to rest and enjoy wildlife viewing.

Loop 2 Trail

Open: May – September to hiking

Length: 0.3  miles

Our sister trail in the Refuge's Environmental Education Area is also accessed just off the main meadow facing Friends Pond. This grass trail loop meanders near Marshall Pond with more secluded seating and views. Red-winged blackbirds and small mammals are often viewed along this path. Several small bridges and benches can be found scattered along the trail to enjoy and practice photography.

Prairie Trail

Open: Year round to hiking

Length: 2.4 miles

This trail is located on the west side of the Refuge known as the Prairie Management Area. It can be accessed via the trailheads at either 77th and Kipling or on the Southside of the medical parking lot off 80th and Kipling. This well-maintained, flat, accessible crusher fines trail loop can be navigated and traversed easily. Along the way watch for deer, raptors, songbirds and even coyote depending upon the time of day.

Other Facilities in the Complex

Rules and Policies

Visitor safety and wildlife conservation are top priorities at the Colorado Front Range National Wildlife Refuge Complex. At times, sections of the refuges may be closed on short notice due to wildlife needs, weather, or special projects. The refuges are subject to federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

To help make your visit safe and enjoyable, click on the the View All Rules and Policies below for details about permitted and prohibited activities. You can also call Refuge Headquarters at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge at 303-289-0232, and monitor the website for current hours of operation and alerts before visiting. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Refuge!

 

Locations

Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge
9210 West 80th AvenueArvada,CO80005-3903
Hours
West Side
Daily - The Refuge is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and federal holidays
Sunrise to Sunset
East Side
Tuesday through Saturday (closed October through April, and on federal holidays)
8:00 am - 4:00 pm