Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a nearly 17,000-acre wildlife refuge housed on a former United States Army chemical weapons manufacturing facility. The Commerce City refuge is home to more than 330 native species, including prairie dogs, bison, and white pelicans.
The army built the arsenal in 1942 at the height of World War II to build chemical weapons. It closed decades later in 1985 and in 1987 underwent intense cleanup. Congress made it a national wildlife refuge in 1992, in part because of its bald eagle inhabitants. It has continued to grow into a popular tourist attraction.
Facilities
- Visitor Center
- Contact Station/Environmental Education Facility
- Two floating boardwalks on two of the Refuge’s lakes
- Fishing and observation piers at Lake Mary
- Seven parking areas
- One photo blind
- Restrooms at three locations
- Three outdoor amphitheaters
Activities
Biking: Only permitted from the refuge entrance to the visitor center.
Birding: Over 280 species have been recorded at the park, which offers free, guided birding programs with a naturalist. Get a bird checklist at the visitor center.
Events: Each calendar month brings new organized activities, in addition to annual favorites including Fishing Frenzy, Refuge Day, and International Migratory Bird Day.
Fishing: Two lakes are open to fishing from mid-April through mid-October on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Catch and release only using barbless hooks and artificial bait. There is a small fee in addition to a CO fishing license for those older than 15.
Hiking: Over ten miles of year-round dirt and gravel trails, open for hiking and snowshoeing. Choose from wetlands, woodlands, and grassland habitats. Bicycles, pets, and jogging are not permitted. There are two national recreation trails in the park.
- Interior Trail System – National recreation trail covering four miles of this urban refuge.
- Wetlands Loop Trail – Another national recreation trail, that spans two miles through prairie wetlands.
Scenic Drives: Nine-mile route takes up to an hour.
Visitor Center: Open only on specific days. Has a gift shop, interactive exhibit hall, and discovery room with hands-on activities. You can check out a free pair of binoculars with a photo ID or a free activity backpack with games and discovery tools.
Details
Address: 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022
Phone: 303-289-0930
Season: Year-round | Sunrise – sunset | Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Pets: Only assistance dogs allowed
Fees: None
Maps: Trail & Auto Roads (PDF)