Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Rocky Mountain Arsenal is a nearly 17,000-acre wildlife refuge housed on a former United States Army chemical weapons manufacturing facility. It’s home to more than 330 native species, including prairie dogs, bison and white pelican.

National Wildlife Refuge in Adams Co.

The army built the arsenal in 1942 at the height of World War II to build chemical weapons. It closed years 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 refuge entrance to visitor center.

Birding – Over 280 species have been recorded at the park, which offers free, guided birding programs with a naturalist. Get a bird check list 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 $3 fee in addition to 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 habitat. Bicycles, pets and jogging are not permitted. There are two national recreation trails in the park. See map below.

Interior Trail System – National recreation trail covering four miles of this urban refuge.
Wetlands Loop Trail – Another national recreation trail, spans two miles through prairie wetlands.

Scenic Drives – Nine mile route takes up to an hour. See map below.

Tours – Two hour bus driven wildlife tours are offered year round.

Visitor Center – Open Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 4pm. Has gift shop, interactive exhibit hall and discovery room with hand-ons activities. You can checkout a free pair of binoculars with photo ID or a free activity backpack with games and discovery tools.

South entrance of Rocky Mountain Arsenal (1960).