Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Commerce City

My recent visit to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge left me awe-inspired by the diverse wildlife it harbors and the commitment to conservation and education. However, I couldn't help but feel that the name of the refuge, with the word "Arsenal" in it, may unintentionally evoke thoughts of munitions storage or testing. I would suggest considering a name change or modification to accurately reflect the refuge's focus on conservation and wildlife preservation.

The refuge offers a variety of hiking trails that are all fairly easy and flat, making them accessible to visitors of all skill levels. It provides a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the area while enjoying a leisurely stroll through nature.

What impressed me most about the refuge was the dedication of the staff and volunteers. They were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the wildlife and ecosystem they work to protect. Their enthusiasm shone through as they shared fascinating insights and answered all my questions with utmost care.

While the hiking trails may not offer dramatic landscapes due to their flat terrain, the overall experience at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge was exceptional. I left with a profound appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural heritage and a deep respect for the incredible work done by the refuge staff.

I encourage nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor experience to visit this remarkable refuge. Let's hope that, in the future, the refuge considers a name change that better reflects its mission and eliminates any unintended associations with the word "Arsenal."

One unique aspect of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the opportunity to observe buffalo while driving along the designated roadways. As you embark on your drive through the refuge, keep your eyes peeled for these majestic creatures roaming freely in their natural habitat. It's an extraordinary experience to witness these iconic animals up close and personal, right from the comfort of your vehicle.

Driving along the refuge's roads allows visitors to have a close encounter with buffalo without disturbing their natural behavior. You can marvel at the sheer size and power of these magnificent creatures as they graze peacefully or meander across the expansive grasslands. It's a truly humbling sight that highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the refuge's dedication to preserving native wildlife.

As you navigate the roads, it's crucial to exercise caution and follow all posted rules and guidelines. Keep a respectful distance from the buffalo and refrain from approaching or feeding them. Remember, observing these creatures from a safe distance ensures both your safety and the well-being of the animals.

The opportunity to see buffalo while driving through the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge adds an element of excitement and wonder to your visit. It's a testament to the refuge's commitment to wildlife conservation and offers a memorable experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for these magnificent animals and their...

This is a really nice place to visit and drive the 11 mile loop around the 15,000 acre refuge. Worth stopping in at the visitor center first to learn the history of the arsenal site, how the clean-up project was put underway, and how it became what it is today.

(As of May 9, 2024, the visitor center is closed Mon & Tues, so plan accordingly.)

I drove around this twice on my trip to Colorado, as it was recommended by my cousin who lives in Arvada. Originally came Tuesday & discovered the VC was closed, and I’m glad that I came back today. I learned a lot by reading the information there.

The 23 sq mile refuge is home to bison, prairie dogs, ferrets, deer, owls, coyotes and many types of birds, including bald eagles.

The bison roam freely in certain areas of the refuge and it’s really neat to see them when they are close to the road. :-) They started with just 16 in 2007, and the herd has grown to over 200, each of them being micro-chipped.

The Lake Ladora trail was nice. It’s a flat, dirt trail with occasional benches and a picnic table. I stopped midway to sit by the water, listening to the water, songbirds, and watched them swooping down just above the water.

Decently ‘clean-ish’ pit toilets are located around the site, (except once you get into the wildlife drive). VERY clean bathrooms at the visitor center. It’s FREE to get in, with opportunities to donate to the refuge. Has a nice gift little shop, and scheduled family activities. If you’re looking for a way to spend a few hours, this would be a really good experience for a half day outing, alone, with a friend or with the whole family, any age range.

Also, I don’t discover this till AFTER my second trip around, (cuz who actually reads the entire brochure?!? 😕) but there is a 30 minute audio to listen to as you drive the loop!! 😃🎧 I listened to it as I was leaving and would highly recommend it as you drive. It’s informative and tells about specifics to look for along the way. Pretty darn cool. I included a picture of the QR code to the audio.

Hopefully this review helps at least one person decide if this outing is for you. Enjoy!! Be safe, be kind and live...

First, some tips: 🐌 Take your time, slow down. This is a free opportunity to relax and allow yourself to be surprised by what you can see if you just slow down. Cars coming behind you? Let them pass. The road is one way but plenty wide enough most of the way, so anyone just wanting to rush through can simply go around you. The speed limit is 30; I PROMISE you'll miss things if you do that. 👁👁 Be on the constant lookout. The two types of deer, coyote, certain birds, and the prairie dogs here can be hard to spot unless they just decide to give you a show. Watch for the flick of an ear or tail or a random swift movement, it's actually fun to spot something other cars are passing. 🎧 Put on The "podcast" and pause/play as you go. It's NOT boring and you actually see more (e.g. a bald eagle nest) than you would on your own.... and the facts you learn about the wildlife, land, people, etc are interesting (my fave was the "underground cities").

My review: What a beautiful place; I haven't smiled that hard in a long while... even though we drove through in the afternoon on a very warm day and assumed we wouldn't see a ton of wildlife, we were pleasantly surprised at what we did get to see --- a herd of bison in the distance as well as a few more here and there close enough to photograph, a TON of active and alert prairie dogs, a warbler, mule deer, a ferruginous hawk soaring above, and so much breathtaking land. Go, take your...