About This Listing
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, situated near Commerce City, Colorado. Originally established as a military installation, the site was later converted into a wildlife refuge, covering over 15,000 acres of prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. It serves as a habitat for diverse species, including migratory birds, bighorn sheep, and bald eagles, making it a key stop for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers. The refuge offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and wildlife observation. Trails are available for exploration, though specific trail details or sport facilities are not highlighted in the provided information. The area is accessible to visitors, though hours may vary by season—standard operating hours are typically daylight-dependent, with visitor services available during business hours. The refuge does not appear to host organized sports leagues or competitive events but focuses on conservation and passive recreation. For practical information, visitors can contact the refuge at +1 303-289-0930 or visit the official website for updates, maps, and guidelines. The refuge’s website provides additional details on access points, safety measures, and seasonal activities. While the area is open to the public, it’s advisable to check for any temporary closures or restrictions before planning a visit. The refuge’s high visitor rating suggests it’s a well-regarded destination for those interested in nature and wildlife.
Located in Commerce City, Colorado, this sports club offers quality facilities and services for sports enthusiasts.
Hours of Operation
Rating & Reviews
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What visitors are saying
“Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit near Denver. The area has wide open landscapes, scenic driving routes, and many opportunities to see wildlife such as bison, deer, and different kinds of birds. The visitor center is informative and well organized, and the trails are great for walking and enjoying nature. It is amazing that such a large natural refuge exists…”
— Connected b. · ★★★★☆ · 2026-3-4
“Absolutely Adorable Prairie Dog Sightings! I visited the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge last November. Unfortunately, it coincided with a government shutdown, so many areas and the main buffalo auto tour route were closed. However, the trip was still completely worth it because of the prairie dogs! They are incredibly cute, and you can get surprisingly close to them. I ended up spending over an hour…”
— Carol H. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-11
“Start with the Visitor Center — it’s absolutely worth it. The staff let us know what wildlife we were likely to see that day and where bison sightings were most common. The ranger also did a great job explaining the history of the area in a way that was easy to understand and genuinely interesting. The 11-mile wildlife drive takes less than an hour, but it feels like a complete escape from the city. We saw huge…”
— Yoon L. · ★★★★★ · 2025-12-17
“Rocky Mountain Arsenal is an incredible place to explore and the best part is, it’s completely free. You can walk around the trails, enjoy the peaceful scenery, and even see free ranging buffalo up close (from a safe distance, of course!). It’s such a unique experience to have this kind of wildlife and open space so close to the city. Highly recommend visiting if you’re in the Denver area. Perfect for a walk,…”
— Mitch W. · ★★★★★ · 2025-12-8
“Unsung Denver treasure. Start with less than 8 miles from downtown Denver. Free! ALWAYS see animals. Sometimes close up. Sometimes in the distance. Lots of gorgeous scenery that changes with every season. Great drive and always able to get at least 1-2 great pictures, all with my phone. Enjoy!!!”
— Laura D. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-23
“Great spot for a quick visit! The wildlife drive is easy and scenic. I even got caught in a “traffic jam” caused by a herd of bison, a pretty cool experience. Look forward to going back!”
— Tyler B. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-25
“A great place for a nice hike through Great Plains Habitat if you're ready for some flatness and a break from mountain hikes. There are lots of prairie dogs, deer, and even an occasional coyote. There are plenty of trails and a drive tour.”
— Adam W. · ★★★★★ · 2026-2-11
“This is a wonderful way to see some amazing large animals, close up. Most of the refuge is seen from inside your car. Don't Get Out of Your Car!!! The bison are very large and unpredictable animals. The males can be very aggressive. Bring binoculars and your camera longer lens are helpful as you will be shooting from inside your car. Many of the animals are used to seeing cars and do get close to the road. Sometimes…”
— Chas G. · ★★★★★ · 2025-9-29
Location
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge located?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is located at 6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022, United States. It is in Commerce City, Colorado.
What is the phone number for Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
You can call Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge at +1 303-289-0930.
What are the hours of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is open as follows: Monday Closed; Tuesday Closed; Wednesday 9 am–4 pm; Thursday 9 am–4 pm; Friday 9 am–4 pm; Saturday 9 am–4 pm; Sunday 9 am–4 pm. Hours may change on holidays — call ahead to confirm.
How is Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge rated?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has an average rating of 4.7/5 from 5591 customer reviews on Google.
Does Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge have a website?
Yes. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge's official website is http://www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenal/.
