The best walks and hikes in Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

No, pets are not permitted within the refuge to protect the wildlife and their habitats. Service animals are an exception.

Yes, the refuge has many easy trails perfect for families. Most paths are flat and well-maintained. For a very short and accessible walk, the 1-mile Discovery Trail starting from the Visitor Center is a great choice. The 0.6-mile Lake Mary Loop Trail is another excellent option, featuring a boardwalk and piers.

While wildlife can be seen from many hiking trails, the 11-mile Wildlife Drive offers an excellent opportunity to view American bison, deer, and coyotes from your vehicle. For hikers, the prairie trails offer the best chance of spotting bison, while the wetland loops around the lakes are ideal for seeing waterfowl and other birds.

No, there are no access fees to enter the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. All trails, the Visitor Center, and the Wildlife Drive are free to the public.

The refuge is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center has its own operating hours, which can vary. It's best to check the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website for the most current information before your visit.

The refuge offers over 20 miles of trails with varying lengths. You can find short walks under a mile, like the Lake Mary Loop, or longer routes. For example, the Rod & Gun Club Pond loop from Commerce City is a pleasant 3-mile (4.8 km) hike that takes about an hour and a half.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths, the unique opportunity to see wildlife so close to the city, and the peaceful prairie and wetland scenery.

Yes, most of the popular trails in the refuge are loops. The interconnected trails around Lake Mary and Lake Ladora form a well-loved circular route through the wetlands. The Bluestem Loop Trail (part of the Grassland Trail) is another great option for a circular walk through the prairie.

The terrain is generally flat and easy, consisting of well-maintained dirt or gravel paths. This makes the refuge accessible for hikers of most fitness levels. Some trails, like the Lake Mary Loop, even include sections of boardwalk over the wetlands. The only exceptions with more varied terrain are the Rattlesnake Hill Trail and parts of the Prairie Trail.

Hiking is possible year-round. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and are great for birdwatching during migration seasons. Summer is warm, and it's best to hike in the morning or evening to avoid the midday heat, as there is little shade on the prairie trails. Winter can be cold and snowy, but offers a quiet, stark beauty and a different set of wildlife viewing opportunities.

Yes, the refuge is a multi-activity destination. In addition to the hiking trails and the popular Wildlife Drive, there is seasonal catch-and-release fishing at Lake Mary and Lake Ladora. The refuge also features a free, walk-up archery range for public use.

For stunning landscape shots with mountain backdrops, the prairie trails are ideal, especially during sunrise or sunset. For wildlife photography, particularly birds, the trails around Lake Mary and Lake Ladora provide excellent opportunities with their boardwalks and viewing piers.