The site was once used to manufacture mustard gas and nerve agents during World War II and the Cold War.
A herd of nearly 300 American bison resides within the refuge, reintroduced as part of a national conservation program.
The refuge is home to one of the largest nesting populations of bald eagles in the Denver metropolitan area.
The soil remediation project, which involved capping hazardous waste and restoring native prairie, was one of the largest environmental cleanup operations in American history.
Burrowing owls, a species of special concern in Colorado, utilize abandoned prairie dog burrows found throughout the refuge.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 15,000 acres of prairie, wetland, and woodland habitats situated on a former chemical weapons manufacturing site. It serves as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife, including American bison, bald eagles, deer, and burrowing owls. The site was remediated and converted into a federal wildlife refuge, demonstrating a unique transition from military industrial use to conservation land. Visitors can access over 20 miles of hiking trails and an 11-mile wildlife driving tour. The landscape provides unobstructed views of the Denver skyline and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The Visitor Center offers interactive exhibits detailing the refuge's historical transformation and local ecological data. It is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the United States, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The elevated boardwalks around Lake Mary provide the best vantage points for capturing eagles and aquatic birds with the mountains in the background.
Bring binoculars, as the expansive nature of the prairie often requires viewing wildlife from a distance.
Stay inside your vehicle during the self-guided driving tour to minimize disturbance to bison and other wildlife.
Check the weather before arriving, as the refuge offers very little shade or shelter from extreme sun or wind.
Do not attempt to feed or approach the bison, as they are wild animals and can be aggressive if they feel threatened.
The refuge is typically closed on major federal holidays; the Wildlife Drive may be temporarily closed following heavy snowfall or severe weather.
Maintain a minimum distance of 25 yards from wildlife, pack out all trash, and keep dogs on a leash at all times in designated areas.
