Hiking Denver’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge

Need a great hike that’s close by, is fantastic for kids, invites world travelers, and includes world history?

And you might even see bison, deer, foxes, prairie dogs, and bald eagles.

Then, head over to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. It’s nearby and on the way.

From Homesteaders to Bison

The Wildlife Refuge, which now hosts a bison herd of close to 100, two types of deer, many foxes, coyotes, prairie dogs, and ferrets, used to be the dirtiest land in the country. Seized from homesteaders after Pearl Harbor, the Army built munitions and chemical warfare, creating a toxic cocktail of mustard gas and dioxins. On top of this deadly soup, the space race fueled the Apollo space mission. The filthy mess was then topped with pesticide production waste.

By the time the 80s rolled around, Denver’s too-small Stapleton airport and a disgusting dirt pile of tainted soil called out for solutions. Leaders came together, moved the airport, and declared the old Army base a Superfund site. At the same time, bald eagles appeared in cottonwoods along Second Creek. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge claimed its place with legislative maneuvering and citizen support.

Hike or Drive to See Bison

And now, you can view the bison on this wonderful urban resource, just a few miles off I-70 just north of the old Stapleton airport tower. The bison’s range behind fences. In a car, you can drive along a designated route within the range and get very close to the bison. Yet, you must stay in your car.

If you decide to walk, you can get close, but a fence will always be between you and the bison. The hike from the Visitors Center to the lakes brings you close to their range. But really, let’s be honest, right up front.

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Bison aren’t friendly. They don’t want your company. They weigh almost a ton. So, no, you won’t actually be hiking with them. You’ll be walking near them, in view of them, or within range. If you don’t see them walking the Legacy Trail from the Visitors Center, hop back in your car and drive the Wildlife Drive Trail.

Get Up Early or Go Late

The best time to view the bison is early in the morning or later in the afternoon. But it is really a guessing game at best. The bison roam the Refuge throughout the day, and many days you can’t see them from the trails or the public viewing areas. Nonetheless, you can walk right next to them if they’re out.

The Trail Route

Park at the Refuge’s Visitor Center. Inside, you can see a life-sized bison and learn the history of the Refuge. When you’re ready, head out on the Legacy Trail, which leaves from the back side of the Visitors Center. At the head of the trail is a ferret exhibit you won’t want to pass up. Then, head northeasterly along the trail to Lake Mary.

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The trail is mostly pebble rock. Rollers and strollers can enjoy it on dry days. You’ll walk along medium-high prairie grass on rolling knolls. About halfway to Mary Lake, which is about a ½ mile, you’ll encounter some swales on both sides of the trail where lovely cottonwood and oak trees grow. Keep your eyes peeled, as you’ll have a high chance to see mule deer and maybe even some white-tailed deer. Prairie dogs will scatter and bark on your arrival. (Another trail where you might see bison within the Refuge is the First Creek at DEN Open Space Trail.)

Shortly after you pass the swales and before you cross Havana, look to the north. If you’re going to see any bison by foot, here’s your best chance. Often, small parts of the herd will hang out just north of the swales and west of the road. You’ll be close enough to take pictures where they look like bison and less where they look like little brown dots out in a field of grass.

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While you are near Mary Lake, cross over to Havana and enjoy a walk around the lake, or go a bit further to Lake Ladora. There is a great 2-mile loop to take you around the lakes. When ready, head west along the Legacy trail to the Visitor Center, completing a four-mile out-and-back walk.

By the way, Colorado natives and long-time locals call the area the “Arsenal,” while newcomers tend to call it the “Refuge.”

Traveling to Denver International Airport?

If you have 2-3 extra hours before checking in for you flight, stopping by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is a great last stop on the way to the airport. If you’re driving from downtown Denver to the airport, take I70 to the Central Park Blvd. Go north about a mile when the street turns into Prairie Parkway. Take a right on Gateway Road into the park. When you finish your visit, leave the park, turn left on Prairie Parkway to Central Park Blvd. Turn left on 56th Ave to Peña Blvd. Turn left on Peña to the airport.

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Or, if you are taking public transit, purchase a ticket on the A train for the airport. Take the A train to Central Park Station and then use a Lyft to the Visitor’s Center from Central Park Station. When you’re finished, take a Lyft back to the 61st and Peña A Train station. Take the train to the airport. You will not need to purchase another ticket. Your airport ticket is good all day and for multiple rides. It’s good on the bus, too, if you decide to take that route.

If you go to the Refuge, post your pictures and tag them with #DenverByFoot. I’d love to see them!

~See you on the trail

Hiking the Refuge and Supporting Denver By Foot