Bison in Denver: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Where in the world can you drive minutes from the downtown area of a major city and see bison, deer, coyote, eagles, prairie dogs, and a host of other wildlife? I'm not talking about a zoo either - these are animals in their natural setting on over 15,000 acres.

Mule Deer buck at RMA

It's Denver...and I'm talking about Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

The Arsenal sits on the northern edge of Denver, Colorado, and exists as critical habitat for Bald Eagles, Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, American Bison, and many more species. It's also a favorite for local wildlife photographers, families, and visitors - there is no other place in Colorado where you can be surrounded by a bison blockade!

I have found mornings to be the best time of day to see the animals near the roads and trails, especially during the warmer summer months.

A bison blockade at RMA

Late spring and early summer welcomes the babies to the arsenal. If you're lucky, you might get a chance to see bison, deer, and prairie dog babies. Photographers love this time of year when the grasses green up and the the babies come out to play.

Baby bison with its mother, late May

Baby Prairie Dog, late May

Please note with the animals: they are cute and they are used to people, but these animals are not pets! Please stay a safe distance away from them. Bison are DANGEROUS! Do not leave your car when inside the Bison enclosure. If you find the road blocked by an animal, quietly pull off to the side if you can, and allow them to pass by. Do not honk or try to intimidate them out of the way - this will likely land you a ticket or jail time.

Please don't feed the animals, try to pet them, or in any way hinder their natural behavior. Avoid getting between a mother and her baby - this could get you horns to your ribs!

To get there: Please see this map. The Arsenal is north of Denver on Quebec, near Commerce City and the 270/70 interchange.

Hiking: Several trails in the park are open to the public. Pleas see a current trail map for a complete listing.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed, but check local regulations first before heading out.

Kids: The Arsenal is a great place for kids! Your kids will probably love the being surrounded by bison, or seeing the abundant Mule Deer. And yes, there are restrooms throughout the refuge in case you miss the one at the visitor's center.

Handicapped Access: Some areas and trails are accessible to folks with physical challenges. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Access: Please respect "No Trespassing" signs as some areas of the refuge are currently off-limits to the public.

A Hidden Gem

There is a little jewel of trail along the southwest edge of the Denver metro area. You may not have heard about it, but it's been a favorite for locals for many years. It winds through a canyon where  lizards, eagles, hawks, ducks, beaver, bear, mountain lion, deer, and Bighorn Sheep make their home. Humans like it here too: the road up the canyon is closed to most vehicles, so you can see cyclists, hikers, runners, and fishermen most days of the year.

A view up the canyon.

The place is Waterton Canyon, and the road leading in to it marks the start of the Colorado Trail.

Young Bighorns dash along the trail in Waterton Canyon.

Waterton Canyon cuts back into the foothills of southwestern Littleton, Colorado. Flowing its length is the Platte River, although in the canyon the river looks more like a large stream. The trail, a road in its lower reaches, parallels the river and provides easy access into the canyon's beauty.

Moonset over Waterton.

It's different here. The plant life reminds me more of the canyon lands of the desert southwest than anywhere else in the area. Yuccas, cactus, bunchgrasses, and junipers are the main vegetation for the first 4-5 miles upriver, and when I need a pseudo-Utah fix for a few hours, I come here. Dramatic rock cliffs flank the river. In the warmer seasons of the year, you might even catch a glimpse of a lizard or two sunning themselves on the rocks. In the spring and early summer, flowers more at-home in the desert send up colorful offerings of blossoms to the sun.

For me, though, the main attraction really is the animal life. Nowhere else in the Denver area can you get up-close-and-personal to Bighorn Sheep, or have a chance of seeing a Black Bear or a Mountain Lion all within a few miles of your car.

Below are a few highlights from Waterton Canyon:

One of the big rams in Waterton Canyon.

A beaver munching on twigs.

A lamb, looking cute.

One thing to note with the animals, especially the Bighorns: they are cute and they are used to people, but these animals are not pets! Please stay a safe distance away from them. Bighorns Sheep may look small, but they are muscular and very strong. One head-butt could send you into the hospital...or the river. If they approach you, stay still and do NOT look them in the eye (especially the males). Quietly them them pass by you.

Please don't feed the animals, try to pet them, or in any way hinder their natural behavior. Avoid getting between a mother and her baby - this could get you horns to your ribs!

To get there: Take Wadsworth south from C-470 in Littleton. Turn left onto Waterton Canyon Road. The second parking area on your left is for the Canyon. Park in here and proceed to the trail at the west end of the parking lot.

Hiking/Cycling: The trail up into the canyon is relatively flat, very wide, and in good repair for at least the first 8 miles up. Xcel energy and Denver Water maintain the road for access to the dams and reservoirs in the upper parts of the canyon. For those more adventurous folks out there, go past the dams and reservoirs to hook up with the Colorado Trail and almost endless miles of hiking and cycling.

Fishing: Fishing is allowed along the river, but check local regulations first before heading out.

Kids: Waterton is a great place for kids! Access into the canyon is kid-friendly for the first several miles and all-terrain strollers are easy to use on the road. The road is wide and relatively flat with lots of things to see and do along the way. And yes, there are restrooms along the canyon in case you miss the one at the parking area.

Handicapped Access: The first several miles of the canyon are accessible to folks in wheelchairs and hand cycles. Restrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Access: Please respect private property and "No Trespassing" signs.