Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge is 10 miles Northeast of Denver suburbs and ten minutes’ drive from the town. The refuge park occupies around 17, 000 acres of land and comprises of an 11 self-guided wildlife drive, 10 miles of hiking trails, and a visitor center. The refuge park is always free and open throughout the day from sunrise to sunset and is only closed only on holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. I have been to the park numerous times, and there is usually something new to photograph. Anything from eagles to bison and everything in between. I regularly visit there to see animals, but I find the refuge very fascinating and unforgettable since it provides the history of Colorado. The sanctuary is a site where the military use to manufacture explosives; thus, it is a pleasant surprise to find it restored to a natural prairie with wildlife, including bison and deer. Basically, the refuge is a grassland setting with a few lakes and also offers excellent views of the downtown Denver, wildlife, and outlying mountains.

Once in the park, a visit to the Visitor Center is a must to understand the site. The visitor center is staffed with well-informed and friendly individuals and is fascinating for all people of all ages. The Visitor’s Center has displays depicting the site’s history from homesteading days through military occupation and more current efforts of restoration. It also stores artifacts and specimen in its museum that helps to narrate about the history of the area and is the top destination in the country to watch wildlife.  In other words, through the help from the staffs, one can understand how Colorado evolved from the chemical production to one of the attractive Refuge in the United States. The Center also offers visitors with a trail map, which helps when touring the site and inform where to find certain animals. Additionally, in the Visitor’s Center, there are regular toilets (outdoor toilets) that do not smell at all.

The refuge is one of the best places to visit because apart from its fascinating history, there are a variety of activities to do during your trip. These activities include hiking with about 10 miles of trails which are accessible all year round as visiting the refuge is free. Besides, there are outside areas with free fixed binoculars for viewing the sanctuary. In brief, the site has several hiking or walking trails to explore including walkways over lakes or ponds to facilitate nature’s beauty. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge has beautiful sceneries with over 77 mountain peaks. Moreover, one can see a wide range of beautiful landscapes from a short distance and has a trail ridge road that attracts many visitors as it is a perfect view of the park.

The wildlife drive is a perfect site to watch bison, deer, hawks, burrowing owls, coyote, prairie dogs, and hawks. Furthermore, Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge harbors over 300 different animal and bird species; however, when the sun is low, animal activity is highest; thus it is best to plan the driving tour around the sun. The bison are inactive, and the deer seek shade when the sun is high in the sky; therefore, it becomes difficult to see them. Thus, to view most wild animals in the refuge the best time to tour is early in the morning or late afternoon. I used to think of Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge as a very terrible place where all sorts of munitions are buried, but upon the visit, I was overwhelmed. I found it a great location to photograph wildlife and sunrise early in the morning. For once I felt it was a great choice and a trip to remember. In other words, the refuge park is a fantastic and peaceful place to enjoy for an hour or two; however, the experience can differ depending on the weather and the type of animals that are wandering near the fences. The driving tour was amusing as I saw a lot of prairie dogs, hawks, and deer, as well as few buffaloes. I did not think I will see any bison, but thankfully I saw the herd just before the gates to leave the bison area. There was plenty of bison very close to the road and some even crossed in front of me. There is something beautiful about observing a herd of bison as they move with the mountains and the Denver skyline in the background.

Most importantly, I saw Bison fur, which is usually perceived as the best quality because the animal is adapted to harsh climatic conditions and is hence able to withstand it all. Differentiated by their texture, on touching the deer fur was too smooth and fuzzy and it is the one that is usually put on the neck of our jackets while that of the bison was a bit rough. These animals can get aggressive, but in caution, one can get to spend little time with them with no harm. In the site, I could also smell the fresh air across the plains, but within, there were various scents from different trees, and each smell had its unique sweetness. However, the scent from the animal’s waste and at times the birds’ droppings could not be avoided. The drive was going on very well as everyone showed a face of satisfaction as the guide went ahead.

Also, considering the scenery is excellent and lakes with walkways, Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge is a peaceful area in the heart of the city. During my visit, I walked to the Lake Mary Loop Trail which is flat and comfortable, and I was amazed by vast numbers of different birds to watch. Some of the birds that I saw include western tanagers, cliff swallows, nesting tree swallows, horned larks, and red-winged blackbirds among many others. The area around Lake Mary is beautiful and marshy with many birds, cattails, and trees. The lake had a phenomenal view that one could not tire by looking at. The view was refreshing as I looked at the rocks and birds around. The arsenal also permits some excellent trophy catch and release fishing in the lakes.

In conclusion, Rocky Mountain Arsenal and Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to go and cool down from the heats of jobs or any other day to day routines as it can help in stress relieving and lowering the blood pressure. From the narration and explanation above, it is apparent in the site one can involve him or herself in refreshing activities such as birdwatching, hiking, wildlife viewing, as well as Catch and Release Fishing. The refuge is unforgettable since I love nature, adventure and of all the things I saw at the park struck me most.

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