Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
MountainWetland
Best Seasons
SummerFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

June-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center Wed-Sun 9 AM - 4 PM

About This Location

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This mountain and wetland habitat attracts Wild Turkey, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/5/2026Cherry Creek State Park Wetlands1 observed

Mexican Duck

Anas diazi

3/5/2026Cherry Creek Trail--E-470 through Cottonwood Parks, East & West1 observed

Winter Wren

Troglodytes hiemalis

3/5/2026Plaster Reservoir1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Cherry Creek SP--Pelican Point area1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/4/2026Tucker Lake1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

83/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

43/5/2026

Gadwall

803/5/2026

Mallard

93/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

323/5/2026

Canvasback

23/5/2026

Lesser Scaup

53/5/2026

Bufflehead

53/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

33/5/2026

Hooded Merganser

23/5/2026

Common Merganser

73/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

103/5/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

23/5/2026

American Coot

13/5/2026

Killdeer

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

633/5/2026

Lesser Black-backed Gull

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring layers as mountain weather changes rapidly at elevation.

  2. 2

    Check exposed ridges and thermals for soaring raptors and swifts.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge include Wild Turkey, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Hooded Merganser, Cinnamon Teal, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports mountain, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset; visitor center Wed-Sun 9 AM - 4 PM.
What amenities are available at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.