The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge: Visitors and Residents Flock to this Attraction Every Year

A lazy morning under vast cloud-filled skies, listening to bird song, the lapping of water on the shoreline, and the sound of the wind in the distance over the sage brush might be what many consider heaven. At the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, it might just be a Tuesday—or any other day of the week. 

As part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, the Arapaho Refuge is one of over 570 refuges across the United States, and exists for the conservation and study of ecosystems throughout North America. Among other purposes, it’s also a great place to reconnect with nature, as well as a great stop to add to your road trip itinerary for your travels through North Park!

What is a National Wildlife Refuge?

Along with wilderness areas, wildlife refuges play an important role in management and understanding of public lands. They serve as classrooms for ecological scholarship, practical field work for pedagogy, and allow for visibility and connection with the public. The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge occupies the interior of North Park, starting several miles south of Walden, CO and river bottoms of wetlands between the Michigan, Illinois, and Canadian riverways. 

Much of the land was once settled by homesteaders in the early 1900s, and some of the barns and ranch houses remain intact, serving as a reminder of the heritage of some families who still call North Park home. Establishing wildlife refuges in the public land system is a way to allow species of plants and animals to “re-seed” after development has otherwise disrupted the environment. Without them, migratory birds might have changed ancient patterns, native plant species might die out, and healthy herds of wild game might disappear from areas entirely. 

In early spring, the North Park Chamber of Commerce offers greater sage grouse tours. Some of these breeding grounds–called leks–can be found on Refuge land. Follow the link to learn about this indicator species in North Park.

The relationship between locals and the federal government is often very nuanced, but the Arapaho National Wildlife refuge has been working with the community and enticing wildlife to the area for generations now. Part of the goal of the refuge system is to provide habitat for wildlife whose ecosystems have been severely impacted by the expansion of humans into their territories—this includes rural areas where agricultural practices were highly disruptive to delicate ecosystems. 

Home for Many

The Arapaho National Wildlife refuge offers tens of thousands of acres of relatively undeveloped land for wildlife, especially those who make their homes in wetlands. The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge provides a unique habitat among others in the refuge system as it occupies the highest elevations in the lower 48 States. The Refuge has provided a foothold for the return of native species and a place for them to flourish. 

Dozens of species of migratory waterfowl, song birds, and even raptors can be found here. Large mammals such as moose, pronghorn antelope, elk, deer, and even large predators like bears and coyotes are also a common sight. The wetlands provide a home for small mammals too, from aquatic animals such as beaver and muskrats to jackrabbits, rodents, and raccoons. Recently, reintroduction of wolves has given this species a larger habitat to hunt and roam. Though the reintroduction of large apex predators to North Park is a hotly contested issue, the existence of a wildlife refuge provides some buffer between wolves and potential interaction with humans.

Fowl Play

The biggest draw to the refuge is from migratory waterfowl. Canada geese, mallard ducks, great blue heron,  sandhill cranes and dozens of other species of birds make their homes in the wetlands of the refuge. In the dry rolling hills, amid the sagebrush and prairie grasses, you’ll find greater sage grouse and blue grouse. Birds often build their nests near water, but surprisingly enough also nest in these dry areas. The skies are no stranger to eagles, hawks, owls and other raptors. The refuge is also home to a variety of aquatic species such as frogs and salamanders, snakes, and fish, which provide an ample source of food for some of these avian visitors.

Working Land

Wildlife refuges at times have worked with local ranchers as places to graze livestock in a freerange environment. You might wonder how allowing cattle or sheep to graze refuge land might be permitted, considering the goal of conserving wildlife. Before the influx of settlers to these areas in the west, large animals such as bison, elk, and other browsers occupied a part of the ecosystem. With the eradication of the American buffalo in the 1800s, the impact of the loss of large grazing animals was felt throughout the west. 

In spite of their differences, cattle serve as a close substitute for how bison interacted with the land and remain important for healthy habitats. Livestock graze on grasses and sagebrush, pruning back dead growth and fertilizing new growth as they feed. They also aerate the ground to build healthy soil in land that is otherwise sandy and rocky. 

Due to the elevation of North Park, livestock for meat production has been an important way of life here for over a hundred years. The harsh winters and short growing season mean that much of the land is otherwise unsuitable for growing crops. Livestock contribute to our food production systems and our economy in a big way!

Where is the Refuge?

The Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is located south of Walden with access points on HWY 125 and HWY 14. The wetlands of the Michigan, Canadian, and Illinois rivers in Jackson county are the largest sections of the refuge. A new addition was recently donated to the system by the Chandler estate 12 miles north of Walden, but remains closed to the public. 

Access roads to the refuge as well as scenic overlooks and interpretive auto tours allow visitors to experience the animals in their habitat. Just keep an eye open for signs with the Canada goose, indicating Refuge roads. Entry is free of charge, however camping is not allowed. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and limited, restricted hunting and fishing are ways outdoorsmen can enjoy the area. Check out the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge website for more information

Bird is the Word

Wildlife watching and birding are perhaps the biggest draws to the area outside of hunting season. Beginning in early spring, migratory birds begin to return, making North Park a substantial stop on the way. Sandhill cranes have been spotted in the area during the last few years, as well as oceanic birds such as pelicans and gulls. Ducks and geese make up the lion’s share of waterfowl, but songbirds can be found from spring to fall. Birders can use the bird watching blinds built throughout the Refuge to check some lifers off their lists.

The Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway

One of the most beautiful drives in Colorado will take you from the Front Range and entry points to the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. The Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic Byway takes you through the changing scenery of the Poudre Canyon, the summit of Cameron Pass, and down through the Colorado State Forest State Park. You’ll see peaks such as Mt. Rictofen, Nokhu Crags, Clark Peak, the Never Summer Range, and the Rawahs. 

As you drop in elevation, the North Park basin will open up, giving you a panoramic view of the Park Range, Medicine Bow Mountains, and even Snowy Range mountains far to the north. Wildlife you could see on the way is anything from moose to mountain lions, bears, elk, bighorn sheep, wolves and coyotes.

Stop off at Gould or Walden to stretch your legs and refuel your body with a delicious meal. Walden is the last stop for fuel and groceries for nearly 70 miles in any direction. Here’s a list of places you can stop for a bite to eat.

• Rita’s Cafe: Get a start early with breakfast and lunch five days a week (closed Wednesdays and Thursdays) open 6am-3pm and 6am-2pm on Sundays.
• Howling Coyote Mexican Restaurant: New restaurant in Gould, CO, on HWY 14, 23 miles SE of Walden. Serving up a wide selection of authentic Mexican food .
• River Rock: Classic American cuisine in a historical Walden, CO location. Open seven days a week and serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and a full-service bar.
• Stockman Bar and Grill: Good food, drinks, local flavor, and live music.  
• Zirkel Mountain Pies: Pizza, ice cream, wings, and antiques. 

Looking Forward to Your Visit

Whether it’s a walk on the Moose-to-Goose Trail or taking an autotour of the Refuge, you are guaranteed to find some surprises at the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge. Just go slow and keep your eyes open! A true hidden gem among public lands in Colorado—if not the whole US!—it’s a pristine place teeming with wildlife. So next time you get out, you might find yourself traveling on the Cache la Poudre-North Park Scenic ByWay. Stop at one of the Refuge overlooks, take your time on the backroads, and make sure your camera batteries are fully charged to capture some once-in-a-lifetime moments! 

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