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Zoos & Aquariums

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands & woodlands home to more than 330 species.

23.2 mi From Centennial Airport
37 min Typical Drive
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Shekhar Damle via Google
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Cynthia Lowry Homes via Google
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Photo: Ashish Borate via Google

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge holds 4.7 stars across 5,716 Google reviews, which in a metro this competitive is earned, not given. Google's own summary calls it: "Open lakes, wetlands, prairie grasslands & woodlands home to more than 330 species.." It sits in Commerce City, about 23.2 road miles from Centennial Airport.

The Short Version

FactDetail
CategoryZoos & Aquariums
Where6550 Gateway Rd, Commerce City, CO 80022, USA
Drive from Centennial Airport (KAPA)about 23.2 miles north, roughly 37 minutes
Google rating4.7 stars, 5,716 reviews

Getting There from Centennial Airport

The drive from the Centennial ramp runs about 23.2 miles north, call it 37 minutes when I-25 behaves. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the kind of stop that slots neatly before a hotel check-in or after a morning meeting.

What Reviewers Keep Saying

“Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an awesome place to spend a few hours enjoying nature without having to leave the Denver area. This place is absolutely massive and the wildlife drive alone is worth the…”

Eric Boesen on Google, 2 months ago

“Such a nice wildlife refuge right in the city. Beautiful wide open vistas and tons of wildlife. Really nice visitor center with exhibits on the history of the area and on the animals. We had to see thousands of prairie d…”

Owen Campbell on Google, 4 weeks ago

Hours and When to Go

Current hours are in the panel above, synced straight from Google, so holiday changes and seasonal shifts show up here without waiting on us.

What It Costs

Pricing runs mid-range relative to the metro. Check the official site for today's exact numbers; this page's hours and ratings refresh from Google automatically.

What Visitors Say

Pulled from Google reviews, unedited. We do not moderate or curate these — they are what the public left.

★★★★★ 2 months ago

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an awesome place to spend a few hours enjoying nature without having to leave the Denver area. This place is absolutely massive and the wildlife drive alone is worth the visit. You can just slowly cruise through the refuge and spot all kinds of animals along the way. We saw bison, deer, prairie dogs, tons of birds, and wildlife everywhere you looked. It’s pretty i...

Eric Boesen
★★★★★ a month ago

Such a nice wildlife refuge right in the city. Beautiful wide open vistas and tons of wildlife. Really nice visitor center with exhibits on the history of the area and on the animals. We had to see thousands of prairie dogs. They can blend in but if you slow down or pull to the side and look at the ground you are sure to see tons of movement. Absolutely recommend going here.

Owen Campbell
★★★★★ 3 weeks ago

I had the privilege of living just a few minutes away from this incredible place, and it became my safe haven during the years I lived in Denver. The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is full of life, breathtaking landscapes, and an amazing diversity of wildlife. I loved coming here to take photographs, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and watch the most beautiful sunsets. No matter what kind of day I...

Marina Meira

Frequently Asked

What is the best time to visit Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge?
Animals move at opening and near feeding times; summer middays send everyone into the shade, you included. First hour after gates is the golden window.
How far is Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge from Centennial Airport?
About 23.2 road miles north of KAPA, which works out to roughly 37 minutes by car outside rush hour.
What is Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge's Google rating?
4.7 stars from 5,716 reviews as of our last sync. The live number and recent reviews appear right on this page.
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