Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

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Parks

Colorado

Nearby: Quaker Acres Park West Woods Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is a 5,237-acre wildlife refuge located in the state of Colorado.

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Summary

There are several reasons to visit this refuge, including its unique wildlife, natural beauty, and rich cultural history. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing in the refuge, which is home to over 300 species of birds and other animals such as elk, coyotes, and prairie dogs.

One of the most interesting points of interest in the refuge is the former Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant, which played a significant role in the Cold War. Today, the site is closed to the public, but visitors can learn about its history at the nearby Rocky Flats Cold War Museum.

Another interesting fact about Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is that it was once the site of protests and activism over nuclear weapons production and environmental contamination. Today, the refuge is a symbol of environmental restoration and conservation efforts.

The best time of year to visit Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and wildlife is most active. Visitors should be aware that some areas of the refuge may be closed seasonally for wildlife management purposes.

Overall, Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to explore Colorado's natural beauty and cultural history while also supporting conservation efforts and learning about our country's nuclear history.

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

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