34 Wildlife Sanctuaries to Explore in Colorado
Checkout places to visit in Colorado
ColoradoIt is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing.
Wildlife Sanctuaries by destinations in Colorado
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Wildlife Sanctuaries to Explore in Colorado
Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge and Visitor CenterThe Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge covers 11,169 acres of high desert uplands and riparian wetlands in the San Luis Valley.The site consists of wet meadows, river oxbows and riparian corridor primarily within the flood plain of the Rio Grande, and dry uplands vegetated with greasewood and saltbush.It is considered to be more wild and less intensely managed than the nearby Monte Vista refuge.
Bluff Lake Nature CenterA beautiful and wild 123-acre wildlife refuge and environmental education center in Denver, Colorado, located along Sand Creek on the eastern edge of the former Stapleton International Airport. It consists of a variety of native habitats including wetlands, short-grass prairie, a riparian zone and wetland woodland. it is free and open to the public, serving a role as unplanned open space for children and families in the nearby neighborhoods.
Browns Park National Wildlife RefugeBrowns Park National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in Moffat County, Colorado. The refuge was established in 1980 to provide habitat for wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and black-footed ferrets. The refuge also protects the historic Brown's Park Ute Indian Reservation. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including sagebrush steppe, riverine forest, and marshes. There are also numerous hiking trails and camping sites.
Eagles Nest WildernessThe Eagles Nest Wilderness is a true wilderness experience, situated in the Summit County area of Colorado. The area is characterized by its high mountain peaks, forests, and rivers. There are several different trails to explore, each offering its own unique scenery and challenges. Whether you're looking for a short day hike or a longer backpacking trip, the Eagles Nest Wilderness has something to offer. Wildlife is abundant in the area, and you might even see some eagles nesting in the cliffs.
Gunnison National ForestThe Gunnison National Forest is a protected area situated in the western part of the US state of Colorado. It consists of a variety of wilderness terrain, covering vast distances in secluded places like the West Elk Mountains, Raggeds Wilderness, Fossil Ridge, and the La Garita Wilderness. A good trekking destination and also it offers nice views of wildlife and forest.
Holy Cross WildernessThe 122,797-acre wilderness with 164 miles of trails was established in 1980 in the San Isabel and White River national forests near Leadville. It is a rugged and beautiful backcountry with many satisfying routes and experiences. The Holy Cross Wilderness has a history of many hikers, often those who are unprepared, becoming endangered. Primarily, the hikers who require rescue are unfamiliar with the risks of entering wilderness areas
Hunter-Fryingpan WildernessThe Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness is located in the White River and Gunnison National Forests in central Colorado. It encompasses over 485,000 acres and includes the Hunter Creek, Fryingpan River, and South Fork Eagle River drainages. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, bears, and cougars. There are also numerous hiking trails that wind through the wilderness, offering breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains.
James Peak WildernessThe James Peak Wilderness encompasses 14,000 acres on the east side of the Continental Divide in Boulder, Gilpin, and Clear Creek Counties of Colorado.The wilderness is named after its second tallest mountain, 13,294-foot James Peak. Peaks can be summited via easy hikes, or more adventuresome 5+ climbs. During the winter many of the summits can be climbed and then ski or boarded down.
La Garita WildernessLa Garita Wilderness is a federally protected wilderness area established in 1980 and covers a total of 37,000 acres. The area is known for its rugged mountain terrain, as well as its abundant wildlife. Visitors to the region can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. It is also home to several rare plant and animal species, including the Gunnison sage grouse. With its diverse landscapes and abundant recreation opportunities, this Wilderness is a cherished natural treasure.
Lost Creek WildernessThis is a beautiful and popular spot in Park County. It's known for its scenic hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and crystal-clear lakes. The area is also popular with backpackers and campers, who come to enjoy the solitude and tranquility of the wilderness. While the Lost Creek Wilderness is a great place to explore, it's important to be prepared before heading into the backcountry. Be sure to bring plenty of food and water, a map and compass, and appropriate clothing for the weather.
Medicine Bow-Routt National ForestsThe Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests encompass a huge area of land in Moffat County, Colorado. The forests are home to a variety of plant and animal life, and offer a wide range of recreation opportunities. The forests are also an important source of water for the region. The forests are popular with hikers, campers, and hunters, and offer a variety of trails and camping sites. In addition, the forests are home to several ski resorts, making them a popular destination in winter.
Mission: WolfMission: Wolf is a solar-powered nature center that provides a sanctuary for unwanted captive-born wolves and horses. At present, they care for 23 wolves and wolf-dog crossesand works to promote a better understanding of wolves in order to further reintroduction efforts and discourage attempts to keep wolves as pets.
Monte Vista National Wildlife RefugeMonte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is located in the San Luis Valley, a high mountain basin located in south-central Colorado. The site was historically an agricultural area and thus water is intensively managed on the refuge, especially in comparison to the nearby Alamosa refuge. Irrigation includes numerous dikes and other water control structures that provide water to a patchwork of diverse wetland habitats ranging from shallow wet meadows to open water.
Monte Vista National Wildlife RefugeThe Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge spans an area of 2,144 acres and was established in 1965. The primary focus of the refuge is to provide a habitat for the migrating birds that pass through the area. However, the refuge also supports a variety of other wildlife, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and coyotes. In addition to its abundant wildlife, the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge also features a variety of landscapes, from meadows and wetlands to forests and grasslands.
Mount BaileyMount Bailey is a mountain in Park County. The summit of the mountain is 12,943 feet above sea level and is the highest point in Park County. The mountain is located in the Mosquito Range, a subrange of the Rocky Mountains. The mountain is home to several hiking trails, as well as the remnants of an old mining town. The town, which was abandoned in the early 1900s, is now a popular destination for visitors to the mountain. Mount Bailey is a popular destination for both hikers and climbers.
Mount Massive Wilderness AreaThe Mount Massive Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area in the Sawatch Range. The wilderness now contains over 30,000 acres, and it is co-managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The name comes from Mount Massive, the second highest peak in Colorado, located inside the wilderness. It is the only federally designated wilderness area within the National Fish Hatchery System.
Mount Zirkel WildernessThe Mount Zirkel Wilderness is a popular destination for hiking and camping in Routt county, Colorado. The wilderness area is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears. There are also numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. The most popular trail is the Zirkel Circle Trail, which encircles the entire wilderness area. Camping is allowed anywhere in the wilderness, but campfires are only permitted in designated areas.
Pike-San Isabel National ForestThe Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands covers nearly three million acres from western Kansas and Colorado's highest mountain peaks along the Continental Divide. This landscape offers a variety of ecosystems rich in history, geology, scenery, wildlife habitat and recreation opportunities.