Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

When I first visited Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, I wondered why they called it an arsenal. Come to find out that during World War 2 the arsenal was a chemical weapons manufacturing plant for the United States government. Later, the site was used for agricultural chemical development by Shell Chemical Co. In the 1980's, a cleanup of the area was initiated.

 

 Now, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and used as a wildlife refuge. The refuge boasts as home to bald eagles (seasonal), burrowing owls (seasonal), bison, coyotes, prairie dogs, and many other species of fauna and flora. There is a lake for catch-and-release fishing (fee required) and several trails for hiking. There is a newly built visitor center with a mini museum of the site's history and wildlife. There are also guided naturalist tours and programs. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a close, urban escape into nature.

* I recently found out that the best time to see bald eagles at this site is from Dec. to March. Also, the best time to see burrowing owls is from May to August.

**(Updated: 7/20/16.  Original post was 9/13/11) The arsenal recently introduced 32 black footed ferrets into the refuge. In addition, they have a new outdoor exhibit featuring a resident black footed ferret. However, the little guy was hiding underground while I was visiting. Black footed ferrets are a keystone species and have been endangered. Several States are trying to reintroduce the species in hopes of population growth.

South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center

I am a frequent visitor to various parks and nature centers in the area. Lately, I have really been impressed with Carson Nature Center at South Platte Park. The park and nature center are a part of South Suburban Parks and Recreation of Littleton.

Carson Nature Center offers various educational programs for schools and the public. Such programs include ranger-led wildlife tours, guided hikes, and other opportunities to learn about Colorado plants, animals, and habitats.




The facility sits on the edge of South Platte Park and offers fantastic open space trails and views of the mountains. The park is home to various species of plants and animals. Near Eaglewatch Lake an eagle or two have been known to make their home (hence, the name).

So, if you are looking for a new place to explore nature, jog, bike, or walk your dog (on leash, of course)...this is the place!

**Also, if you want to make a day of it:

Grab breakfast at local hot spot: Toast (scrumptious, yummy pancakes!) or cruise through the tiny yet quaint downtown Littleton and grab some other local treat.

Mueller State Park

Tucked away in the Pike's Peak region of Colorado, this lovely Colorado State Park is a beautiful spot for picnicking, hiking, and camping. There are over 50 miles of trails leading through evergreen and aspen meadows. Plenty of wildlife (including black bears) to observe and photograph. I was impressed by the practical facilities (visitor center, vault toilets, laundry and showers),ranger-led talks, cleanliness, and beauty of this park.

There are also alot of places nearby for activities...such as Florissant Fossil Beds , Woodland Park, Pike National Forest, Manitou Springs, and Colorado Springs.

Dinosaur Ridge

I recently visited Dinosaur Ridge, located in Morrison, Colorado. The site is comprised of a visitor center, exhibit hall located off of C-470. Further up from the visitor center is a paved road that you can hike or bike along that has interesting geology and fossils along the road. They say you can "see 80 million years worth of geology in a mile" hike up on the ridge. The very first stegosaurus fossils were found here at Dinosaur Ridge. At one point, Colorado was ocean front property as the Western Interior Seaway covered the middle of present day America. Due to such conditions, various footprints and fossils remain of ancient dinosaurs, plants, and insects. There are signs that interpret the landscape and point out where to look for fossils. This site really opened my eyes to the natural history surrounding us. My favorite stops along the ridge are the dinosaur "track" site and the "bulges" site. You can literally see the REAL footprints of dinosaurs!! And at the bulges site you can see the impact of an actual dinosaur footprint; how it left real bulges in the topography of the landscape. As you meandor along the ridge viewing the sites, follow the path as it meanders through the rock ledge and leads you to where you are literally across the street from the Red Rocks Ampitheatre. This is a 2.75 roundtrip hike for anyone who enjoys geology and natural history. There are $4 dollar per person bus tours of the ridge if you would like a tour guide. So, get out and come walk where the dinosaurs walked!!

Alderfer/Three Sisters Park

I set out for a lovely picnic and ended up at Alderfer/Three Sisters Open Space Park near Evergreen. The park was beautiful; tall, grassy meadows with several rock outcroppings to climb around, evergreen trees, mountain views...and a ton of open space! This is a great place to hike, bike, or simply meander through nature.

Excursion Of The Week: Golden, Colorado

Explore Golden.

Only a stone's throw west of Denver, this outdoorsy western-style town offers alot of action. Nestled along Clear Creek, downtown Golden beckons kayakers and cowboys alike. Golden is also home to the Coors Brewery which offers daily tours and FREE BEER the last time I checked (following the tour).

Here are some other attractions to explore:

Golden History Museum

Bridgewater Grill

Colorado Railroad Museum

White Ranch Park