Colorado's Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge is a fantastic place for wildlife viewing.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge actually isn't all that new, but there are plenty of folks in Colorado who are yet to make the discovery. With more than 15,000 acres of land, it's one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the country.

The transformation of the arsenal into a wildlife refuge is remarkable considering its history. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the area was transformed into a chemical weapons manufacturing facility to support World War II. Later the area was used for the production of agricultural chemicals, and later for cold-war weapons production.

The wildlife refuge is located northeast of Denver right off of Quebec Street. It feels like you don't even leave the city and suddenly you are in a wildlife wonderland. More than 300 species of animals call the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge home.

Bison, deer, and bald eagles are the most prevalent forms of wildlife you might see when driving through the park, but you might also spot a coyote, ferret, or any number of various species of birds.

If you like to hike, you'll find about 10 miles of easy hiking trails. For those who enjoy fishing, catch and release fishing is available for a fee.

The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset daily and there is no admission charge. The next time you are in Denver and have an hour or two, take a spin out to Rocky Mountain Arsenal. You'll find the arsenal at 6550 Gateway Road,  just northeast of Denver.

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