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Visiting the Refuge
Due to the remote nature of the Refuge, visitors are encouraged to bring extra supplies including water, food, and fuel in case of emergency. Cell phone coverage is sporadic at best in this area and should not be relied upon in times of emergency. If you are planning on being in this area for an extended time, Refuge staff suggest notifying a friend or family member of your location in case you need to be contacted in an emergency. It is also advisable to check the local weather conditions and forecast before visiting the Refuge.
The Refuge contains accessible facilities at Hog Lake fishing pier and at the Spitzie overlook. There are accessible restrooms at the Swinging Bridge Campgrounds and Crook Campground. Overnight parking is prohibited on the Refuge, unless camping in designated campgrounds.
Recreation
Visitors to Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge will find spectacular scenery in a remote wilderness setting. To maintain this wilderness experience, facilities and commercialism are limited. Recreation off the established roads involves non-motorized or non-mechanical means of transport. This approach provides wildlife and wildland viewing and enjoyment opportunities in an uncrowded setting. Restrictions are also minimized, and visitors may hike cross-country or follow any of numerous trails created by big game. All visitors are encouraged to use good wildlife viewing practices and ethics, especially when viewing species sensitive to human disturbance.
Activities
Hunting & Fishing
Hunting and fishing are important wildlife management tools that we recognize as a healthy, traditional outdoor pastime, deeply rooted in America’s heritage. These activities can instill a unique understanding and appreciate of wildlife, their behavior, and their habitat needs. As practiced on Refuges, hunting and fishing do not pose a threat to wildlife populations, and in some instances are necessary for sound wildlife management. For example, deer populations will often grow too large for the refuge habitat to support since their natural predators are gone.
To learn more about hunting opportunities, seasons and regulations at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, see the Hunting and Fishing Brochure or call Refuge staff at 970-365-3613. Due to the lack of cell signal in this area, Refuge staff recommend saving the Hunting and Fishing Brochure to your cell phone before visiting the Refuge.
No commercial guiding and/or outfitting allowed on the Refuge.
Wildlife Observation
Visitors are encouraged to observe wildlife and birds on the Refuge. Remember to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and not to disturb them.
Interpretation
The Browns Park Wildlife Drive is an 8-mile auto tour route that shows off the many habitat types and wildlife that are in Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Interpretive signs, viewing platforms, and brochure boxes are placed along the road to educate visitors about the area, conservation, and the work that staff at the Refuge do to improve habitat for wildlife. This route also passes two campgrounds which have informational kiosks and accessible restroom facilities.
Environmental Education
The headquarters building contains displays and information about the Refuge. Staff can answer questions regarding Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife and conservation, and some of the local history of the area. Staff may provide educational lessons to school and conservation groups if an event is planned in advance.
Photography
Photography is a perfect way to enjoy nature, create memories, and leave only footprints. This growing hobby annually attracts millions of people to public lands where they can capture beautiful scenes of wildlife and natural landscapes. With the beautiful landscapes and interesting wildlife at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, it’s always a good idea to carry a camera in case you see something exciting or unique.
Related Documents
Other Facilities in the Complex
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Lower Green River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This Complex also includes Ouray National Wildlife Refuge and several Green River easement parcels.
Rules and Policies
Special regulations are necessary to protect wildlife and habitat within Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge. Please familiarize yourself with the Refuge regulations, and respect the privileges of other visitors. Your understanding of the regulations will make your visit safe and enjoyable. Please consult Refuge staff at 970-365-3613 for complete information on Refuge regulations.
Locations
The Refuge Headquarters is located in northwest Colorado approximately 1 mile from the Utah border. The Refuge encompasses both sides of the Green River and nearby lands from the Colorado/Utah border downstream to the Gates of Lodore.
There are several routes available to reach the Refuge Headquarters, depending on your direction of travel and local weather conditions.
Craig, CO: Drive 31 miles west on Hwy 40 and turn right on Hwy 318 after passing through Maybell, CO. Follow Hwy 318 for 60 miles to the Refuge Headquarters.
Vernal, UT: There are two possible routes depending on the season and weather conditions.
- The most reliable route is 81 miles total and involves following Hwy 191 around the Flaming Gorge. From Vernal, drive 52 miles north on Hwy 191 and turn right on the Browns Park Road just inside Wyoming. Follow this road for approximately 28 miles until you see the Refuge Headquarters 1 mile east of the Colorado-Utah border.
- During good summer weather an alternative route is to drive 50 miles over Diamond Mountain (this requires a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle). Turn east on 500 N St. and follow it approximately 26 miles, during which the name changes to the Jones Hole Road. After 26 miles, turn left on Browns Park Road 1250 and follow it approximately 17 miles to the Swinging Bridge. Drive over the bridge and follow CO-83 north to Hwy 318. Turn left on Hwy 318 to reach the Refuge Headquarters just down the hill. Much of this route is gravel and dirt roads. Please note that the Swinging Bridge is 8' wide and not all trailers will fit between the bollards.
Rock Springs, WY: There are two possible routes depending on the season and weather conditions.
- The most reliable winter route is 93 miles total. Drive 77 miles south on WY-430 (paved), which changes to CO-10N (gravel road) at the state border. When CO-10N meets Hwy 318, turn right and drive 16 miles west to the Refuge Headquarters. This route includes 22 miles of well-maintained gravel road.
- The alternative route is 85 miles total. Drive 51 miles south on Hwy 191 and turn left on the Browns Park Road. Follow this road for approximately 28 miles until you see the Refuge Headquarters 1 mile east of the Colorado-Utah border. This route includes 2 miles of gravel road.
To see a map of the Refuge, visit the Maps page or search our address: 1318 Hwy 318, Maybell, CO 81640
Due to the remote location, visitors should bring sufficient water, food, and fuel for their visit since there are no nearby services. Cell phone signal is unreliable in this area. Call the Refuge staff at 970-365-3613 if you have questions about visiting Browns Park.