Laws and Regulations

Designated trails, roads, and parking areas are open to public access from sunrise to sunset seven days a week and the Refuge is open most federal holidays (closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, and closed at 12:30 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). The Visitor Center is open Wednesdays - Sundays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (closed on all federal holidays). 

To protect wildlife and habitat, visitor access is limited to designated trails and roads only. All other Refuge lands and staff roads are closed to visitor entry.

Please Enjoy these Wildlife Related Recreational Activities:

  • Wildlife observation.
  • Wildlife photography.
  • Hiking on designated trails.
  • Cross country skiing / snowshoeing on designated trails.
  • Bicycling and Class 1 e-bikes on designated trails.
  • Bicycling and Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes on designated roads.
  • Seasonal catch and release fishing is permitted in accordance with state and Refuge regulations in designated areas. A Colorado fishing or small game combination license is required for all anglers 16 years and older who are fishing, and a daily fee is required. 
  • Archery (bow and arrow ONLY) permitted in designated area.

Prohibited activities and uses include, but are not limited to:

  • Hiking and biking off designated roads and trails.
  • Motorized vehicles off designated roads.
  • Pets and other domestic animals (dogs, cats, horses, etc.).
  • Parking in undesignated areas and overnight parking.
  • Abandonment of wild or domestic animals.
  • Launching, landing, and operating aircraft (model aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles / drones).
  • Possessing and discharging fireworks.
  • Hunting.
  • Discharging of firearms or other weapons.
  • Disturbing, injuring, and damaging wildlife and plants.
  • Searching for and removal of any object (plants, wildlife, natural objects, mineral, antiquities, etc.).
  • Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
  • Possession or consumption of marijuana and any illegally controlled substance and associated paraphernalia.
  • Commercial photography and motion pictures.
  • Camping, tents, and building of structures.
  • Abandonment of personal property and littering / dumping.
  • Use of boats, canoes, kayaks, float tubes, paddleboards, and other floatation devices on Refuge waters.
  • Walking or skating on ice.
  • Swimming, wading, and bathing in all Refuge waters.
  • Campfires and grills.


For additional information call the Refuge Visitor Center at 303-289-0930

To Report Violations on Federal Refuge Lands: dial 1-844-397-8477 or email FWS_TIPS@fws.gov

To Report Emergency / Medical / Fire: dial 911