Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, National Wildlife Refuge in North Park Valley, Colorado.
Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in North Park Valley consisting of sagebrush uplands, open meadows, willow thickets, and expansive wetland habitats. The landscape sits at elevations ranging from 8100 to 8700 feet and creates a diverse mosaic of environments for wildlife.
The refuge was established in 1967 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide nesting and breeding habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds. Since then it has functioned as a protected space supporting the reproduction and survival of bird species in the region.
The refuge serves as a stopover point for thousands of migratory birds traveling between northern and southern regions each year. You can observe how the wetlands and open water draw different species depending on the season.
You can drive the 6-mile Wildlife Auto Tour Route on maintained dirt roads or walk the boardwalk trails that offer close views of the wetlands. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when migratory birds fill the refuge.
The Illinois River runs through the refuge and offers good fishing opportunities, but fishing is closed during June and July to protect nesting birds. This seasonal restriction shows how the management balances human activities with wildlife protection.
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