Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge sits in the valley south of Walden

South of Walden, the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge protects a stretch of wetlands, willows, grassland, and sagebrush in the North Park valley. It is a federal refuge run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and it sits high, on the order of 8,100 to 8,700 feet. The Service notes that much of the land was bought with Duck Stamp dollars, money that comes from the stamps waterfowl hunters buy each year.

A refuge is not a park. The land is managed first for wildlife, and uses like walking and viewing fit around that. Visitors can drive a self-guided auto tour route with overlooks, stop at a wildlife viewing blind, and walk the short Moose-Goose Nature Trail. Spring and fall bring large numbers of birds. Sandhill cranes stage in the valley during migration, the sagebrush is home to greater sage-grouse, and you may see pronghorn, waterfowl, and moose.

Bring binoculars, stay on open routes, and give animals room. Hunting and other activities follow their own rules and seasons. Current hours, road status, and any events or programs are posted on the refuge’s official page at fws.gov, worth a look while planning a trip.