A Phillips County state wildlife area is not a park

On the Eastern Plains, a green patch labeled “state wildlife area” can look like a city park. Frenchman Creek State Wildlife Area, between Holyoke and Haxtun, follows a different rulebook.

Visitors 16 or older generally need a current Colorado hunting or fishing license or an SWA pass. Nature viewing is allowed. Ordinary pets are not, although qualifying service animals and dogs lawfully used for hunting remain permitted under the statewide wildlife-property rules.

Frenchman Creek is open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m. Other SWAs can use different hours, seasonal closures, camping limits, vehicle rules, and activity restrictions, so a rule from one property should not be carried to another.

Before visiting, check both the Frenchman Creek property page and current Chapter W-9. The property page describes the place; the regulation carries the statewide rules and exceptions.