Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

Colorado CJColorado CJ Registered Users Posts: 155 Major grins
edited January 17, 2012 in Wildlife
Today I spent the day hiking and photographing in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife refuge. This was the first time I visited the place and I was surprised about where it was located.

The Arsenal was a WWII through Cold War era chemical weapons manufacturing facility. It was decommissioned in the mid '80's and has been reclaimed and turned into a wildlife refuge. The 15,000 acre park is surrounded by Denver and its suburbs. BUT once you're in the park, you quickly forget that.

I hiked around 8-9 miles and seen tons of wildlife, from mule and whitetail deer, to coyotes, owls, geese and ducks. During the spring and summer, the park is supposed to be great for birding and waterfoul. I'll definitely have to go back during the spring and summer as I have seen others photos of the wildlife during those times and can't wait to capture my own images.

Well enough talking, here's the pics. All photos where shot with my 50 year old Takumar 200mm F3.5 Preset.

Here is the Denver Skyline towards the entrance of the park.

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8 Jan 2012 1 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

A couple miles into the hike, there was a pretty large herd of whitetails. There was a couple walking behind me talking (the only people I saw all day), so I couldn't get close to the deer as they were scared.

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8 Jan 2012 2 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 3 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 4 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

There are many lakes in the park surrounded by large cottonwoods, I can't wait to go back during the summer to get some waterfoul shots.

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8 Jan 2012 5 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 6 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

I came up on a small herd of mule deer in the later part of the day. I was able to get close to these deer as no one else was around and I could take my time getting close.

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8 Jan 2012 7 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 8 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 9 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 10 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 11 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 12 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

There weren't many birds present, most are south for the winter, but I can see this place being full of birds during the summer months.

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8 Jan 2012 13 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

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8 Jan 2012 14 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

Well, that's some of the photos I took. It was a change of pace for me hiking the Arsenal as I am usually in pretty remote areas in the high country. This area is right next to Denver, and it is relatively flat, making a long hike very easy. I only spent about 4 hours there today and was able to cover a lot of ground. I was also surprised that there wasn't any people there. I only seen two people the whole day, I though it would be more crowded being so close to the city. I'd definitely recommend a visit to the Arsenal if you are in Denver. A couple hours of easy hiking and you will see and be able to photograph a lot of wildlife.

Comments

  • HarrybHarryb Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 22,708 Major grins
    edited January 10, 2012
    Very good set of images and a location thatI would definitely return to. Its a shame that the locals don't seem to be getting out there.
    Harry
    http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
    How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
  • austinjamesaustinjames Registered Users Posts: 90 Big grins
    edited January 10, 2012
    Looks like a place I would like to visit; when in the Denver area I usually go up to RMNP, but this looks like a great option for some good photo ops.
  • Colorado CJColorado CJ Registered Users Posts: 155 Major grins
    edited January 10, 2012
    Thanks guys, yeah, this is the first time I visited the Arsenal, passed by it many times, but never went in. I'm sure I'll be visiting more in the spring/summer months!

    I usually go up to Rocky Mountain National Park as well since I live only 30 minutes from the park. I've been up there 7 times in as many weeks, so I wanted a little change of pace and decided to check the Arsenal out.

    I might check out a few state parks I've heard about, but never went to in the coming weeks. I'd really like to get some black bear shots. It seems like you have to head south of my usual areas to have a better chance to see them.

    Still working on getting a mountain lion shot as well. I've passed their tracks many times while out on hikes, even seeing fresh kills, but have never seen one in the wilds yet.
  • D90markD90mark Registered Users Posts: 79 Big grins
    edited January 16, 2012
    Haven't been on for a while and almost missed this. Looks like a really nice set here.

    I'm lucky enough to live ten miles from it and visit at least two weekends a month. It really is a different place in the spring and summer. It is amazing how few people use it. I have been out and not seen a single person. Its a busier place in the summer because they allow fishing on the lakes.

    I was out both days this weekend. Saturday with the camera, Sunday with a friend who wanted to take a hike so I left the gear at home. That was a mistake, the Eagles were very active Sunday and that was a great opportunity left in the bag. I'll be back this weekend.

    Next time you go shoot me a PM and maybe we can meet up.
  • Colorado CJColorado CJ Registered Users Posts: 155 Major grins
    edited January 17, 2012
    Sure thing! I want to get some eagle/hawk shots so I might be heading out there the weekend after next, just depends on my schedule.

    I live up in Loveland, so I usually head west, but I really want to get back to the Arsenal for more photography. I'll be sure to PM you the day before I head out. Maybe you can show me the "good" spots :D
  • D90markD90mark Registered Users Posts: 79 Big grins
    edited January 17, 2012
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