Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge - 13 Things to Know Before Visiting

The refuge offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. There are also several educational programs available, such as ranger-led walks and talks. Whether you're looking to appreciate nature or learn more about the local flora and fauna, the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is sure to have something for you. The fishing opportunities are plentiful, with severalbeaches and lakes stocked with trout. And wildlife watching is a must-do activity at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, as the refuge is home to an abundance of animals. 

Established in 1965, the refuge is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service office in Maybell, Colorado. The refuge is approximately 53 miles (85 km) northwest of Maybell on State Highway 318. The refuge consists of bottomland and adjacent benchland. The western border of the refuge is the Colorado-Utah state line. The refuge is surrounded by adjacent lines of the Bureau of Land Management. The refuge contains the site of the former Fort Davy Crockett that was constructed in 1837 to protect trappers against attacks by Blackfoot Native Americans.

The area now known as Browns Park was once home to Native Americans, who lived and hunted here for thousands of years. In the 1800s, the area became a crossroads for settlers heading west. They used the Green River as a thoroughfare to float their goods down to market. Cowboys drove their herds of cattle through Browns Park on their way to the railhead in Wyoming. Today, visitors can still see evidence of this history in the petroglyphs left behind by the Native Americans and the old homesteads and ranch buildings from the early settlers.
 

The best time to visit the park is between June and August, when the weather is warm and dry. During this time, the park's wildlife is most active, making it a great time to see animals such as elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope. 

1. Check the weather forecast before you go. Browns Park is located in a high desert climate, so conditions can change quickly.

2. Bring plenty of water. There are no water sources inside the park, so you'll need to bring your own.

3. Be prepared for a hike. The terrain is rocky and uneven in places. Wear comfortable shoes and bring along a walking stick if you need one.

4. Don't disturb the wildlife. Remember that you're visiting their home, so please respect the wildlife and don't attempt to approach or feed them.

1. The primary purpose of the refuge is to provide high quality nesting and migration habitat for the Great Basin Canada goose, ducks and other migratory birds.
2. The western border of the refuge is the Colorado-Utah state line. The refuge is surrounded by adjacent lines of the Bureau of Land Management.

you'll need to allow at least a full day to explore the Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge in Moffat County, Colorado. 

The best way to reach the refuge is by car. The refuge is accessible from U.S. Highway 40 and State Highway 318. From U.S. Highway 40, take State Highway 318 east for 3 miles. The refuge entrance is on the north side of the highway. There is a large sign at the entrance that says "Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge.

The entrance fee for Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is $3 per person or $6 per vehicle.

The refuge is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, but the time varies depending on the season.