MoCo Treasures — Day Trip: Browns Park, stay for the day or hangout to play
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge was created in 1965 to replace wetlands lost when the Flaming Gorge reservoir was filled.
Evidence of human occupation of the area goes back thousands of years as evidenced by the primitive rock art, native artifacts and pioneer structures.
The Lodore School and cemetery sit near the Green River on the southeast end of the refuge acting as a community center for the area since 1910.
Dances, funerals and community parties including Christmas parties rumored to have been thrown by the outlaw Butch Cassidy are examples of events held at the hall.
Just up the highway is the entrance to Wildlife Drive. Crook Campground and Hog Lake both located along drive that winds through the refuge offering views of the wetlands and wildlife. Swinging bridge is found off the north end of Wildlife Drive.
Activities at the refuge include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, river rafting, wildlife watching, hunting and camping.
To get there
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is off Colorado Highway 318 in northwest Moffat County. The first entrance leads to Lodore Hall and Cemetery. The next entrance leads to Wildlife Drive. The final entrance leads to headquarters and the lower Beaver Creek Hiking Trail.
Stay longer
Crook Campground at Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge, Gates of Lodore Campground, Irish Canyon Campground and Indian Run Campground all offer developed campsites and pit toilets. View rock art at Irish Canyon to view rock art. Take a short hike to overlook the Gates of Lodore or tour the John Jarvie Homestead.
For more information
About Browns Park contact U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at 970-365-3613 or visit http://www.fws.govhttp://www.fws.gov
About Gates of Lodore contact the National Park Service at Dinosaur National MonumentNational Park Service at Dinosaur National Monument at 435-781-7700 or visit http://www.nps.gov at 435-781-7700 or visit http://www.nps.gov
National Park Service at Dinosaur National Monument at 435-781-7700 or visit http://www.nps.gov
About Irish Canyon contact the Little Snake Office of BLMLittle Snake Office of BLM at 970-826-5000 at 970-826-5000
Little Snake Office of BLM at 970-826-5000
Or visit http://www.blm.gov
About the John Jarvi Ranch contact the Vernal Field Office of BLMVernal Field Office of BLM at 435-781-4400 or visit http://www.blm.gov at 435-781-4400 or visit http://www.blm.govVernal Field Office of BLM at 435-781-4400 or visit http://www.blm.gov
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