Traveling through Denver doesn’t have to mean just looking at cityscapes and mountains. For those eager to see wildlife in its natural habitat, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal offers a close-up experience that feels like a true safari—minus the long flight to Africa. For $670 per group (up to 6 people), you’ll spend about 2.5 hours on a private, guided wildlife drive led by an expert from The Wild Source. It’s a neat blend of adventure, education, and comfort, perfect for nature lovers and curious travelers alike.
Two highlights we really appreciate: first, the custom safari vehicle with a pop-top roof and all-window seats makes wildlife spotting easier and more fun. Second, having a wildlife expert as your guide guarantees you’ll learn fascinating details about the animals, plants, and the history of this unique refuge.
A potential consideration is that this tour is quite intimate—if you’re after a social experience with lots of other travelers, this might feel a bit private. But if personalized attention and a tailored schedule are what you prefer, you’ll find this a major plus.
This safari is ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, or anyone wanting a hands-on, immersive look at Colorado’s native animals without leaving the city. The flexible departure times, including early mornings and evenings, cater especially well to those chasing the best wildlife-spotting moments.
Key Points
- Private, guided experience: Up to 6 people in a climate-controlled safari vehicle.
- Close-up wildlife viewing: Pop-top roof and all-window seats for 360-degree views.
- Expert guide: A wildlife specialist shares insights about local animals and habitats.
- Flexible scheduling: Tours available year-round, with tailored start times based on sunset or season.
- Equipment provided: Binoculars, spotting scope, snacks, and drinks included.
- Location: Just 10 miles from downtown Denver, in a protected wildlife refuge.
If you’re looking for a different way to experience Denver, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari offers an engaging alternative to traditional city tours. Here, you’re not just observing animals from afar—you’re riding through their domain, with a guide pointing out species and behaviors that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
This experience takes place at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, a 15,000-acre sanctuary just outside Denver. It’s home to over 330 species, including iconic animals like bison, bald eagles, coyotes, mule deer, and even the rare Black-footed ferret—the most endangered mammal in North America. Wildlife is active year-round, especially around dawn and dusk, making timing critical for prime sightings. The tour generally departs about three hours before sunset, optimizing your chances to see animals at their most active.
The Vehicle: Comfort Meets Functionality
The Roaming Bison safari vehicle is the star of the tour. Modeled after African safari trucks, it provides a stable, climate-controlled environment with front and rear heating and A/C. The pop-top roof is a thoughtful addition, offering uninterrupted panoramic views, and its design ensures everyone has a prime window seat.
You’ll appreciate the six upgraded bucket seats on adjustable tracks behind the driver. These seats are spacious, comfortable, and free from obstructed views—perfect for photography or just soaking in the scenery. The vehicle also carries high-end binoculars and a spotting scope, which you’re encouraged to use during the drive, ensuring you won’t miss those distant raptors or prairie dogs.
What to Expect on the Tour
Your adventure begins at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Visitor Center, where a brief 10-minute orientation prepares you for what’s ahead. The schedule is flexible—departures can be arranged early morning or late afternoon, with the latter often producing more wildlife activity. The tour typically covers two loops of the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, taking about two hours.
The guide is your resident wildlife expert, sharing insights about the animals, their behaviors, and the refuge’s ecological importance. For example, you might learn about the prairie dogs’ role in the ecosystem or how bald eagles nest in the area. The guide will also point out seasonal highlights like burrowing owls, which nest in prairie dog burrows, and seasonal migratory birds.
Review quotes reveal many travelers appreciated the “personalized, intimate experience,” and described the guide as “knowledgeable and enthusiastic,” making the drive not just educational but also engaging and fun.
Wildlife Spotting: What You’re Likely to See
While no animal sighting is guaranteed, the tour’s timing maximizes your chances. Common sightings include bison herds, with their massive size and gentle grazing habits, and bald eagles, often perched high but sometimes soaring nearby. Coyotes are frequently spotted, especially during the cooler parts of the day, along with deer and prairie dogs, which are ubiquitous and add a lively touch to the landscape.
Bird watchers will love the raptors—Swainson’s hawks, ferruginous hawks, and ferruginous hawks are often seen hunting or soaring overhead. Summer highlights include burrowing owls, which nest in prairie dog burrows, adding an element of charm and surprise.
If you’re lucky, you might glimpse the Black-footed ferret, an extremely rare but critical sighting that underscores the importance of this refuge’s conservation efforts.
Equipment and Comfort
The tour includes binoculars and a spotting scope—a real plus for wildlife watching. These, combined with the high-quality window rails allowing for camera attachment or bean bags, make capturing photos easier.
You’re advised to bring layers, as Colorado’s weather can fluctuate, especially if you’re outside during sunset or early morning. The vehicle’s climate control helps stave off the chill, but dressing appropriately ensures comfort. Snacks and drinks are provided aboard, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer.
Compared to other wildlife experiences in Denver, this safari offers a more immersive, personalized adventure. The private group setting means you won’t be crowded or rushed, and the expert guide’s insights make each sighting more meaningful. The vehicle’s design, with its all-window seats and pop-top roof, transforms wildlife viewing into a game of chance and observation—plus photography.
For those passionate about photography or nature education, the flexible schedule and equipment availability are real assets. The tour’s year-round operation ensures you can plan for different seasons, each offering unique opportunities and challenges.
This safari is perfect for families wanting an educational outing, photographers eager for wildlife shots, or nature lovers seeking a close look at Colorado’s native fauna without leaving the city. It also suits travelers who appreciate personalized, guided experiences and want to avoid large, generic tours.
If you’re interested in learning about conservation efforts, spotting rare species, or simply enjoying a relaxed, vehicle-based wildlife drive, this tour will meet and often exceed expectations.
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari provides an authentic, engaging way to see Colorado’s wildlife in a setting that balances comfort with adventure. With expert guides, a specially designed vehicle, and a beautifully preserved refuge, it’s a worthwhile outing for anyone who wants to connect with nature without venturing far from Denver.
While it’s priced on the higher side, the exclusivity, personalized attention, and quality equipment make it a good value—especially for those with a keen interest in wildlife or photography. It’s well-suited for families, serious birders, or anyone looking for a memorable, educational experience in the heart of Colorado’s urban wilderness.
How long is the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari?
The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including about two hours of game driving.
What is included in the price?
You get a private guide, the custom safari vehicle, binoculars, a spotting scope, snacks, and soft drinks.
Can I bring my own equipment?
Yes, you are encouraged to bring your own camera, pen, paper, or sketchpad for notes or sketches. The vehicle also has provisions for attaching cameras.
Is the tour suitable in all weather conditions?
Yes. The vehicle is climate-controlled with heat and A/C, so you’ll be comfortable regardless of Colorado’s weather.
What are the best times to go?
Departures are usually scheduled about three hours before sunset for optimal wildlife activity, though early morning tours are available upon request.
Can I see Black-footed ferrets?
While sightings are not guaranteed, these rare animals are part of the refuge, and the tour aims to maximize chances.
Is this a private or group tour?
This is a private tour for up to 6 people, allowing for a more personalized experience.
What should I bring?
Layers for weather changes, binoculars, camera, water bottle, and perhaps a notebook or sketchpad.
How do I book?
Reservations are made through The Wild Source’s platform, with options to reserve now and pay later, and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s private and relaxed setting makes it suitable for kids, especially those interested in animals and nature.
This Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari guarantees a memorable encounter with Colorado’s wildlife, combining the thrill of a safari with the convenience of a city location. Whether you’re a dedicated bird watcher, a family looking for an outdoor adventure, or a photographer chasing that perfect shot, this experience offers a genuine, eye-opening look at nature just minutes from downtown Denver.