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When it comes to wildlife experiences near Denver, few tours can match the unique blend of accessibility, comfort, and richness of wildlife found at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari offered by The Wild Source. This 2.5-hour private excursion takes you into one of Denver’s top urban wildlife refuges, all from the comfort of a specially designed safari vehicle. It’s a fantastic option for travelers eager to encounter North America’s iconic animals without venturing too far from the city.
What makes this safari stand out? First, the custom Roaming Bison vehicle with its pop-top roof guarantees 360-degree views, perfect for photography and wildlife spotting. Second, having an expert wildlife guide as your driver and host enhances the experience with insightful commentary about the animals and ecosystems you encounter. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour’s timing, often around sunset, is optimized for wildlife activity, which might not suit early risers or those with tight schedules.
This tour is best suited for nature lovers, families, photographers, and anyone curious about Colorado’s native animals. It offers a relaxed, informative, and highly personalized encounter with the region’s fauna, all within a climate-controlled vehicle that keeps you comfortable regardless of Colorado’s unpredictable weather.
Key Points
- Exclusive private tours ensure a personalized experience with expert guides.
- Vehicle design with a pop-top roof offers unobstructed wildlife viewing and photography.
- Year-round availability makes it adaptable to your schedule and weather conditions.
- Wildlife focus includes bison, bald eagles, coyotes, deer, prairie dogs, and possibly the critically endangered black-footed ferret.
- Convenient location just 10 miles from Denver’s downtown, making it accessible and easy to include in your trip.
- Flexible timing with departures often aligned with sunset or early morning for optimal wildlife activity.
An In-Depth Look at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is a sizeable 15,000 acres of wilderness that sits just a short drive from Denver’s city center. It’s a thriving sanctuary for over 330 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, making it a rich destination for anyone interested in North American wildlife. During the safari, you’ll follow the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, a scenic route that offers numerous chances to see animals in their natural environment.
The Vehicle Experience: Comfort Meets Functionality
The Roaming Bison vehicle is the star of this tour. Modeled after African safari vehicles, it provides a climate-controlled environment with heat and A/C, ensuring comfort regardless of the season. The pop-top roof is a game-changer—it allows for 360-degree views, perfect for spotting distant birds or bison grazing. Each of the six upgraded bucket seats is on an adjustable track, giving everyone a clear window view, unlike typical tour vehicles with obstructed rear seats.
Reviews repeatedly praise this setup: “No backseats or obstructed views here,” a traveler notes, emphasizing how the design really enhances wildlife viewing and photography. For birders, onboard binoculars and a spotting scope are provided—making it easier to identify species or capture that perfect shot.
The Guided Tour: Knowledgeable and Passionate
Your guide is more than just a driver—they are a wildlife expert, sharing insights into the ecosystems and animal behaviors you observe. This adds a layer of understanding that elevates the experience from a simple drive to an educational outing. Expect to learn about the bison, the bald eagles, and the prairie dogs, as well as seasonal highlights like burrowing owls and migratory birds.
One reviewer highlights this aspect: “Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic, making the wildlife come alive with stories and facts.” This personalized attention is a significant value, especially since the tours are private, allowing for tailored questions and a more intimate experience.
Wildlife Viewing: What to Expect
The tour typically lasts about two hours, following the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, with the possibility of two full loops depending on sightings. Dusk is often the best time for spotting active animals, especially in Colorado’s late summer or fall. Wildlife activity peaks around sunset, so timing your tour accordingly can maximize your chances of seeing animals like coyotes, deer, and hawks hunting or resting.
Expected sightings include bison, which roam in herds, coyotes, and deer. Birds are abundant, with bald eagles, hawks, waterfowl, and sometimes seasonal birds like burrowing owls nesting in prairie dog burrows. The possibility of seeing North America’s most endangered mammal, the Black-footed ferret, adds an exciting element—though sightings are rare, the chance is there.
The Experience: What Travelers Say
Reviews paint a picture of a memorable, family-friendly outing. One said, “The vehicle was very comfortable, and the guide’s storytelling made it a fun and educational experience.” Another noted, “Getting close to the bison and seeing bald eagles soaring overhead was fantastic.”
The tour is not just about viewing animals but also about appreciating the landscape and ecosystem. The refuge’s location near Denver makes it an accessible escape into nature, with the added benefit of being a private, customizable experience. You can request early mornings or schedule around sunset for the best wildlife activity, which is a key consideration for photographers.
Practical Details & Value
The tour’s cost reflects its private, personalized nature and the high-quality vehicle. While more expensive than a standard bus tour, it offers excellent value for those looking for an intimate, high-quality wildlife experience. The full 2.5-hour duration is ample time to explore and photograph wildlife without feeling rushed.
You’ll start at the Pat Schroeder Visitor Center, where a brief safety briefing and refreshments set the tone. Since the tour is fully customizable, it’s worth planning your timing to coincide with wildlife peaks—often around sunset. The group size is limited to ensure personalized attention, and cancellation policies are flexible, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This safari is ideal for families, nature lovers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic but comfortable wildlife encounter close to Denver. It’s also suitable for those with mobility considerations, thanks to the climate-controlled vehicle and accessible design. If you’re after a guided, engaging experience with expert insights and superb viewing opportunities, this tour ticks those boxes.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
If you’re in Denver and craving a nature-filled adventure that’s both educational and fun, this safari provides excellent value. The combination of a well-designed vehicle, expert guide, and fascinating wildlife makes for a memorable outing, especially if you time it around dusk. The private aspect means you won’t be crowded or rushed, making it a relaxing way to connect with Colorado’s natural side.
However, if your schedule is tight or you prefer self-guided exploration, you might find other options more flexible or less costly. But for those who want a personalized, immersive wildlife experience that blends comfort with authenticity, this safari is a clear winner.
What is the duration of the safari?
The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, including the safety briefing and drive time. The actual game drive is typically around two hours.
What wildlife might I see?
Expect to see bison, bald eagles, coyotes, mule and white-tailed deer, prairie dogs, and seasonal birds like burrowing owls. There’s even a chance to see the endangered Black-footed ferret.
Is the tour suitable in all weather?
Yes. The vehicle is climate-controlled with heat and A/C, so you’ll stay comfortable whether it’s snowing or sunny. The tour runs year-round.
What should I bring?
Binoculars, a camera, layered clothing, a pen or sketchpad, and a reusable water bottle are recommended. Light snacks and drinks are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Can I customize the tour departure time?
Departure times are seasonal and typically scheduled around sunset for optimal wildlife viewing. Early morning departures are also available upon request.
Is this a private group experience?
Yes. The tour is designed for private groups, ensuring a personalized experience with an expert guide.
How do I book and pay?
You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility for your plans.
What makes this safari stand out?
The combination of a specially designed vehicle, expert guide, and prime wildlife viewing in a short, manageable trip makes it an engaging and valuable experience for all ages.
To sum it up, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Safari offers a rare opportunity to see Colorado’s wildlife in an accessible, comfortable setting. It’s perfect for those seeking an educational outing, wildlife photography, or simply wanting to experience nature without a lengthy trek. With its private, expert-led approach and year-round availability, it’s a smart choice for anyone visiting Denver who wants to connect with the region’s natural side in style.