Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Green River in northwest Colorado. Situated between the Cold Springs and Diamond Mountains, this remote river valley has long been an oasis to both wildlife and humans seeking shelter from the surrounding harsh, semi-arid environment.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1956 by by Public Land Order to provide sanctuary for migratory birds, conserve endangered and threatened species, and offer wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.

Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge provides valuable habitat for birds to rest and feed as they migrate each spring and fall, and forage for elk and mule deer that browse the uplands and grasslands each winter. Bald eagles and ospreys nest in the cottonwoods and nesting platforms along the Green River.

The Browns Park area also has a rich history. Fremont Indians lived and hunted in the valley and marked stones with petroglyphs. Later on, the Shoshone and mountain men would gather for a winter rendezvous and trade goods. Eventually, cattle and sheep ranchers moved into the area and started homesteads. Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch would help the ranchers when they needed to avoid law enforcement officers.