Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area

About

Rio Blanco Lake State Wildlife Area is a 383-acre managed habitat located approximately 18.5 miles west of Meeker along Colorado Highway 64. Situated at an elevation between 5,720 and 5,782 feet, the area offers moderate fall hiking suitable for a two-hour outing. The site is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as critical habitat, featuring a mix of pond, lake, reservoir, and lowland riparian environments. The landscape includes cottonwoods, shrubs, and a small marshy area in the northeastern corner along the north shore. This terrain supports diverse wildlife, including waterfowl, songbirds such as finches and warblers, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles, Sandhill Cranes, and rabbits. The area is open year-round but is particularly noted for birding during the spring and fall when water levels are lower. Access requires a valid hunting or fishing license or a State Wildlife Area pass for visitors aged 16 and older. The site allows big game archery hunting, with the Roselund unit restricted to day use. Amenities include gravel parking areas and primitive camping on a first-come, first-served basis in designated spots. Dogs are permitted within the wildlife area.