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Browns ParkBrowns Park Wildlife Refuge
Browns Park National Wildlife Refuge lies on the Green River covers more than 13,000 acres. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a refuge for migratory waterfowl, as well as wintering elk and deer.
Browns Park was a favorite wintering place for Ute and Shoshone Indians, mountain men and cattlemen. Later, because of its remoteness and easy access to three state borders, "Browns Hole" became a haven for outlaws such as Isom Dart, Matt Rash, Annie Bassett, John Bennet and others.
The refuge is home to approximately 200 species of birds. About 300 goslings and 2,500 ducklings hatch there annually. Bald eagles may be observed in the winter, while peregrine falcons and golden eagles are seen soaring over the refuge in the spring and summer.
This area is remote and services are limited.
To get there, travel west from Craig on U.S. Highway 40 to Maybell. Turn right at Colorado Highway 318 and follow the signs. Approximately a two-hour drive.
Things to see in and around Browns Park:
- Vermillion Falls
- Irish Canon
- Gates of Lodore
- Historic Two Bar Ranch
- Historic Lodore Hall and Cemetery
- Swinging Bridge
- Crouse Canyon
- Swallow Canyon
- John Jarvie Homestead
Click here for detailed directions and site descriptions
Campsites include:
- Gates of Lodore: Water, restrooms, picnic tables, grills
- Browns Park Store: Restrooms, water, electric
- Crook Campground: Restrooms, picnic tables
- Swinging Bridge campground: Restrooms, picnic tables
- There are two BLM-managed campsites at the Jarvie Homestead as well
See our Camping guide for more information about site amenities and other camping options.
Recreation opportunities:
Fishing, hiking, mountain biking
Browns Park Scenic Byway
Departing from the Diamond Mountain Plateau on the Jones Hole Scenic Backway, this route travels north across Diamond Mountain, down Crouse Canyon and into Browns Park. It continued into Colorado, crossing the Green River via a on-vehicle-at-a-time suspension bridge. Before ending at US 191 five miles north of Dutch John, the backway passes through the narrow winding and steep Jessie Ewing Canyon. A short side trip on the route takes you to the John Jarvie Historic Site, a preserved remnant of the frontier West. The backway is approximately 50 miles and requires two hours travel time. This route, closed in the winter months, should not be traveled in heavy rain.
