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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Maxwell Refugewinter wildlife

Bald eagles winter at the refuge, arriving late October to early November; historically their numbers peak in February, per the Fish and Wildlife Service (Oct 20–Feb 28). No official report yet this season.

Right now in Maxwell Refuge · September

  • Trails and auto tour loop open sunrise to sunset, every day · Jan–Dec

22days to the next winter wildlife seasonOct 20–Feb 28, local timing

Local timing
Oct 20–Feb 28
General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge through the year

  • Trails and auto tour loop open sunrise to sunset, every dayNowJan–Dec
  • Peak fall migration of sandhill cranes, geese and ducks, generally mid-OctoberOct
  • Wintering bald eagles, arriving late October to early November (historically peak in February)Oct–Feb

Where to watch

  • Lake 13The refuge lake beside the primitive camping area, reached on Lake 13 Road past the visitor center; vault toilets at its entrance road
  • Cottonwood Nature TrailAn easy 1-mile walk through an old homestead woodlot used by raptors and songbirds; open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week

Maxwell Refuge in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions
A landscape view of Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge
A landscape at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge (date and season not given). Photo: Dominic Paulo · public domain · resized

How we know

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see winter wildlife at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge?

Bald eagles winter at the refuge, arriving late October to early November; historically their numbers peak in February, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Oct 20–Feb 28. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

Is it wildlife season at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge right now?

Not now: the winter wildlife season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 22 days (Oct 20–Feb 28, local timing).

Is there a fee?

No, there is no charge to visit.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When is it open?

Trails and the auto tour loop are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center is open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, on a leash.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Are there restrooms?

Inside the headquarters/visitor center, a vault toilet in the headquarters parking lot, and at the camping area.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

What should I bring?

Weather near the base of the Rockies can change quickly: bring water, sunscreen, binoculars or a spotting scope, and wear layers, sturdy shoes and a hat.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Maxwell NWR: Visit Us ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge?

Lake 13: the refuge lake beside the primitive camping area, reached on Lake 13 Road past the visitor center; vault toilets at its entrance road; Cottonwood Nature Trail: an easy 1-mile walk through an old homestead woodlot used by raptors and songbirds; open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week.

What is Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?

Wintering bald eagles, arriving late October to early November (historically peak in February) (Oct–Feb), Peak fall migration of sandhill cranes, geese and ducks, generally mid-October (Oct) and Trails and auto tour loop open sunrise to sunset, every day (Jan–Dec).