Day trip: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Drive or take the RTD A Line from beneath the hotel for a short trip to Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, which offers an 11-mile self-guided Wildlife Drive, about 20 miles of trails, and seasonal catch-and-release fishing. The Westin Denver International Airport at 8300 Peña Boulevard is a convenient base—you can be driving to the refuge in roughly 12 minutes on some routes or use the hotel’s direct terminal connection and car or rideshare options.
In this guide
- Getting there from The Westin Denver International Airport
- What to do at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
- Timing and practical tips
- Suggested itinerary from the hotel
- Amenities at The Westin Denver International Airport to use before or after your trip
- Where to stay at the hotel for convenience
Getting there from The Westin Denver International Airport
The Westin Denver International Airport sits inside the airport complex at 8300 Peña Boulevard and is directly connected to Jeppesen Terminal. Because the refuge is east of Denver, driving is the usual option for a day trip.
Estimated driving times vary by route and traffic; some hotel listings show about a 12-minute drive / 9.8 miles, while other route planners can show longer times. The hotel does not provide a dedicated shuttle to the refuge.
- By car or rideshare: common and flexible; Uber/Lyft pickup is at Level 5 of the terminal.
- RTD A Line: the train connects the hotel area to Union Station; it is not a direct public-transit route to the refuge.
- Taxi: taxis operate from Level 5, Island 1 at the terminal; fares to downtown are flat but trips to the refuge will vary.
| From the hotel | Typical option |
|---|---|
| Drive / rideshare | Most direct; time varies (some sources show ~12 minutes) |
| Public transit | No single direct RTD rail route to the refuge; buses and transfers required |
| Hotel shuttle | The Westin does not offer a shuttle to the refuge |
What to do at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge covers roughly 15,000 acres and is managed for wildlife; visitors commonly see bison, deer, coyotes and birds of prey. The Visitor Center provides exhibits and information; check its hours before you go.
Trail and drive options let you tailor a short visit or a longer hike. Fishing is permitted seasonally as a catch-and-release activity from early April through November.
- 11-mile self-guided Wildlife Drive
- About 20 miles of hiking trails
- Catch-and-release fishing (first Saturday in April through November 30)
- Visitor Center open Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (confirm current hours)
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Drive | 11 miles, self-guided |
| Trails | About 20 miles total |
| Fishing | Catch-and-release season: April–November |
Timing and practical tips
The refuge is open from sunrise to sunset; seasonal variations exist (May 1–August 1 the refuge stays open until 8:00 pm). Plan to arrive early in the day for best wildlife viewing and cooler temperatures.
Bring sun protection and water—the area is semi-arid and at high elevation. Cell service can be intermittent on some refuge roads, so download maps or directions before you go.
- Check refuge hours: sunrise–sunset (extended summer evening hours apply)
- Visitor Center hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm (verify before visiting)
- Altitude note: Denver-area elevation and variable weather—dress in layers
| Season | Refuge hours |
|---|---|
| Fall/Winter/Spring | Open sunrise–sunset |
| May 1–Aug 1 | Open sunrise–8:00 pm |
| Visitor Center | Wed–Sun, 9:00 am–4:00 pm |
Suggested itinerary from the hotel
Morning start: grab coffee and a light breakfast from Ingredients at the hotel, drive to the refuge for the Wildlife Drive and a short hike, and return to the hotel in the afternoon. Ingredients is open early and serves Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go options.
Longer visit: combine the drive with a few trails and the Visitor Center exhibits; bring a picnic or plan a late return if you want more time for wildlife watching.
- 6:00–7:00 am: Ingredients breakfast at the hotel
- 7:30–8:00 am: Depart for Rocky Mountain Arsenal
- 8:30–11:30 am: Wildlife Drive and short trails
- 12:00 pm: Return to hotel for lunch at Grill & Vine or relax in your room
| Hotel dining option | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Ingredients (Starbucks) | Early coffee and grab-and-go breakfast |
| Grill & Vine | Full breakfast, lunch or dinner back at the hotel |
| Sky Lounge Lobby Bar | Afternoon or evening drinks and small bites |
Amenities at The Westin Denver International Airport to use before or after your trip
The hotel offers an indoor heated saline pool and a whirlpool for pre- or post-trip relaxation, plus the WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio with Peloton bikes and TRX equipment. Public-area Wi‑Fi is free; in-room internet typically carries a daily fee.
Grill & Vine serves American farm-to-table meals, Sky Lounge Lobby Bar offers drinks and small plates, and Ingredients provides Starbucks coffee and grab-and-go items for early departures.
- Indoor heated saline pool and whirlpool spa tub
- WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio (Peloton bikes, TRX) — complimentary for guests
- Grill & Vine (breakfast/lunch/dinner), Sky Lounge Lobby Bar (3:00 pm–midnight), Ingredients (Starbucks coffee)
- Public-area Wi‑Fi is free; in-room Wi‑Fi is available for a daily fee
| Service | When it’s useful |
|---|---|
| Day Use Room | Short stays 9:00 am–6:00 pm with room amenities |
| Day Pass | Access to pool, fitness and Wi‑Fi without a guest room |
| Valet parking | Available for an extra fee; the hotel is DIA's sole valet provider |
Where to stay at the hotel for convenience
If you value workspace or separate living space after a day outdoors, consider room types with living areas: Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom (High Floor), Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom and Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom are among the suite options available. The property also lists Deluxe Room (High Floor) and standard Room types in single- and double-bed configurations.
For families or travelers who need extra beds, Grand Studio, Multiple Beds and the two-bedroom Deluxe Suite options exist. Confirm exact bed setups and accessibility features when booking.
- Room names to reference when booking: Deluxe Room (High Floor); Room; Grand Studio, Multiple Beds; Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom (High Floor); Junior Suite, 1 Bedroom (High Floor); Deluxe Suite, 2 Bedrooms; Presidential Suite, 2 Bedrooms (High Floor).
- Day Use Room option: available 9:00 am–6:00 pm for up to 4 people
- Pet policy: pets are allowed for a fee (per-property listings show $50 per stay), service animals exempt
| Room type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Deluxe Room (High Floor) | 1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds |
| Grand Studio, Multiple Beds | 1 King Bed and 1 Twin Murphy Bed |
| Premier Suite, 1 Bedroom (High Floor) | 1 King Bed with separate living area |
