Red Canyon Shooting Range

Nestled in the rugged terrains of Colorado, the Red Canyon Shooting Range has garnered a variety of feedback from its visitors. While no longer functioning as a traditional shooting range, this BLM land reflects the evolving outdoor activities and management challenges that come with them. Here’s what you should know if considering a visit:

Main Features:

• Formerly a shooting range, now a mixed-use land area
• Open space with natural beauty often used for various outdoor activities
• Requires a vehicle with good clearance due to unmaintained roads
• Potential for encountering wildlife in the area

Strengths:

• The land is spacious and can offer solitude, particularly on weekdays
• It’s a convenient and free space for outdoor enthusiasts
• Some responsible visitors demonstrate environmental stewardship by cleaning up

Weaknesses:

• Misleading location markers; the actual range is about 1/2 mile farther than indicated
• The area has a significant litter problem due to neglect by some patrons
• Confusion over the name and purpose of the land; formerly known as Dinosaur Flats
• Close proximity to residential areas, leading to concerns over safety and noise
• Reports of the land being used as a homeless camp

Visitor Experiences:

• Crowded on weekends; early mornings are advised for a more peaceful experience
• The site can be deserted on weekdays, offering more privacy
• Visitors have expressed disappointment in finding the place run down and not as expected
• Encounters with wildlife, including deer, add an element of surprise