Piceance State Wildlife Area

The Piceance State Wildlife Area offers boaters and paddlers access to Rio Blanco Lake, a warm water fishery known for its trophy pike. The boat ramp provides a convenient launch point onto the lake, which covers 383 acres. While camping is permitted in designated areas, no specific campsite details are available. Restrooms are provided on site.

The wildlife area is located in White River City, Rio Blanco County, Colorado. It covers over 190,000 acres and is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife as critical habitat for the region's wildlife. A valid hunting or fishing license, or a State Wildlife Area recreational user pass, is required to access the property. Visitors should be aware that portions of the larger wildlife area may be closed to the public.

For kayakers, canoeists, and small powerboaters, the Rio Blanco Lake provides an opportunity to enjoy a scenic water body while pursuing fishing or wildlife viewing. Paddlers should research lake conditions, be prepared for wind, and follow all regulations for the State Wildlife Area. The boat ramp makes launching and loading easy, though no other specific amenities are noted.

This 190,000-acre location is host to numerous activities on the public land from mining to oil drilling to livestock grazing. Of particular note is the herd of wild horses, which gives the area its special designation.

Horses within the HMA are similar in size and temperament to quarter horses, and some resemble workhorses. Typical colors are bay, gray, sorrel and black. A few horses are...

This 190,000-acre location is host to numerous activities on the public land from mining to oil drilling to livestock grazing. Of particular note is the herd of wild horses, which gives the area its special designation.

Horses within the HMA are similar in size and temperament to quarter horses, and some resemble workhorses. Typical colors are bay, gray, sorrel and black. A few horses are also other colors like roan and buckskin. To ensure that future generations can enjoy these majestic animals, the herd’s size is kept between 135 and 235 animals following current best management practices.

In addition to the wild horses, there are numerous opportunities to view other local wildlife including pronghorn, mule deer, elk, badger, snowshoe hare and various upland bird species.

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