About This State Wildlife Area

State Wildlife Areas are critical habitat areas for Colorado’s wildlife. Sportspeople’s license and recreational user pass fees pay for these parcels of land, which are managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife employees for the benefit of our wildlife. A valid hunting or fishing license OR SWA pass is required for everyone 16 or older to visit most SWAs, and visitors should check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit a State Wildlife Area.



The Garfield Creek SWA has been established and managed as a complete elk ecosystem, from winter range, through transitional range, up to summer range. Helps insure survival of elk populations and provides valuable habitat for hundreds of other species of wildlife. Scenic area provides access to White River National Forest and Bureau of Land Management property. Wildlife includes: elk, deer, golden eagles, golden-mantled ground squirrels, turkeys, bobcats, dusky grouse, cottontails, marmots, badgers, redtail foxes, redtail hawks, raccoons, weasels, bear and mountain lions.