No where left to go???

[regnet_65]

I only got to CO two months ago and it looks like I'm out of luck for free places to shoot already! All the posts I've seen state the places are closed or about to be closed. I thought this was the WEST. I was in Maryland for 8 years where saying the work GUN can get you time in prison and the ranges were tight, smokey and expensive. I was hoping to find a place to shoot responsibly but free and I have no trouble cleaning up after myself (When I lived in Miami I used to shoot on a farm in the Everglades and the owner had no problem as long as we cleaned up). I am in Golden and don't mind driving 45 minutes or so to get to a spot where I can set up some cans or plinking targets and not be told I'm firing too rapidly after only 1 shot.

[Marlin]

Plenty of places out there, most of them may not be within 45 minutes of a drive, there are plenty though. Our north spot that We shoot at is up St. Vrain canyon, That's about a hour for Me, and I'm in Westminster. Heck, the south site is only about a hour and a half from where I'm at.

[DeltaKilo]

Marlin, How far is the St. Vrain canyon from, say, Ft. Collins? Where's it located?

I also know there's places to shoot out in the Pawnee Grasslands. Still hoping to find something up near Ft. C...

[Marlin]

Be what about 49 miles from the Fort to Longmont, Then from 25 to where 7 and 72 meet I'd say maybe about another 50 give or take. So, I'd say it would be close to around 100 from there.

Head west on 66 untill You get to Lyons. Get to the junction where 36 goes to Estes Park, turn south it'll turn into 7 going around the hill. then drive untill You see a roadside callbox.

[blacklabel]

Marlin, How far is the St. Vrain canyon from, say, Ft. Collins? Where's it located?

I also know there's places to shoot out in the Pawnee Grasslands. Still hoping to find something up near Ft. C...

Just head out to Pawnee. It's a fairly quick drive, free, and when the weather is decent it doesn't get much better.

[HunterCO]

There are lots of places to shoot out side of Golden I live rock throwing distance from Golden. If you want some places to shoot pm me.

[Sixgun]

Where ever you find, PLEASE CLEAN UP YOUR MESS. PLACES ARE CLOSING BECAUSE DIRT BAGS CAN'T CLEAN UP. YOU WILL FIND PLACES TO SHOOT AND YOU WILL LOVE COLORADO. Congrats on the move.

[Coloradokevin]

I'm in the same boat as the OP.

Moved to Denver area from Ft Collins in the not too distant past. Even that short distance move has left me scratching my head for places to shoot. Pawnee is a good hike from here, as is Lyons.

Everywhere else seems to have been closed due to reckless/irresponsible/trashy behavior.

I try to leave with more trash than I produce every time I shoot. Many other folks I know do the same thing. Even still, it is hard to keep up with folks who drop off couches, water heaters, refridgerators, TV's, computers, etc as targets.

Anyway, I'll gladly accept any tips that any of you would be willing to provide on free shooting areas near Golden/Arvada! And, if you want to send them via PM, I'll be glad to keep the secret stash private!


As others have said, if you know of a place:

Keep it clean!
Keep it safe!
Or, lose it forever.

[DaveGoBang!]

What's the terrain like in St. Vrain canyon? Can I get in there with my Subi?

[HunterCO]

What's the terrain like in St. Vrain canyon? Can I get in there with my Subi?

It is paved the whole way anything can make it.