Byers Canyon Shooting Range

Lore & Background

The state wildlife area was acquired in 1940 to provide winter grazing for big game animals, and it remains closed to public access from January through April to allow undisturbed foraging. The site has been used as a shooting range since the early 1970s, developed specifically for sighting in centerfire hunting rifles. The facility features nine parallel ranges with individually roofed bench rest shooting positions spaced 50 yards apart, separated by earthen berms so shooters may safely inspect and change targets while shooting continues on adjacent ranges. Each range has a target position at 25 yards for coarse sight adjustments, and target positions at 100 yards and 200 yards for more precise adjustments and trajectory determination. The range is usually open from sunrise to sunset from late April until early January, though users should check current hunting, fishing and land use regulations when planning to visit. All visitors 16 or older must have a valid hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass.

Reader's Guide

Byers Canyon Shooting Range serves as a dedicated facility for sighting in centerfire hunting rifles, reflecting its role in supporting hunters and shooters in Colorado. The nine parallel ranges with roofed bench rest positions and earthen berms enable simultaneous shooting and target inspection, a design that enhances safety and efficiency. The range's elevation of 7,700 feet above sea level and target distances up to 200 yards provide conditions for trajectory determination. The facility also includes an archery range with straw bales, a shotgun range, a two-lane .22 rimfire range with 25-yard and 50-yard targets, a four-lane handgun range, and a nine-lane centerfire rifle range with wheelchair access to 100 yards. Public toilets are available. The range's seasonal closure from January through April aligns with the wildlife area's original purpose as a winter grazing area for big game, balancing recreational use with conservation. Its annual use by approximately 10,000 vehicles underscores its significance as a regional shooting resource.

Did You Know?

• The range is part of the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area, acquired in 1940 for big game winter grazing.
• The facility is closed to public access from January through April to allow animals to forage undisturbed.
• Each of the nine ranges has target positions at 25, 100, and 200 yards.

Setting & Seasonal Access

Nestled at an elevation of 7,700 feet above sea level, Byers Canyon Shooting Range occupies an 80-acre parcel of land on the north side of U.S. Highway 40, roughly four miles west of the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. The facility sits within the boundaries of the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area, managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, placing it in a high-altitude mountain setting. The range operates on a seasonal schedule, typically welcoming visitors from sunrise until sunset between late April and early January. During the remaining months—January through April—the surrounding wildlife area is closed to public access so that big game animals can forage undisturbed through the winter. Anyone aged sixteen or older who wishes to use the facility must present a valid hunting license, a fishing license, or a State Wildlife Area pass. Prospective visitors are also encouraged to review current hunting, fishing, and land-use regulations before making the trip, as conditions and rules can shift from season to season.

Origins & Evolution

The land that now hosts Byers Canyon Shooting Range was first acquired by the state in 1940, with the original purpose of providing a protected winter grazing area for big game animals. That conservation mission continues to shape the facility's calendar: from January through April, the surrounding wildlife area shuts its gates to the public so that big game can forage undisturbed through the winter months. The shooting range itself is a more recent addition to the site's history. In the early 1970s, the area began being developed specifically for sighting in centerfire hunting rifles, a task that benefits from the kind of controlled, open environment the high-country location naturally provides. Over the decades since, the facility has grown into a well-used public resource. Approximately 10,000 vehicles arrive each year to take advantage of the ranges, making it a steady draw for hunters and marksmen who need a reliable place to sight in their rifles. The dual identity of the site—wildlife refuge in winter, shooting facility in the shooting season—reflects a practical compromise between conservation and recreation.

Centerfire Range Design

The heart of Byers Canyon is its nine-lane centerfire rifle range, purpose-built for sighting in hunting rifles. The nine parallel ranges are spaced 50 yards apart, with each lane featuring an individually roofed bench rest shooting position. Between adjacent lanes, earthen berms create a physical barrier that allows shooters to safely inspect and change targets while shooting continues on neighboring ranges. Each lane is equipped with three distinct target positions. The closest, at 25 yards, is intended for coarse sight adjustments—getting the basic point of impact roughly on target. Beyond that, shooters can move to a 100-yard position and a 200-yard position, where more precise adjustments and full trajectory determination become possible. This graduated layout lets a hunter work through the entire sighting-in process in a single session, from rough alignment to fine-tuning at longer distances. The range also includes wheelchair access to the 100-yard target position, making the facility usable by a wider range of visitors.

Multi-Discipline Facilities & Accessibility

Beyond its primary centerfire rifle lanes, Byers Canyon offers a broad menu of shooting disciplines on the same 80-acre property. An archery range backed by straw bales provides a dedicated space for bow practice. A separate shotgun range accommodates those who shoot shotguns. For smaller-caliber work, a two-lane .22 rimfire range offers targets at both 25 and 50 yards. A four-lane handgun range rounds out the firearms offerings, giving pistol shooters a structured environment for practice. Accessibility is also a design priority at the facility. The nine-lane centerfire rifle range includes wheelchair access all the way to the 100-yard target position, ensuring that shooters with mobility limitations can participate in the full sighting-in process. Public restrooms are available on-site, adding a practical convenience for a facility that draws roughly 10,000 vehicles each year. Together, these varied lanes and amenities make Byers Canyon a comprehensive destination for anyone looking to prepare their equipment before a hunting season.