Meanwhile, moose meander through river valleys and wetlands during their autumn mating season. And the cool weather brings a stunning array of migrating birds, with flocks weaving across the sky and stopping to rest before continuing on their journey south. Below, uncover the best places across the state to catch a glimpse of iconic Colorado animals this fall.
Pro Tips: While adventuring in the Rockies, remember to Keep Wildlife Wild. Colorado is home to tens of thousands of furry, scaly and feathered creatures. To keep them — and you — safe, make sure to keep your (and your dog’s) distance. And if you’re ever unsure, follow the rule of thumb: If you can cover the view of an entire animal with your thumb while your arm is outstretched, you’re at a safe distance. Always store food, trash and anything with a scent in bear-proof lockers, canisters or secured vehicles.
It's easy to get caught up in the moment when viewing fall colors on a scenic drive. For the best photos, Do Colorado Right by choosing a spot in a safe, designated parking area to really bask in fall's beauty. Keep in mind that these destinations are popular for leaf peeping, especially during peak weekends. Try visiting during lesser traveled times on weekdays to enjoy more of the colorful vistas. And while you're keeping an eye out for the golds, ambers and reds, don't forget to also look for pedestrians that may be taking in the scenery as well.
Elk
Elk flourish in Colorado's dense forests and alpine meadows, making the state a premier destination to observe these majestic creatures. Fall is the best time to spy on roaming herds of elk, as males compete for the attention of females during their mating season. Along the San Juan Skyway, a scenic 233-mile loop through towns like Telluride, Ridgway and Silverton, elk often gather and graze near the roadside. For more encounters in their natural habitat, venture into the White River National Forest and hike through the quaking aspen groves on the South Fork Trail. In Rocky Mountain National Park, especially across the east side’s Moraine Park, you’re almost guaranteed to spot these impressive animals. Nearby, the Estes Park Elk Fest, held annually in late September or early October, coincides with rutting season, and the town buzzes with elk activity as bulls bugle to attract mates. The festival features educational seminars on elk behavior, guided elk-viewing tours, Native American music and dancing, and local vendors offering elk-themed art and crafts.
Moose
Seeking out a Colorado moose spotting? Well, these towering creatures thrive in lush forests and wetlands, and are most-often seen in the early morning and early evening. At State Forest State Park near Walden, the Moose Visitor Center deep dives into moose behavior and ecology with interactive exhibits and displays. The rangers can also direct you to areas where you’re likely to see moose grazing at the time of your visit. Nearby North Park, known as the “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado,” invites you to witness the massive herbivores as they traverse their natural habitat. Stroll through Grand Mesa National Forest, where more than 400 moose roam freely and can be found on easy hikes. Or come on the annual Moose Day for festivities like moose viewings, scavenger hunts and ranger-led hikes. In Steamboat Springs, the Rotary Park Boardwalk meanders through serene wetlands, a picture-perfect vantage point to watch moose graze and wade through the water.
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goats
For those eager to see bighorn sheep (Colorado’s official state mammal) and mountain goats, make your way over to Colorado Springs at dawn or dusk for the best views. On 14,107-foot Pikes Peak, whether you're hiking the rugged trails, driving up to the summit or taking the year-round cog train, you might notice these agile climbers navigating the rocky terrain. The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path near Glenwood Springs is another solid spot, especially between November and December, when bighorn sheep descend to the canyon floor near the small community of No Name for mating season. Georgetown celebrates these majestic animals with its annual Bighorn Sheep Festival.
Birds & Raptors
Colorado boasts some of the most varied birding opportunities in the U.S., thanks to its diverse ecosystems and central fall-migration path. The Colorado Birding Trail spans from the western Colorado mountains and mesas to the vast eastern plains, highlighting popular stopovers for countless avian species. At Two Buttes Trailhead in Lamar, the fall migration sees impressive gatherings of snow geese and sandhill cranes, which use the area as a resting spot on their lengthy journeys south. Birders flock to North Sterling State Park during autumn migration to witness lark buntings (our official state bird) — rare in many parts of the country — along with western meadowlarks, brewer’s sparrows and ferruginous hawks. The Denver Audubon hosts a September Hootenanny Owl Music Festival in Denver, celebrating the elusive raptors with live demonstrations, folk band jams, crafts and owl-pellet dissections.
Pronghorn
For those hoping to catch a glimpse of pronghorn, the state's expansive grassland is the place to prowl. At Comanche National Grassland, the Arch Rock Trail is a 13.1-mile, moderately challenging loop where you can spot herds of pronghorn alongside striking rock formations like the Wisdom Tooth Arch. Meanwhile, Pawnee National Grassland’s Pawnee Buttes Trailhead is ideal for observing pronghorn against the backdrop of the famed Pawnee Buttes and sweeping prairie. For a surprising sight near the largest dunes in North America, head to the grasslands of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where pronghorn graze and keep watch for predators across the wide-open terrain.
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