Wildlife Watching
in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park provides outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing
in a diversity of ecosystems with elevations ranging from 7000 feet in town
to more than 14,000 feet in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Where to Watch

Wildlife inhabit places which provide the food and shelter required for survival. Finding the proper habitat is key to finding a particular species. In this guide, habitats are divided into four general regions: alpine tundra, subalpine forest, montane forest and wetlands.

When to Watch

Fall, winter, and spring are the best seasons for wildlife watching. Elk observed at a distance on the tundra in summer are seen in town during winter. The October and November elk and bighorn sheep ruts produce spectacular sights and sounds. In spring, deer and elk sport new sets of velvet-covered antlers.

How to Watch

Use these tips for watching wildlife, using binoculars, and photographing wildlife.

What to See

Wildlife watchers driving in Estes Park frequently see deer, elk, bighorn sheep, pika, marmot and coyote. Beaver and red fox live here too, but are harder to spot from a vehicle. Hikers will encounter chickarees, ground squirrels, Abert's squirrels and chipmunks along the trail. Rarely seen wildlife species include bear, mountain lion, and bobcat.

What's New

The poaching of Sampson, a beautiful bull elk who made his home in Estes, is headline news - Particularly the reaction of local residents and the charges facing the poacher.

Estes Park WildWatch Table of Contents

Estes Park Virtual Visitor Guide | Estes Park Online Lodging Guide

Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park On-Line