Spying on a moose as he tromps through the snow is one of the greatest joys of living in Colorado. This towering mammal is just one of the many majestic creatures you can spot in winter—which is one of the best seasons to see wildlife in the Centennial State and beyond.
In fact, many large animals, such as elk and mountain lions, are more active in the cold-weather months. Meanwhile, you can also see many birds, including snow geese and bald eagles, across the West in the winter.
Here are seven places to encounter wildlife this season.
If You Want to See: Raptors
Go to: Barr Lake State Park
More than 370 species of birds have been seen at this 2,715-acre oasis in Adams County, where you can spot winged beauties from the boardwalk, gazebos and benches. Hike the 12 miles of trails to catch bald eagles soaring across the skies and perched in the towering cottonwoods.
In early February, Barr Lake State Park also hosts an annual Bald Eagle Festival, when you can help build a life-size eagle’s nest, watch raptor presentations and join a guided group hike.
If You Want to See: Moose
Go to: State Forest State Park
More than 600 moose live in the area in and around State Forest State Park year-round, earning the city of Walden its “Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado” nickname. Rent snowshoes from the aptly named Moose Visitor Center and hop on the nearly 1-mile Lake Agnes or 6.5-mile Gould Loop trails for opportunities to spy on the massive mammals.
Fun facts: The moose’s sturdy hooves act like snowshoes to help them walk in the snow, and their antlers can stretch nearly 6 feet wide.
If You Want to See: Snow geese
Go to: Lamar, Kiowa and Hasty
Every February, up to 100,000 migrating snow geese congregate on Colorado’s high plains to rest and feed on their way from wintering grounds in Mexico, Texas and New Mexico to the Canadian tundra. One of the best ways to see large numbers of the birds is to attend February’s High Plains Snow Goose Festival in Lamar, which celebrates birding through tours, presentations and other activities.
But even if you can’t attend the festival, you can catch big flocks hanging out at Queens State Wildlife Area in Kiowa and John Martin Reservoir State Park in Hasty throughout the winter.
If You Want to See: Raptors, waterfowl and elk
Go to: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge
When temperatures drop, the 14,804-acre Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge in south-central Colorado comes alive with the sounds of birds. From mid-February through early April, more than 20,000 sandhill cranes migrate through the San Luis Valley, including grain fields in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge.
Also keep your eyes peeled for eagles, hawks and owls, as well as resident deer and elk, which roam the area year-round.
If You Want to See: Large carnivores
Go to: The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Hundreds of lions, tigers, bears, wolves and other mammals live in the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, which has specialized in rescuing, rehabilitating and caring for large predators from around the world since 1980. Explore the unique habitat via the Mile into the Wild walkway, an elevated deck touted as the longest in the world.
It stretches more than 1.5 miles over the grounds, enabling visitors to respectfully view the free-roaming animals without disturbing them. Also check out the affiliated Wild Horse Refuge in Craig, where rescued native mustangs run freely on 29 square miles.
If You Want to See: Raptors and bison
Go to: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Once a war-time manufacturing site, this wildlife sanctuary in Commerce City was established to protect bald eagles who nest and seek shelter in the cottonwood trees, as well as other creatures. During the snowy season, bison graze on the grounds while raptors like ferruginous hawks and bald eagles hunt for rabbits and prairie dogs.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to spot animals without leaving your car. Just cruise the 11-mile Wildlife Drive, which takes about one hour and 45 minutes. (Note: During winter storms, the refuge may delay opening to plow the roads.)
If You Want to See: Elk
Go to: National Elk Refuge
While visiting the National Elk Refuge requires a trip to Jackson, Wyoming, the attraction is a road trip-worthy destination for wildlife watching year-round. That includes the winter months, when visitors can catch sights of elk, bighorn sheep, bald eagles and coyotes amid the backdrop of the snow-cloaked Teton Mountains.
For an extra-special experience, book a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the refuge to take in the best views of the elk herds and learn all about the mammals from a friendly guide.
