Moose

We saw these moose – two of a larger herd– feeding in Big Meadow at Rocky Mountain National Park. We’ve also seen quite a few in the  Colorado River. Moose like to graze on willows and water plants, so you can try trails that follow or cross rivers. They are most active in morning and around sunset, so try getting an early start or taking a late afternoon hike. However, it’s partly a matter of luck. We’ve hiked all day an not seen a single thing, then come face to face with a moose in the parking lot! (East Inlet Trailhead.) I also spot them at Confluence Park.

Moose Safety >

Elk Buck

Rocky Mountain National Park is full of elk. In the summer, there’s almost always a large herd (including this big guy) at the Alpine Center as you drive over Trail Ridge Road. But they can also be found in the meadows, on the trails, and often crossing the road. (So please drive safely!)

Marmot

What’s even cuter than a marmot? A baby marmot! Marmots like to live in rocky areas. This cute little guy came out to see us on the North Inlet Trail. I also see them regularly on the Colorado River Trail, the overlooks on Trail Ridge Road and the road to Monarch Lake. Our guests at Granby Ranch may want to take an evening walk past Silver Creek Inn, then past the little parking lot/trailhead to the rocky pile across the road from the pond/lake. There’s a family that live there and it’s fun to listen to them “talk” to each other.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn Sheep

There are Bighorn Sheep in RMNP. There’s an area called Sheep Lakes and a special sheep-watching parking lot with updates on sheep-movement. However, we’ve never seen a sheep there. (Despite sheep-tailgating.) I do see them along Highway 70, especially around Empire. They blend almost perfectly with the rocks, so usually you must carefully watch for movement. This guy, however, was looking right in my passenger-side window as I entered town.

Bears

My husband spotted this bear cub at….wait for it!….Cub Lake on the east side of RMNP. It’s not a very good photo because he was far away, but that’s exactly how you want it. Bear cubs are cute, but their protective mothers are not. Keep your distance.

Bear Safety >

Bison Herd

Just west of Denver, if you are traveling along Highway 70, there is a Bison Overlook Area. For many years, I strained to see the Bison up on the hill, hidden among the trees. Then one lucky day, I discovered that if the Bison are present, you don’t have to strain to see them!

If you do see them out, stop and look. You may not get another chance. There’s an overpass where you can turn around, then a parking lot and viewing area. We were lucky to see a large herd, over 50, with about a dozen little ones.

Pine Martin

Grand County has so many trails to choose from, but I do enjoy hiking my favorites over and over – because they are different every single time. On this visit to Monarch Lake, we witnessed a battle between a pine martin and some kind of hawk over some kind of small mammal.

Rainbow Trout

I think this is a Rainbow Trout. Catching fish is not my thing, but I do love watching them swim in the beautiful alpine lakes. The fly fisherman are very relaxing to watch too!

Turkey

Turkey

So my Dad is the Birder in the family, but even I could recognize this guy! And he was so pretty to see live and in person.

Deer

Deer are abundant in Grand County. Please watch for them while driving, especially at sunset!

Prairie Dog

Prairie Dog

When we lived in St. Louis, I loved to visit the zoo and watch the prairie dogs. Now I can see them every day! In Colorado, they have towns almost wherever there is a bit of open space. They are fun to watch, but please keep your distance. If possible, avoid letting your dog chase them or run around their hills. Prairie dogs can carry fleas that can carry The Plague. (seriously.)

Ground Squirrel

These chipmunks are everywhere in Rocky Mountain National Park – most especially where people gather. They have become quite fearless and somewhat aggressive from tourists feeding them. Please do not feed them. Please watch your bags so they cannot steal food. Please pick up any food you drop so they cannot eat it.

Remember, if it has teeth, it can bite.

Cows

Cows may not officially be “wildlife”, but please give them the same respect and space. These guys live in the large meadow adjacent to Granby Ranch and the Fraser-Granby trail cuts through their pasture. A couple summers ago, I would walk my dogs along the trail every morning. But last summer, I had a close-encounter with some mamma cows while hiking.  (A different trail through a pasture.) It may sound funny, but believe me, it was not. I would now advise against walking in the pasture when the cows are present.

R.O.U.S’s

We’ve never gotten a good look at these guys, so we just call them the “Rodents of Unusual Size”. Our summer guests will hear them if they sleep with the windows open. They live in the creek/pond/lake by the condo and you can hear their big splashes about the same time every night!

Red Fox

Foxes are fairly common in Grand County. We see this guy often enough by our mailboxes. (I do believe he enjoys the adjoining prairie dog town.)

Swallows

You can see swallow nests under the eaves of buildings. This pair was living under the restroom roof at the Shadow Mountain Lake Dam Trailhead.

Pelicans

I do not believe pelicans are native to Colorado…I suppose our pond is a nice stop during their migration?

Osprey Nesting

Osprey Nesting

You can see the man-made nests scattered around Granby Lake and Shadow Mountain Lake. You can also see the ospreys catching their dinner. I’ve just never been able to catch them on camera!

Hummingbird

We often hear – and sometimes see – hummingbirds while hiking, but it’s easiest to photograph them at the feeders along the Grand Lake Village boardwalk.

“Wild Chicken” Bird

Hiking way out on the Colorado River Trail, I heard the strangest sound. I was alone and a bit concerned, but it just turned out to be this strange bird. I have not been able to identify it, but it makes me think of a Wild Chicken. Just another example of how I see something new every time I visit The Park.

Dragonfly

Do bugs count as wildlife? I know the kids enjoy spotting them! We do see many butterflies and dragonflies while hiking, especially at Monarch Lake.