Wildlife viewing in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the more popular activities to enjoy in the park. Visitors will find everything from elk and moose to picas and marmots. But knowing where to look is key to seeing wildlife in Rocky Mountain National Park. With a bit of patience and a little bit of luck, plus our guide below you’ll be a wildlife spotter in no time!
Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
Elk are probably the most popular and sought out wildlife for viewing in the park. These 800-pound animals are synonymous with the park and can be seen almost anytime and anywhere. The best time to spot elk is during the fall in September and October because this is their rutting season. Elk are mostly found in low-lying meadows, grazing, and sleeping. Elk spend most of their time at or above treeline during the summer, so at a higher elevation. Feeding times are at dawn and dusk.
Moose
Moose are the largest member of the deer family and Colorado’s largest big game animal. They can weigh up to 1,200 pounds with bulls standing as high as six feet at the shoulder. Their rut, or breeding season, is also in the fall, mid-September to through October. They frequent willow trees along the Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley, the East Inlet and Onahu Trails in the park’s west side.
Bighorn sheep
Bighorn sheep climb up steep terrain, all because of their flexible spongy-like hooves. Both females and males have horns, but the male rams have larger more curved horns. They tend to move to lower elevations in late spring and early summer, coming from the Mummy Range to Sheep Lakes. Here, sightings are common from mid-May through August.
Birding
Bird enthusiasts grab your binoculars! There have been over 270 species of birds spotted in the park over the last 100 years. While some are here year-round others migrate and are just passing through for a brief period. Many of the species in the park are found amongst aspen, ponderosa pine, spruce, fir, and alpine tundra.
Mule deer
Mule deer are a popular animal to spot in the park. Named for their large ears that resemble that of a mule, they can weigh anywhere from 100 to 300 pounds. The males have antlers which they shed every February and grow back immediately, while females do not have any antlers. They are found in lower elevations in open areas.
Picas and marmots
Smaller animals greet visitors as well, such as picas and marmots. Marmots can be found anywhere there is food! Their high-pitched chirping can be heard as they scurry around large rocks. Typically found above 10,000 feet, Marmots play a big role in the Rockies’ tundra system. Marmots frequent the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge Road. Picas are another commonly found animal that also resides in the high country, most of the time sitting atop a large rock pile but can sometimes be harder to spot.
Viewing tips
When you spot an animal be sure to keep a safe distance and approach slowly. Getting too close will startle the animal and put yourself, and the animal, in danger. Also, make sure to stay quiet and as still as possible so as not to disturb the wildlife in their natural habitat.
It is best practice to keep at least 75 feet or two bus-lengths away and at least 120 feet or three bus-lengths away from more dangerous animals like moose, bears, and mountain lions.
Book your stay at Brynwood on the River
When you stay at Brynwood on the River, you don’t have to go far to spot the local wildlife that frequent the area. Visitors like elk and mule deer, that often visit our property, make for excellent wildlife viewing right from the comfort of your room. Choose from our cozy cabins and cottages to larger vacation homes for your next Rocky Mountain vacation and come stay at Brynwood on the River!
