Winter Wildlife
The high country around the Continental Divide is home to remarkable wildlife that remains active throughout winter. Our tours frequently encounter these Rocky Mountain residents.
Common Sightings
Moose
Colorado's largest animal is commonly seen in willow-filled valleys and along streams. Winter brings them to lower elevations where food is more accessible.
- Best spotted near willows and waterways
- Keep safe distance (dangerous if approached)
- Active early morning and late afternoon
Elk
Large herds migrate through our area, especially in early and late winter. Listen for their distinctive bugling in autumn.
- Often seen in meadows and forest edges
- Travel in herds
- More visible at dawn and dusk
White-Tailed Ptarmigan
Colorado's state bird is perfectly camouflaged in winter with all-white plumage. A treat to spot above treeline.
Snowshoe Hare
These rabbits turn white in winter. Often seen darting across trails.
Other Species
- Mule Deer: Common in forested areas
- Red Fox: Occasionally spotted hunting
- Pine Marten: Elusive forest dweller
- Eagles: Both bald and golden
- Gray Jay: Friendly camp robbers
Wildlife Safety
- Observe from a safe distance
- Never approach or feed wildlife
- Stop engines when viewing
- Keep dogs at home
- Report injured animals to guides
Photography Tips
- Telephoto lens recommended (see our winter photography tips for more)
- Be patient - animals may return
- Low light requires higher ISO
- Movement startles wildlife
Best Times
Wildlife is most active during:
- Early morning (sunrise tours)
- Late afternoon
- Overcast days
- After storms when they emerge to feed
Wildlife you might encounter
Winter is paradoxically a good time to spot certain Colorado wildlife because many species are concentrated at lower elevations or moving along predictable routes. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep frequently appear on south-facing slopes at lower elevations during cold spells. Snowshoe hares and red foxes leave clear tracks across the trail and occasionally appear in person at dawn and dusk. Pine martens, ermines, and pikas are less commonly seen but present in the area.
Distance and behavior
Colorado law and Forest Service regulations require maintaining minimum distances from wildlife: 25 yards for most species, 100 yards for bighorn sheep and elk, and we voluntarily extend that to 200 yards for any animal showing stress signals. Stress signals include head-up alert posture, ears swiveling toward you, body tension, and movement away from the group. If you see these signals, our guides will reroute or stop until the animal moves on its own. We never approach for a closer photo, regardless of how compelling the shot might be.