It’s high time for wildlife watching in Colorado’s high country. The snow has finally melted and the wildflowers are in bloom up near timberline, where, if you keep your eyes open and your ears perked, you can catch a glimpse of some of our state’s showiest residents doing their summer thing.
If all this heat has you yearning for a place where it’s never really summer – where the air is cool, the show is free and binoculars are your ticket – aim your car toward timberline for a little wildlife watching.
Trees don’t grow in the highest of the high country, but plenty of other things do, and summer is the only season many of them are on view. In fact, the alpine tundra comes to life right around now. With much of the snow and ice melted, plants and animals race to take care of business before flakes accumulate again.
Blooms appear overnight. Birds from as far away as South America go from flirting to raising fledglings in a matter of weeks. Mammals – everything from elk to mountain lions – recover from and prepare for winter all at once.
“On any given day, if you’re lucky enough, you’ll see these animals. I’ve seen them all, usually when I don’t have my camera, ” says Barbara French-Pfeifer, an interpretive ranger at Pikes Peak west of Colorado Springs.
With those who are perhaps more eager than able to explore the alpine country on foot in mind, we’ve picked a few good viewing spots not too far from Denver, and dug up plenty of tips for getting the most out of your adventure.
MOUNTAIN GOATS and BIGHORN SHEEP
If you want to see the mighty Colorado state mammal and his brethren billies in action and at close range, head to Mount Evans. Although, truth be told, at this time of year you’re more likely to see groups of females with their young. The bighorns can be a challenge to spot. Scan rocky terrain, watching for movement and pale shapes. Look for their white rump patch. Summer is prime time to see the new babies.
PIKA
You’ll have to hear this small, short- eared cousin of the rabbit before you’ll see it. Listen for squeaks, then watch for movement along the rocks.
YELLOW-BELLIED MARMOT
This cat-sized rodent, also known as a “whistle pig,” might be spotted sunning its yellowish belly on the rocks or scavenging for food to fatten up for winter. Whistles, chirps and trills might clue you in to its presence.
MULE DEER
Mule deer have rope-like tails, bigger ears and are a bit less graceful than Colorado’s other deer species, the white tail. Watch for the “mulies,” especially as you climb, and at the edge of treeline or near willowy shrubs.
ELK
Both deer and elk, bucks and bulls, should be showing off “velvet” antlers by now, which they’ll shed in upcoming rutting season. Elk feed in the willows, or rest in alpine meadows.
BROWN-CAPPED ROSY FINCHES
Birders flock from all over the world to see this colorful little bird that nests in the crags above timberline.
WHITE-TAILED PTARMIGAN
If you’re lucky, and careful, you might spy one of these well-camouflaged alpine birds. They are the only all-season bird species on the tundra; watch for them among the rocks.
MOUNT EVANS SCENIC BYWAY
Where: South of Idaho Springs, on Echo Lake Road
Info: byways.org
The route runs about 56 miles out and back, but the best bit is the 14 miles from Echo Lake to the summit parking area. You’ll pay $10 per vehicle for a three-day pass to the high section of the road, but it’s worth it for the breathtaking views and access to picnic areas and interpretive exhibits. If you visit on the weekend, you’ll find Division of Wildlife volunteers at Summit Lake to help you with your wildlife viewing and education.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Where: West of Estes Park
Info: nps.gov/romo
Opportunities for wildlife viewing abound just 5 miles outside Estes Park. And you don’t even have to get out of your car for some of them, although if you do, don’t get too close – for your safety and theirs. The visitor center at the Fall River entrance offers exhibits about wildlife and ecology. Or drive to “the top” on Trail Ridge Road and check out the Alpine Visitor Center. The park is also home to Never Summer Range and Never Summer Ranch. Entering the park runs $20 per car for a seven-day pass.
PIKES PEAK
Where: Catch the Pikes Peak Toll Road from Colorado 24 near Cascade, west of Colorado Springs
Info: pikespeakcolorado.com
Allow yourself about two hours to reach the summit of the most visited mountain in North America. Or, ride the 8.9- mile cog railway. Every animal listed here, plus short-tailed weasels, osprey and a pair of bald eagles have been seen in the park recently, says Ranger French-Pfeifer. The toll road costs $10 per adult, $5 per child 6-15, or $35 per car. If you happen to be on the mountain on Wednesday or Sept. 28, French-Pfeifer will teach you how best to view the mountain’s wildlife, where and when to go and how to identify tracks. The program’s free, but you have to pay the entrance fee. Contact French-Pfeifer at bfrench-pfeifer@springsgov.com for details. A special tip from the ranger: When you see a sign indicating wildlife on the mountain, look around for that species nearby. The signs were not placed randomly.
VIEWING TIPS
You’ll see far more wildlife if you visit early in the morning or in the evening. Bonus: Sunrise from the top of the world is unforgettable.
Always watch wildlife from a distance. Use binoculars to get a better look and a telephoto lens for pictures. If you are approached by wildlife, back away slowly. Do not be tempted to pet or feed wild animals, which is illegal. It can be dangerous for you and harmful for them.
Be still, wait patiently, and use all your senses. You may not see anything while traveling, but stop and rest – listen quietly – you are certain to be rewarded.
Learn more about wildlife. To help make your wildlife viewing more rewarding, read a little before your trip, take along a field guide or stop to talk with a naturalist or participate in a guided tour. The Division of Wildlife offers classes for adults and children ages 10 and up. For more information, go to wildlife.state.co.us/viewing/workshops.
– Colorado Division of Wildlife
TRAVEL TIPS
Anytime you travel above timberline, by car or foot, be sure to carry plenty of water, sunscreen and extra clothing. At high altitude, the sun’s rays are less filtered. Sunglasses are a good idea too. Drinking extra water helps beat dehydration caused by altitude and winds. Be aware that the weather can change quickly; afternoon storms are the norm. If you feel crummy – headache, nausea, dizziness – head to lower elevation quickly.
Use designated trails. In addition to helping you keep your footing, this will protect the fragile and slow-growing plants that cover meadows and rock fields. Just a little damage can be harmful.
Leave the dog at home. High altitudes can be hard on them, and they are not permitted on some public lands.
– Colorado Division of Wildlife
RESOURCES
The “Colorado Wildlife Viewing Guide” provides information on 200 of the state’s best wildlife viewing locations. Available at wildlife.state.co.us/ shopDOW/merchandise. $14.95
U.S. Forest Service, Clear Creek Ranger District, Visitor Center: 303-567-2901
Rocky Mountain National Park: nps.gov/romo or rmnp.com. 970-586-1206
U.S. Forest Service, Pike’s Peak Ranger District: 601 S. Weber St., Colorado Springs. 719-477-4221 or 303-636-1602. Or, pikes-peak.com
General Colorado Tourism information: colorado.com
