A peaceful mountain lake scene with clear water, surrounded by lush green grass and tall pine trees. In the background, rugged mountain peaks rise against a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Wildlife Viewing in Allenspark, Colorado

Experience Colorado's Wildlife in Their Natural Habitat

One of the greatest joys of visiting Allenspark is sharing the mountains with the incredible wildlife that calls them home. Surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park, Roosevelt National Forest, and thousands of acres of protected wilderness, the area offers exceptional opportunities to observe animals in their natural environment.

Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee on the porch, hiking a nearby trail, or driving along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, unforgettable wildlife encounters are often just around the corner.

Common Wildlife in Allenspark

FEATURED WILDLIFE

From elk and mule deer to a wide variety of bird species, Allenspark offers unforgettable wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.

Moose

The Allenspark and Wild Basin area is one of the best places in Colorado to spot moose. These impressive animals are frequently seen feeding in willow-filled meadows, near streams, and around wetlands, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.

Bull moose with broad antlers standing in tall grass.

Moose

The Allenspark and Wild Basin area is one of the best places in Colorado to spot moose. These impressive animals are frequently seen feeding in willow-filled meadows, near streams, and around wetlands, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.

A majestic elk with large antlers standing in a grassy field with a blurred background of trees and yellow foliage.

Elk

Large herds of elk are common throughout the region. In fall, listen for the unforgettable bugle of bull elk during the rut.

Mule deer buck with antlers in a natural setting.

Mule Deer

Common throughout Allenspark, often grazing in meadows, roadsides, and forest edges.

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Bighorn Sheep

Colorado's state animal can often be spotted on rocky cliffs and steep alpine terrain.

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Black Bears

Black bears live throughout the surrounding forests but are rarely seen near developed areas.

Marmot standing on rocks in a mountain landscape.

Yellow-bellied Marmots

Large ground squirrels common in the alpine areas, often seen sunning themselves on rocks.

Small pika peeking out between rocks.
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BEST CHANCE

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Open meadows

American Pikas

Tiny mountain mammals that live among rocky talus slopes.

Close-up of a golden eagle's head with a blurred brown background.
Illustration of a blue-and-white bird perched on a wooden post in a mountain landscape.
Colorful bird with yellow body, red head, and black wings perched on pine tree branch, with mountains and trees in background.
A blue jay bird perched on snow-covered, weathered, broken wood in a winter setting.
Close-up of a hummingbird with iridescent green and red feathers, in flight with wings spread, against a blurred pastel background.
Chickadee perched on weathered wood.

Birds You'll See

Bird lovers will enjoy watching:

  • Broad-tailed Hummingbirds

  • Steller's Jays

  • Clark's Nutcrackers

  • Mountain Chickadees

  • Canada Jays

  • Red-tailed Hawks

  • Golden Eagles

  • Great Horned Owls

  • American Dippers

Summer mornings are especially active for birdwatching.

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BEST PLACES TO LOOK

  • Wild Basin area

  • Along Highway 7

BEST CHANCE

Forest areas

  • St. Vrain Creek

  • Wet meadows and marshy areas

BEST CHANCE

Early morning and dusk

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BEST CHANCE

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LISTEN FOR

Their distinctive whistle

High slopes with binoculars

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LISTEN FOR

Their high-pitched call before you spot them

Chamois standing on a rocky mountainside.

Best Times for Wildlife Viewing

The best wildlife activity typically occurs:

Early Morning - Sunrise to about 9:00 a.m.

Evening - Two hours before sunset

Animals generally become less active during the middle of the day, especially during summer.

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LOCAL GUIDE

Wildlife Viewing Tips

✔ Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.

✔ Stay at least 75 feet from deer and elk.

✔ Stay at least 120 feet from black bears, moose, and mountain lions.

✔ Never feed wildlife.

✔ Keep dogs leashed where permitted. Pets are not allowed on RMNP trails, tundra, or meadows.

✔ Stay on designated trails.

✔ Be patient—sometimes the best sightings happen when you simply sit quietly and observe.

LOCAL GUIDE

Ram with curved horns overlooking snow-capped mountains.

Respect Wildlife

The animals that make Allenspark so special are wild and deserve plenty of space. Observing them responsibly helps protect both visitors and the wildlife that calls these mountains home.

With a little patience, and a bit of luck, you may leave Allenspark with memories of a bugling elk at sunrise, a moose quietly feeding in a mountain meadow, or a hummingbird hovering just outside your cabin. Those are the moments that make the Rockies unforgettable.