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.

Elk

Large herds of elk are common throughout the region. During the fall rut (typically September through October), visitors may hear the unforgettable sound of bull elk bugling as they compete for mates.

Best places to look:

  • Open meadows

  • Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Highway 7 corridor

  • Near Estes Park

Best season:

  • Year-round

  • Peak activity during the fall rut

Black Bears

Black bears inhabit the forests surrounding Allenspark and are most active from spring through fall.

Although sightings are relatively uncommon, bears occasionally pass through residential areas while searching for food.

Bear Safety

  • Never leave food outside.

  • Store trash securely.

  • Do not approach or feed bears.

  • Give every bear plenty of space.

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 along mountain streams

Summer mornings are especially active for birdwatching.

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.

Best places to look:

  • Wild Basin area

  • Along Highway 7

  • St. Vrain Creek

  • Wet meadows and marshy areas

Best viewing times:

  • Sunrise

  • Dusk

Mule Deer

Mule deer are among the most commonly seen animals in Allenspark. They're often spotted grazing near cabins, roadsides, and forest edges.

Visitors are encouraged to admire them from a distance and never feed wildlife.

Bighorn Sheep

Colorado's state animal can sometimes be seen navigating rocky cliffs and steep alpine terrain, especially at higher elevations.

Bring binoculars. You may spot them where others don't.

Marmots & Pikas

High-elevation hikers often encounter these charming alpine residents.

Yellow-bellied Marmots

  • Large ground squirrels

  • Often sunning themselves on rocks

  • Known for their distinctive whistles

American Pikas

  • Small relatives of rabbits

  • Collect grasses for winter

  • Frequently heard before they're seen

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.

Wildlife Viewing Tips

✔ Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens.

✔ Stay at least 75 feet from deer and elk.

✔ Stay at least 100 feet from bears and moose.

✔ Never feed wildlife.

✔ Keep dogs leashed.

✔ Stay on designated trails.

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

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.