Winter Wildlife Watching
Everything you want to know about the best ways to see wildlife in the winter months in Estes Park and RMNP!
Winter is an excellent time for wildlife watching in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) — with fewer crowds, snow-draped landscapes, and many animals concentrated in lower-elevation valleys. Below are detailed tips to maximize your experience.
What to expect: Species, Habitat, Behavior
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Big species like elk and mule deer drop down into the larger meadows and lower elevations in winter, so your chances of spotting them increase. They are most active at dawn and dusk and are usually seen in meadow areas like Moraine Park and Beaver Meadows – both accessed by Bear Lake Road.
- Bighorn sheep can often be found in the Horseshoe Park and Sheep Lakes areas of RMNP. Be patient and bring binoculars to help spot them! In the winter you can sometimes find them licking salt off the road near Hwy 34 on the route from Estes Park to Drake.
- Coyote mating season takes place between January and March. Look for them around the lower meadows. Sometimes they are spotted along the forest edges. They are also most active at dawn or dusk.
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Smaller, harder-to-spot species like pikas living above treeline may still be active in the winter. Pikas do not hibernate like the yellow-bellied marmots of RMNP, but because they live at higher elevations, winter road closures can make them tricky to find.
- If you look carefully, you might spot a Ptarmigan in the winter! Though, their feathers turn white to provide camouflage in the winter so this is not an easy task.
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The quieter winter landscape means animals may appear more relaxed or be easier to observe. Because many animals migrate to lower elevation in the winter months, there is a “concentration effect” making wildlife viewing in winter a special activity!
Where and When to go:
Best Spots:
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Moraine Park: Large meadow, great for elk, deer and coyotes in winter.
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Bear Lake Road corridor: Subalpine meadows + road access, good for seeing a variety of wildlife.
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Fall River Entrance and the Horseshoe Park area: Roadside meadows and lower slopes. Sometimes you can see bighorn sheep here.
Best Times:
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Dawn and dusk are generally best. Animals graze and hunt and are more active during lower light.
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After fresh snow can be a great time to go out wildlife watching. Tracks show up more in the snow, and contrasts are greater, making viewing conditions ideal.
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When roads and trails are accessible: Check trail conditions on the NPS website for Rocky Mountain National Park. Check Road conditions in the Park here.
Gear and Prep:
Clothing & Safety:
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Dress in layers: a moisture-wicking base, an insulating mid layer, and a waterproof/windproof outer layer. The winter alpine environment is cold and variable.
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Wear waterproof, insulated boots – you’ll likely be on snow or ice.
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Bring traction aids (microspikes or similar) because hiking trails may be icy. It is true that many winter trails below 8,500 ft are easier to navigate in the winter, but you still need to be ready. You can always bring snowshoes to explore when there’s any accumulation of snow.
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Don’t forget to check road and trail status before you go! Winter storms can suddenly change conditions and some roads may be closed.
Observation Tools:
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Binoculars or long zoom lens for photography: the National Park guidelines stress safe distances.
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For photographers: a zoom lens and a tripod will help you get steady, clear shots from far away.
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Bring a map, GPS device, or phone with full charge, and let someone know your plan. In winter, and when going to remote areas this is an essential safety tip!
Respectful Wildlife Viewing & Ethics
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Stay at least 75 feet (about two bus lengths) from bighorn sheep and elk; 120 feet (or three bus lengths) from moose, bears, mountain lions. Here’s more information from RMNP on safe distances.
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Never feed wildlife. It disrupts natural behavior, creates hazards for you and animals, and is illegal in national parks.
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Stay on trails when on foot, or in authorized pull-outs when viewing from vehicle.
- Any time of year remember: wildlife are surviving in their natural, outdoor habitat – which can be harsh – and they don’t need additional stress caused by people, no matter how much you want to see them. For your safety and theirs, enjoy and photograph from a distance. If you cause an animal to move or change its behavior, back off – you are too close or too loud!
Final Tip: Make your Wildlife Watching extra special!
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Consider a guided winter tour with a local expert to improve your chances of spotting wildlife and supercharge your adventure with interesting facts! You’re sure to gain incredible insights into wildlife behavior and habitats in the Rocky Mountains. Trust us, this will make your visit even more memorable!