Updated: December 8, 2023

Wildlife Watching in Colorado Springs

Discover the best places for wildlife watching in Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region.

The vibrant city of Colorado Springs is surrounded by national forest, open space, wildlife reserves and birding trails.

It's home to all sorts of woodland creatures from red tail fox to black bear. It's not uncommon to see critters like raccoons, owls, bobcats and mule deer making their way around town. Although there's no guarantee of seeing wildlife, you might just catch a glimpse of one of our amazing animal neighbors in their natural habitat if you look closely. We've narrowed down the top places you're most likely to catch a glimpse.

1. Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Mule deer, wild turkeys and elk are popular residents of Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Prairie dogs can be seen scurrying along the trails which bring coyotes and even red-trailed fox. The park is also a popular place for birding with 100 species twittering about. Larger mammals like bobcats, bears and mountain lions also hunker down here but aren’t often seen.

2. Mueller State Park

Mueller State Park offers 50 miles of trails and 5,000 acres of paradise for campers and those seeking the outdoors. This park is extremely popular for watching wildlife including elk, black bears, hawks and mule deer. The park offers campgrounds, cabins, yurts, a camper-services building and horse trailer parking. Mueller's campground is located in a picturesque forest setting made of spruce, fir, pine and aspen trees with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

An image of a mule deer in a partially wooded area

3. Pike National Forest

Pike National Forest is home to some of the most abundant wildlife viewing in the region that range from turkeys to Moose. There are three official designated wilderness areas that lie within the forest that are part of the national wilderness preservation system.

4. Pikes Peak – America's Mountain

Keep your eyes peeled as you cruise the steep twists and turns on the Pikes Peak Highway. Herds of bighorn sheep are often found grazing on the mountain while chubby marmots sun themselves on the rocks above the timberline. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the elusive pika - arguably the cutest rare critter on the mountain.

Bonus: Birds On The Brain

There are more than 27 Rocky Mountain region trails on the Pikes Peak Birding Trail. Locations include Bear Creek Park, Garden of the Gods, Bluestem Prairie Open Space and more. The Pikes Peak region is known as the state’s premier migrant trap.

Want A Guaranteed Animal Sighting?

Head over to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo where you can hand-feed a friendly giraffe and hop around with wallabies. Become part of the pack at Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, where rescued wolves and foxes help to educate and promote conservation.

Relates Stories