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Central Colorado
Wildlife Viewing
The variety
and concentration of wildlife found in Central
Colorado is one of the highest in the state; offering year-round opportunities
for the whole family to see, learn about, and enjoy wildlife. Watching
wildlife can be a goal in itself, or it can be a nice addition to fishing,
bicycling, hiking, car touring, or any outing. Some of the best viewing
experiences are from the car. A vehicle acts as a blind and animals often
draw nearer and act more naturally than they would if they saw the form
of a human. Animals are most active in early morning and evening, so for
the best viewing experiences, tailor the time of day of your outing. A
trip down a particular country highway at dawn or dusk may yield views
of mule deer, elk, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn
antelope and many smaller mammals and songbirds. The same trip at noon
may offer no wildlife at all.
These links
to the Colorado Division of Wildlife website may add to your understanding
and enjoyment of Colorado's wildlife.
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Wildlife Viewing Sites
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Alamosa
National Wildlife Refuge
This 11,168-acre refuge is located
3 miles east of Alamosa on U.S. Hwy 160, then 2 miles south on El
Rancho Lane. Ducks, geese and shorebirds nest on the marshes. Bald
eagles are common November to March. Walking trails, and auto tour
route and Bluff Overlook provide wildlife viewing displays. Refuge
open daily dawn-dusk. Visitor center open Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-4pm; closed
holidays. (719) 589-4021.
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Arkansas
Headwaters Recreation Area
This Recreation Area stretches 148 miles along the Arkansas River.
There are several different species of wildlife found along the river
corridor. Bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, badger, deer, elk and
birds of all types are just some of the animals you may see. There
are several viewing areas along the river, which offer spectacular
vistas.
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Monte
Vista National Wildlife Refuge
This 14,189-acre
refuge is located (west of Alamosa) 6 miles south of Monte Vista on
State Hwy 15. Migratory ducks, geese shorebirds and water birds nest
in the area, and mallards and geese reside on refuge grainfields in
winter. Sandhill and whooping cranes can be seen October through November
and February through April; bald eagles are abundant November through
March. Auto tour route open daily dawn-dusk. (719) 589-4021
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Mueller
State Park
This picturesque state park
is located off Hwy 67 between Cripple Creek and Divide. It is situated
at the west side of Pikes Peak and covers an area of 5,000-acres.
Mueller is home to elk, black
bear, eagles and hawks. With the park's groves of aspen trees, each
season is a delight for photographers and sightseers. Almost 55 miles
of scenic trails invite you to explore Mueller State Park's rare beauty
on foot, horseback or mountain bike. (719) 687-2366
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Pike
and San Isabel National Forests
The Pike and San Isabel National Forests are home to most of Colorado's
wildlife and have excellent wildlife viewing areas.
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Rio
Grande National Forest
The Rio
Grande National Forest is home to many of Colorado's wildlife species
and have several excellent wildlife viewing areas.
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San
Luis Lakes State Park
San Luis
Lakes State Park and Wildlife Area 30 miles north of Alamosa and 15
minutes west of the Great Sand Dunes National Monument occupies 2,369
acres of land. Wildlife
watching is a year-round activity at San Luis Lakes State Park.
Nesting and migrating birds and other native animals provide visitors
with a "world class" watchable wildlife experience. Bald
eagles and other raptors, sandhill cranes, shorebirds and water birds
can be seen seasonally. Small and large mammals, amphibians and reptiles
are common in the surrounding riparian area. Guided wildlife tours
are available - ask at the park entrance or park office for more information.
(719) 378-2020 |
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