The Best Wildlife Watching

Trail Ridge Road: It's almost unbelievable how easy it is to see wildlife while driving along Trail Ridge Road. In fact, if you don't see birds and at least some squirrels and other small mammals, then you must have slept through the ride. In addition to the numerous squirrels and chipmunks, look for deer and elk in the meadows along the road, and yellow-bellied marmots and pikas at the higher elevations. Watch for the numerous birds, such as mountain bluebirds, Steller's jays, Clark's nutcrackers, prairie falcons, and golden eagles.

Coyote Valley Nature Trail: This easy walk in the Kawuneeche Valley offers a chance at glimpsing a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, coyotes, weasels, porcupines, and squirrels.

Moraine Park Campground: Both in the campground and along the road leading to it from Bear Lake Road, watch for elk, deer, and smaller mammals such as chipmunks and squirrels.