COME TO LIFE Big 5 for Wildlife Moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and pronghorn are some of Colorado’s most iconic wildlife — and spotting them in their natural habitat is easier than you might expect. Whether you’re driving a high mountain pass, hiking quiet backcountry or scanning open prairie, seeing these animals from a safe distance in the wild adds something special to any trip. See Colorado’s Elk near Rocky Mountain National Park Moose In State Forest State Park near Walden — also known as Colorado’s Moose Capital — dense forests and slow-moving streams create the perfect conditions for the massive mammals year round. Stop by the Moose Visitor Center, where rangers often know where a bull or cow was spotted that day. Near Grand Junction, a broad plateau lined with lakes and thick spruce spread across Grand Mesa National Forest . Easy hikes like the 3.2-mile Mesa Lakes Trail pass through moose habitat, where you might catch one grazing by the water or stepping out of the trees to cross a clearing. Begin your trek early in the morning for the best luck in spotting one of these impressive creatures. 134 1-800-COLORADO Elk In autumn, elk bulls gather groups of females and defend them with dramatic, echoing calls. One of the best places to hear and see this behavior is right in town at Estes Park Elk Fest . The September event also features elk-themed art, Native American music and a front-row seat to golden fall colors. For a more secluded setting, head to White River National Forest near Aspen. The easy, 2-mile Maroon Bells Scenic Loop Trail winds past tall tree stands and a sparkling lake — where elk often wander between feeding and bedding areas. Always give wildlife plenty of space — if you can cover the entire view of the animal with your thumb when your arm is extended, you’re at a safe distance. BRYAN MALTAIS
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2026: Page 134
