17 Top Rocky Mountain National Park Animals To See

Are you planning a family trip to the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park? Get ready for an adventure that your kids will cherish forever!

Beyond the stunning landscapes and towering peaks, the park is home to a diverse array of wildlife that will leave your little ones wide-eyed with wonder.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots in the park to catch a glimpse of the fascinating animals that call this wilderness home.

Rocky Mountain National Park Animals: Top Wildlife To Spot

Black Bears

Rocky Mountain National Park hosts a rare population of black bears. Due to factors like low berry options and high elevation, sightings are infrequent.

However, Bear Lake Road and Kawuneeche Valley, especially during choke cherry season in May, August, and September, offers a slim chance for distant sightings.

Optimal times are dawn and dusk, so keep those binoculars handy for a potential bear spotting adventure.

Moose

Moose, successfully reintroduced in the late ’70s, have become a common sight in the park.

For close-up views of the largest member of the deer family, visit Upper Beaver Meadows, Kawuneeche Valley, Holzwarth Meadow, and Old Fall River Road during May and June.

During July, August, and early September, sightings may be at a greater distance, requiring binoculars.

Moose and elk are most active during the same time of day but often in different regions of the park.

Elk

Elk, iconic to the Rockies, can be seen year-round and you are likely to see them during your visit!

Often spotted during the fall rut, or mating season, these large animals add a touch of drama to the open meadows and forest fringes.

In the summer, elk can be found at or above treeline, in higher elevations. As the season changes, they migrate to lower elevations in the fall, winter, and spring.

Trail Ridge Road, Kawuneeche Valley, Sprague Lake, Old Fall River Road, Sheep Lakes, and the iconic Bear Lake Road are the best places to spot them, especially during the fall rut. Look for the impressive antlers of the bull elk!

Best times for majestic elk spotting are dawn and dusk, but remember to keep a safe distance.

Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep grace Sheep Lakes from May through mid-August. Male rams, with their iconic curved horns, are truly a sight to behold!

Mating season for bighorn sheep, or the rut, occurs during mid-fall. Witness the male rams engage in dramatic head-butting contests to establish dominance and win the attention of ewes.

Plan mid-morning or mid-afternoon visits for the best chance to spot these kings of the cliffs.

Mule Deer

Mule deer Mule deer are graceful, medium-sized herbivores known for their large ears, distinctive black-tipped tails, and white rump patches.

Common in the park, they are often found at lower elevations in open areas in Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park itself surprisingly becomes a hotspot for these creatures.

You can also spot them in Upper Beaver Meadows, Kawuneeche Valley, and on Trail Ridge Road.

Early mornings and late afternoons are prime times for deer watching.

Mountain Lions

Mountain lions, the silent shadows of the Rockies, are elusive but present.

Sightings are more likely in the early morning or late afternoon.

These creatures are active year-round, so be vigilant during any season.

While spotting them is rare, keeping a respectful (i.e. as large as humanly possible) distance is essential for a safe and memorable encounter. Personally, I would much rather see one of these either with a telescope or on the National Geographic channel ;).

Canada Lynx

Canada lynx, the elusive majesties of the Rockies, are a rare find.

While sightings are extremely rare, the Kawuneeche Valley may provide a slim chance.

Early morning or late afternoon visits during any season increase your odds.

Patience is key, and a quiet demeanor enhances the chances of a once-in-a-lifetime lynx encounter.

Yellow-Bellied Marmots and Pikas

Yellow-bellied marmots and pikas are our favorite small mammals of the high Rockies.

Marmots can be best seen on the alpine tundra along Trail Ridge and Old Fall River roads, while pikas are common in rock piles.

Late spring to early fall is the ideal time for sightings, with mid-morning or mid-afternoon being the best times.

Patience and a keen eye are advised, as these creatures may rely on their natural camouflage.

Snowshoe Hares

Snowshoe hares, winter wonders in fur, inhabit the park’s colder regions.

The best time to catch a glimpse is during the winter months when their white fur stands out against the snow.

Venture into open alpine meadows and high elevations for a chance encounter.

Prairie Dogs

Prairie dogs, the socialites of the open plains, can be found in open meadows.

Head to Moraine Park for a chance to witness their bustling communities.

Anytime during the day you are likely to see them, but mornings may offer more activity.

Clark’s Nutcrackers, Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, and Prairie Falcons

Keep your eyes on the sky to spot Clark’s nutcrackers, golden eagles, bald eagles, and prairie falcons along Trail Ridge Road.

Year-round sightings are possible, especially during late morning or early afternoon.

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Binoculars are recommended for birdwatching enthusiasts to fully appreciate the intricate flight patterns and behaviors of these feathered wonders.

White-Tailed Ptarmigans

White-tailed ptarmigans are common but elusive. Hike the designated trails on the alpine tundra during late spring to early fall for the best chance.

Mid-morning or mid-afternoon hikes increase your odds of a sighting.

Being still and observant is key, as these birds rely on their camouflage for protection.

Wild Turkeys

Wild turkeys are a common sight in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Spot this species of birds in areas like Upper Beaver Meadows, especially during the morning.

Fall is a great time for turkey sightings.

Western Tanagers

Western tanagers, vibrant splashes of color, can be seen in various parts of the park. Their striking colors make them stand out, especially during the spring and summer months.

Look for them in areas like Horseshoe Park and open meadows.

Mid-morning to early afternoon is an excellent time for birdwatching, and binoculars will add to the delight of spotting these feathered gems.

RMNP Wildlife Viewing Tips

1. Timed Entry Permits: Secure your timed entry permits, especially for popular areas like Bear Lake Corridor.
2. Best Times for Wildlife Viewing: Early morning or late afternoon are the golden hours. However, wildlife surprises can happen at any time.
3. Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance, stay quiet, and avoid startling them. Remind the kids that we’re guests in their home and no matter how cute, they are still wild animals.
4. Binoculars Are Your Friends: A pair of binoculars can turn a distant sighting into a family adventure. Let the kids take turns being the wildlife detectives.

Rocky Mountain National Park Ranger-Led Programs

If you are able, be sure to partake in one of the National Park Service’s Ranger-Led Programs at Estes Park and the Alpine Visitors Center.

These programs are a fantastic way for parents and their little explorers to delve deeper into the rich history and diverse ecosystems of the Rockies.

These programs are free and open to the public. From informative walks to captivating talks, these ranger-guided activities provide insights into the wonders that make Rocky Mountain National Park a natural masterpiece.

Ranger program schedules, including topics, descriptions, times, and locations, are posted at visitor centers throughout the park. Keep an eye out for these details when you arrive in the park!

Get ready for a journey into the wild heart of Rocky Mountain National Park with your little adventurers!

The park’s diverse wildlife awaits, and with a bit of patience and some binocular magic, you’re in for an unforgettable family experience.