Colorado Springs isn’t just known for its stunning mountain views and iconic landmarks; it’s also one of the best places in Colorado to experience wildlife in its natural habitat. From mule deer grazing at dawn to peregrine falcons gliding above red rock formations, the area is alive with movement, color, and discovery. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or someone who just loves a quiet walk through nature, Colorado Springs offers a front-row seat to the rhythms of the wild.
Why Colorado Springs Is A Wildlife Hotspot
If you're curious about where to spot wildlife in Colorado, Colorado Springs might just top your list. This area is a dream for nature enthusiasts because of its mix of mountainous terrain, rolling plains, and diverse ecosystems.
With so many parks, forests, and open spaces surrounding the city, you’re likely to encounter all kinds of animals on your adventures. Visitors and buyers are drawn to Colorado Springs for the beautiful scenery, but the chance to see wildlife up close is a major bonus.
Whether you're hiking through rugged canyons or relaxing in a quiet meadow, you’re likely to share that moment with everything from deer to hummingbirds.
With so many parks, forests, and open spaces surrounding the city, you’re likely to encounter all kinds of animals on your adventures. Visitors and buyers are drawn to Colorado Springs for the beautiful scenery, but the chance to see wildlife up close is a major bonus.
Whether you're hiking through rugged canyons or relaxing in a quiet meadow, you’re likely to share that moment with everything from deer to hummingbirds.
What Animals Can You Expect To See?
The variety of wildlife in Colorado Springs is impressive. Some species are easy to spot, while others take a bit more patience and timing. Mule deer are incredibly common and often wander into neighborhoods during dusk and dawn. You might also see bighorn sheep scaling steep rocks near Garden of the Gods.
Black bears occasionally make appearances, especially in late summer and fall when they’re foraging. While it’s important to give them space, they are a natural part of the ecosystem here. Coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are active as well — often more noticeable during quieter hours.
Birdwatchers have plenty to enjoy, too. Colorado Springs is a migratory path for dozens of bird species. Red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles can be spotted soaring above. In spring and summer, hummingbirds, western tanagers, and bluebirds add vibrant flashes of color to the trees.
Black bears occasionally make appearances, especially in late summer and fall when they’re foraging. While it’s important to give them space, they are a natural part of the ecosystem here. Coyotes, foxes, and raccoons are active as well — often more noticeable during quieter hours.
Birdwatchers have plenty to enjoy, too. Colorado Springs is a migratory path for dozens of bird species. Red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, and bald eagles can be spotted soaring above. In spring and summer, hummingbirds, western tanagers, and bluebirds add vibrant flashes of color to the trees.
Best Places To Spot Wildlife Around The City
Colorado Springs has no shortage of amazing places where you can enjoy wildlife without venturing too far from the city. One of the most popular destinations is Garden of the Gods. This public park is not only famous for its red sandstone formations but also for its resident mule deer, bighorn sheep, and songbirds. The paved and dirt trails give you access to all kinds of terrain where incredible animals might be feeding or resting.
Another must-visit location is North Cheyenne Cañon Park. With its steep cliffs, waterfalls, and shaded forests, this park is ideal for observing birds of prey, foxes, and even bobcats. If you hike early in the morning, your chances of spotting wildlife increase dramatically.
Bear Creek Nature Center and Red Rock Canyon Open Space also offer excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. These locations provide a mix of habitats — open meadows, forested trails, and wetlands — that support a range of animals throughout the year.
Another must-visit location is North Cheyenne Cañon Park. With its steep cliffs, waterfalls, and shaded forests, this park is ideal for observing birds of prey, foxes, and even bobcats. If you hike early in the morning, your chances of spotting wildlife increase dramatically.
Bear Creek Nature Center and Red Rock Canyon Open Space also offer excellent wildlife-watching opportunities. These locations provide a mix of habitats — open meadows, forested trails, and wetlands — that support a range of animals throughout the year.
Seasonal Wildlife Highlights
Each season in Colorado Springs brings its own wildlife highlights. In spring, you’ll notice animals becoming more active as the temperatures rise. Birds return from migration, deer shed their winter coats, and young animals begin to appear.
Summer is ideal for watching pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as reptiles basking in the sun. You might also hear the distinct calls of frogs near ponds and streams. This is also when hummingbirds are most active — often seen darting between flowering plants and feeders.
Fall is a time of preparation in the wild. Bears are on the move, searching for high-calorie food before winter hibernation. Migratory birds begin their journey south, creating great moments for spotting larger flocks.
Winter doesn’t bring wildlife to a halt. Elk and deer are still visible, especially in lower elevations. Tracks in the snow reveal the movement of foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a snow-dusted owl perched quietly in the trees.
Summer is ideal for watching pollinators like bees and butterflies, as well as reptiles basking in the sun. You might also hear the distinct calls of frogs near ponds and streams. This is also when hummingbirds are most active — often seen darting between flowering plants and feeders.
Fall is a time of preparation in the wild. Bears are on the move, searching for high-calorie food before winter hibernation. Migratory birds begin their journey south, creating great moments for spotting larger flocks.
Winter doesn’t bring wildlife to a halt. Elk and deer are still visible, especially in lower elevations. Tracks in the snow reveal the movement of foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a snow-dusted owl perched quietly in the trees.
Tips For Respectful Wildlife Viewing
When watching wildlife, it’s important to stay respectful and avoid disturbing the animals. Keep a safe distance and never try to feed them. Human food is not only unhealthy for wild animals, but it also encourages behavior that puts them at risk.
If you're using a camera or binoculars, keep your presence quiet and calm. Sudden movements and loud noises can scare animals away or stress them unnecessarily. Make sure you’re also staying on designated trails, as this helps protect fragile habitats.
If you’re bringing your dog along, be sure it stays leashed at all times. Even a well-behaved pet can accidentally disturb wildlife or create unsafe encounters. Some areas restrict dogs during specific seasons to protect sensitive animal activity, such as nesting or denning.
If you're using a camera or binoculars, keep your presence quiet and calm. Sudden movements and loud noises can scare animals away or stress them unnecessarily. Make sure you’re also staying on designated trails, as this helps protect fragile habitats.
If you’re bringing your dog along, be sure it stays leashed at all times. Even a well-behaved pet can accidentally disturb wildlife or create unsafe encounters. Some areas restrict dogs during specific seasons to protect sensitive animal activity, such as nesting or denning.
The Wild Side Of Colorado Springs Awaits
Colorado Springs isn't just beautiful; it’s alive. With each trail you hike and each canyon you explore, you’re stepping into the home of countless animals that make this region so unique. Every season offers new opportunities, new sightings, and new reasons to explore.
Whether you’re gazing at a hawk soaring overhead or spotting deer along a quiet path, these moments stay with you. They remind you that the city’s best feature might just be the wild world that surrounds it.
If you’re ready to start your next chapter and explore Colorado Springs, Pink Realty can help you find the right home. Team up today!
Whether you’re gazing at a hawk soaring overhead or spotting deer along a quiet path, these moments stay with you. They remind you that the city’s best feature might just be the wild world that surrounds it.
If you’re ready to start your next chapter and explore Colorado Springs, Pink Realty can help you find the right home. Team up today!
