LIVING IT UP:

Critters on the Front Range don’t just exist here—they thrive across 8,000 vertical feet of rugged terrain! Following our Wildflower Blog and Bird Migration Blog, which explored the flora and flying fauna of the foothills and alpine tundra, we’re back to take the guesswork out of observing our region’s beloved animals. Understanding “Life Zones” is the secret to a successful sighting. Whether you are booking a tour or hiking on your own, use this guide to know where to look.

The Red Rock Residents: Foothills & Lower Montane (5,600 – 9,500 ft)

Garden of the Gods:

This iconic landscape is home to Mule Deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep.

Look closely at the red rocks to spot nesting Rock Wrens and skyrocketing White-throated Swifts.

While this is the “coolest rock garden in the world,” remember to stay “snake aware” for Rattlesnakes. Our most common seen “nope rope” is the Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) appearing in the warmer months of April through October. Booking a guided tour is a great safety move; our guides know their favorite hiding spots.

Best Tours: GOG Segways, Foothill & GOG Jeeps, E-Bike, or a Guided Hiking Tour.

 

Queen’s Canyon:

Tours entering the Glen Eyrie Castle grounds usually find another favorite spot for the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep but also a location for Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) following Clear Creek southward.

The sun hits their feathers in stunning rainbow effects.

If you see turkeys or rabbits, keep your eyes peeled for Grey Foxes and Red Foxes—that’s a prize-winning photo in the making!

 

The Shadow Dwellers: Montane & Subalpine (9,500 – 11,500 ft)

Cheyenne Canyon, Gold Camp Road, and Crystal Reservoir:

The “Apex Trio” reigns supreme:

Mountain Lions, Black Bears, and Bobcats. While they prefer these higher elevations, they often venture into Garden of the Gods during the quiet hours of early morning or dusk.

 

 

 

 

Best Tours: Pikes Peak Jeep Tours, High Country Jeep, or E-Bike Tours.

Recently, Moose have also been making a splash from Ute Pass up to the ponds along Gold Camp Road. If you’re hiking here, always stay aware of your surroundings.

 

High-Altitude Heroes: Alpine Tundra (Above 11,500 ft)

Welcome to the roof of the Rockies!

 

Survival above the treeline means enduring 100-mph winds and sub-zero winters.

 

Here you’ll meet the Pika—a grapefruit-sized cousin to the rabbit (not a rodent!) known for its shrill warning squeak. Because they are sensitive to heat, these little guys are important indicators of climate change.

 

You’ll also encounter sun-bathing Yellow-bellied Marmots that know they “own” the mountain.

Watch for the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. They can be seen on Pikes Peak too, enjoying the crags and views along with you. Did I mention their range of habitat is HUGE?

Best Tours: Pikes Peak Jeep Tours or the Pikes Peak & GOG Combo.

Wildlife Wildcards: The Legend of Bigfoot

Did you know there’s an official “Bigfoot Crossing” sign on Pikes Peak? We’re often asked if it’s a joke. The answer?

A resounding…. “maybe.”

We know credible sources who have seen something unexplainable near the remote reservoirs. One account describes a creature that looked like a bear scrounging for berries—until it stood up on two legs and whistled for its companion sheepdog before vanishing into the timber. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, your Jeep guide will certainly have the latest “sighting” update for you!

Pro Tips for the Trail

Tread Lightly: Take only pictures, stay on marked trails, and leave the berries for the animals who need them.
Watch the Three W’s: Watch the Weather, watch your surroundings, and watch how you are feeling (altitude is real!).

Booking with Adventures Out West takes the stress out of the logistics so you can focus your lens on the shot of a lifetime.

Let’s go see something “wild”!

By Sassafrass (Tammila K. Wright)