Colorado is a magical place in winter.
Many don backcountry skis or snowshoes and escape the stress and the holiday throngs to enjoy the solitude, peace, and beauty of nature.
Winter offers wildlife viewing opportunities that are not found at any other time of the year. As the snow deepens in the high country the animals move to wintering grounds in lower elevations and valley bottoms. Animals you can see in winter include moose, deer, and furbearers such as marten, ermine and perhaps a rare glimpse of bobcat or cougar. Birds abound in this icy wonderland—jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, and owls.
Wildlife viewing ethics are particularly important during the winter. Maintain distance and do not cause animals to change their behavior.
Get more winter wildlife viewing tips