Where To Find Colorado’s Winter Wildlife On The Western Slope

It will not be long before Western Colorado turns back the clocks to settle in for another winter season. Did you know that when the snows start to dust the mesas and canyons, they turn into some of the best wildlife-watching areas in the state?

From the canyons of the Colorado National Monument to the river corridors near Delta and Montrose, it is water that brings bighorn sheep and elk herds down to more visible elevations. Winter means fewer crowds and crisp, clear skies, and it’s the perfect time to grab those binoculars and explore.

Where to See Bighorn Sheep

⛰ Best bet: Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.

Over the last five years, I have seen far more Big Horn Sheep along Hwy 65 than in the Colorado National Monument. However, on occasion, you may still see a few large groups of Big Horns in Monument Canyon from time to time. If you can’t see them, stay still for a bit and see if you can hear them.

They often cling to the cliffs and canyon walls visible from Rim Rock Drive. Your best bet is in the morning. A pair of binoculars will help you spot them from the overlooks at Fruita Canyon and Red Canyon.

Where to See Eagles

  ⛰ Best bet: In Grand Junction, you can spot eagles, falcons, and even owls from the overlook at Eagle Rim Park along the Colorado River. In Delta, try Sweitzer Lake State Park, or along the Gunnison River.

During the winter months, bald eagles perch in cottonwoods and glide over open water for fish. You can watch them do this at James M Robb Colorado River State Park (Island Acres). Middays are the best time to watch for Eagles as they use the daytime thermals to climb higher in the sky. The pros say watch for their white heads to stand out against the blue Colorado sky.

Read More: Beware of the 12 Most Dangerous Animals in Colorado

Where to See Elk Herds

Best bet: Uncompahgre Plateau and Grand Mesa foothills.

Some of the largest elk herds on the Western Slope are found North of Grand Junction and the White River National Forest. However, smaller herds also live on the Grand Mesa and on the Uncompahgre Plateau. Searching for Elk means remembering you will need to head South.

Western Colorado’s elk herds migrate from high country to grassy meadows. The elk prefer south-facing slopes. See them on the move at dawn and dusk. It is best to try to see them from overlook areas. Any closer and you will just spook them. Stay quiet for the best chance at a photo.

Read More: Where are the Largest Elk Herds Found in Colorado?

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