When you’re a traveler who has a passion for history, outdoor adventure, culinary thrills, and inspired attractions, there’s no better place to find yourself than Durango, Colorado. This charming mountain town has something for everyone to enjoy, and it’s also an oasis of opportunity when you find yourself longing to encounter some truly incredible wildlife along the way! In the skies overhead and on the ground below, Durango plays host to a variety of rich habitats where creatures of all kinds can thrive. That means that if you’re looking to make travel memories that last a lifetime, planning a Durango, Colorado wildlife watching journey is always the best place to start.
Species You Could Encounter While You’re Here
Year-round, Durango is a place where you can find incredible wildlife watching opportunities at your fingertips. This is thanks to the fact that Durango hosts a dynamic landscape made up of desert canyons, rivers, forests, and alpine meadows as well.
Visitors who head this way for watching wildlife in Colorado might just find themselves face to face with mule deer when they focus their sightseeing around the local meadows. If you head into the foothills, you’ll increase your chances of spotting black bears foraging for their food in the summer, fall, and spring. Within the confines of the impressive San Juan National Forest, you’re likely to spot elk herds freely roaming.
On any given warm-weather hike in Durango, you’ll find there are a variety of smaller creatures you might spot on the local trails. These can include chipmunks and marmots as well as foxes, who use mountain routes as their home.
For birding enthusiasts heading to Durango, the options for great wildlife watching moments are equally fantastic. Here, there are opportunities to spot everything from red-tailed hawks and golden eagles to bald eagles soaring overhead. Head over to the Animas River Valley, and you’ll increase your chances of seeing these impressive raptors hunting for their prey.
While far more rare, it’s still possible to spot bobcats and mountain lions in this region as well. Durango’s waterways also play host to a large population of trout.
Consider Your Colorado Wildlife Watching Season
While you can certainly add wildlife watching to your itinerary at any time in Durango, the season you travel in will definitely determine your chances for spotting specific species. Those who head this way in the fall, between September and October, will increase their opportunities to see elk bugling in the meadows. Winter is the time of year to head this way to see bald eagles in abundance, while spring marks the season for deer-spotting. If it’s sightings of adorable pikas and marmots on the trails you’re after, summer is likely when you want to plan your wildlife watching journey to Durango.
Top Local Viewing Destinations
It’s fair to say that Mother Nature has her own plans. While nothing is guaranteed when it comes to wildlife watching, there are certainly places in Durango you can visit that will increase the likelihood of successful sightings.
The Animas River Valley is a potential-packed spot to check out when you’re hoping to spot herons and bald eagles during your stay. Elk and deer are prevalent within the San Juan National Forest, while Vallecito Lake is a great place to set your sights on beavers and waterfowl.
When you’re excited to potentially spot larger mammals, it’s always a good idea to explore places like Mesa Verde National Park. Here, it’s common for visitors to see coyotes as well as black bears in certain seasons of the year.
Make Sure to Respect Wildlife and Your Surroundings
The key to successful wildlife watching is always to maintain a high level of respect for the creatures you’re observing, as well as the environment you’re exploring. When you plan a wildlife watching journey to Durango, you’ll want to make sure you do so with binoculars in hand so you can keep a safe distance from wild creatures at all times. Remaining calm and quiet is a must, and it’s important to never feed wild animals you encounter along the way.
It’s vital that adventurers making time to enjoy watching wildlife in Colorado stick to trails and designated routes in order to maintain high safety standards at all times. Above all, be sure to leave no trace of your visit by packing out all trash along the way.
Book Incredible Accommodations in Durango
When you’re ready to enjoy an incredible journey to Durango with a focus on wildlife watching this year, the team at Durango Colorado Vacations has the accommodations you need to top off your experience in comfort and style.
Reach out today to learn more about our beautiful cabins in Durango, CO that will keep you close to the places you’re excited to explore while enjoying world-class amenities while you’re in town. We can’t wait to help you put together a trip you won’t soon forget, and we look forward to seeing you in Durango soon!
