Estes Park is a nature lover’s dream, filled with rugged mountains, glistening lakes, and towering forests. While people love spending time enjoying the great outdoors here, so do animals. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are homes to an abundance of amazing wildlife. You never quite know what kind of critters you’re going to encounter when you visit, but it’s always a delight. 

At Estes Park Condos, we think it’s time to shine a spotlight on the animals that roam our region. Here’s our guide on Rocky Mountain National Park wildlife.

Rocky Mountain National Park Wildlife

Rocky Mountain National Park features an incredibly diverse ecosystem, making it suitable for supporting all kinds of wildlife. While there are plenty of animals in the park’s waters and air, let’s focus on the creatures you’ll find on land. 

Let’s start off with Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest animal species, the black bear. Black bears are the only type of bear that currently reside in the park, and sightings are scarce. If you do encounter a black bear, don’t run away. Make yourself as large as possible, make lots of noise, and slowly back away. 

Moose is another large creature that calls the park home. However, unlike bears, there’s a good chance you’ll see a moose when you visit. They are commonly spotted along Highway 34 in the Kawuneeche Valley but also keep your eyes peeled wherever you find aquatic vegetation and willows. 

Like moose, elk are another wildlife species you’ll like to see when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park. Elk gather in large herds, making them quite easy to spot. In autumn, you might hear a noise that sounds like a high-pitched whistle that turns into a grunting sound. This sound is known as the bulge, and it’s a male elk, also known as a bull, mating call. 

The final mammal we’d like to highlight for you is the symbol of Rocky Mountain National Park, the bighorn sheep. These are the largest sheep in North America; males can weigh over 300 pounds. Keep an eye out for these massive sheep in Horseshoe Park, where you’ll likely see them grazing. If you’re interested in seeing bighorn sheep in more mountainous areas, hop on Trail Ridge Road. 

More Animals in Estes Park

Those are just a few examples of the wildlife you might come across in Rocky Mountain National Park. There’s plenty of more you might see. Keep a lookout for the following:

  • Beaver
  • Chipmunk
  • Coyote
  • Mountain Lion
  • Mule Deer
  • Pika
  • Snowshoe Hare
  • Squirrel
  • Yellow-Bellied Marmot

One of Estes Park Condos' properties where you might see wildlife such as bears, marmots, and moreYou’ll have a chance to see all of this incredible wildlife when you visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. When you stay at Estes Park Condos, you’re just a short drive away from the stunning natural beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park. Mountains surround our Estes Park suite, condo, and vacation home rentals on all sides. Our guests have even sighted elk, black bear, moose, bighorn sheep, and more on our property. To stay with us, please check availability online or call us at 970-577-0068.