Are you planning a trip or vacation to Colorado to view our wide diversity of wildlife? Perhaps you’re a resident looking to explore more of your state. Prior to starting your adventure, please take a moment to:
We strongly encourage anyone visiting the back roads of Colorado to be prepared. Make sure you have a good road atlas, food, water, proper clothing and some sunscreen. We also suggest bringing a pair of binoculars and bird book or wildlife viewing guide.
Prairie Chicken Watching tours with Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Prairie chickens are very early risers, so be prepared to meet with you tour group well before dawn! Greater prairie chickens perform courtship rituals in open grasslands. Males gather in large groups called “leks”, attracting females looking for a potential mate. Performing stunning mating displays to impress females, males produce a wide range of vocalizations and engage in a complex “dance”, raising their feathers, bowing their heads, and rapidly stepping with their feet. The Wray Chamber of Commerce and the East Yuma County Historical Society organize tours where visitors can learn about and witness these astounding natural spectacles. Early morning …
Sharp-tailed Grouse Viewing
Colorado Parks and Wildlife offers limited guided tours to view sharp-tailed grouse near Hayden. Tours are provided by the local district wildlife manager; participants must arrange for meals and accommodations on their own. Hayden is located in the Yampa Valley between Steamboat Springs and Craig. To request a tour, call 970.276-3338 and leave a message.
Greater Sage-Grouse Viewing
Guided viewing trips offered; tours are limited to 20 people per day, so it’s best to register early. Each tour begins at 6:30 p.m. the evening before the viewing trip, with a meal and a short educational program provided by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Participants meet before dawn the next morning for the trip to the sage grouse lek. Tour fees are paid to the Walden Chamber of Commerce and cover the cost of meals, accommodations, and access to state land board property. Lodging will be arranged when you call to register.