Bullsnake (below)

Yellow-bellied racer (above)
Wandering Gartersnake (below)

Are you looking for things to do with your kiddos while they are out of school this summer? Viewing wildlife can be fun and educational! Colorado is home to over 400 species of birds, and over 80 species of reptiles and amphibians! Kids can engage with nature, learn how to treat it with respect, and take some cool pictures to show off to their friends later.

Here are 5 places you can visit to see wildlife this summer. 

1. Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is home to more than 330 animal species including bison, mule, and white-tailed deer. Even bald eagles winter here! You can take an 11 mile drive through the park and drive right next to the bison area. You can also take a number of short hikes, including many woodland and wetland trails, as well as our favorite - a grassland trail called Rattlesnake hill! 
2. Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Bring a lunch and take a drive up this iconic 14,264 foot mountain! It is a 28 mile drive and you can take many stops along the way to view bighorn sheep, pikas, marmots, and mountain goats. Fun fact - this is the highest paved road in North America, so bring a jacket as the temperature gradually drops while you climb up. Some stops we recommend are Echo Lake, the Denver Botanic Gardens Mount Goliath location, and the multiple lookout pull offs. 
3.  Estes Park: At this nationally recognized location, elk can be seen any time, bighorn sheep are seen at Sheep Lake in the summer, and moose frequent willow thickets along the Colorado River.  Overall, there are hundreds of wildlife species to be seen. They will customize your trip for you and make this an experience your kids will never forget. 
4. Guanella Pass:  Look for mountains goats, bobcats, beavers, bighorn sheep, and various bird species as you drive this beautiful 23 mile stretch of road. You will journey between two watersheds - South Platte and Clear Creek, through spruce and aspen groves until you hit the treeline - where the trees stop growing and the tundra begins. There are a number of trails you can hike along and get some incredible photos of the scenery and wildlife! We recommend the famous Guanella Pass Trail - it is easily accessible and not super strenuous. 
5. Wild Animal Sanctuary: This sanctuary is known for rescuing wildlife, especially of predatory nature, and rehabilitating them. There’s a 1.5 mile elevated walkway you can take to view tigers, bears, lions, and more. The animals roam free, so every time you come, there’s a chance to see something/someone different. Since the summers can be hot, come at sunrise or take advantage of the Sanctuary’s Wild Nights program. 

Remember! Anywhere you go:

• Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Use binoculars and zoom lenses if you want to observe wildlife closer.
• Never stop or block traffic.
• Never follow or chase animals.
• Observe quietly - there’s a lot to see and hear! 
• Keep all pets on leash.
• Leave each place you stop and visit as you found it! 
• Have fun, be safe, and enjoy nature!