Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) offer rewarding opportunities for observing large mammals in their natural habitat. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from montane meadows to alpine tundra, support numerous species, making it a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Many visitors arrive hoping to catch a glimpse of the iconic creatures that roam the valleys and high country, including the moose.
Current Status of Moose in the Area
Moose are a confirmed and growing presence in Rocky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas. The species found here is the Shiras moose, the smallest of the North American subspecies. Their establishment is a relatively recent success story, as they were considered transient and extremely rare visitors until the late 20th century.
The current population stems from a reintroduction effort conducted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife in the late 1970s and 1980s, placing animals into North Park, west of RMNP. From this initial stock, moose expanded their range and were first recorded in the Kawuneeche Valley on the park’s west side in 1980. Today, moose are present in all major watersheds within RMNP, including the east side near Estes Park. Estimates suggest the park’s population is stable and increasing, with one survey estimating around 140 to 150 animals within the core survey area.
Where and When to Spot Moose
Moose observation depends on knowing their preferred habitat: riparian zones and wetland areas where willow, their primary food source, grows abundantly. The Kawuneeche Valley on the park’s west side is the most reliable area for sightings. The Colorado River and its tributaries, including spots like the Coyote Valley Trailhead and Timber Creek Campground, provide the deep willow thickets they favor for foraging.
On the east side of the park near Estes Park, moose are occasionally seen in wet areas like Sprague Lake and along the trail systems near Cub Lake. The best times to look for them are during the cooler hours of the day, specifically at dawn and dusk, when they are most actively feeding. Viewing opportunities also increase during the late spring and early summer when they move to higher-elevation feeding grounds, and again in the fall during the rut.
Safety Guidelines for Viewing Wildlife
Maintaining a safe and respectful distance is required for both visitor safety and the animal’s well-being. National Park Service guidelines require visitors to stay at least 120 feet away from potentially dangerous wildlife, including moose, black bears, and mountain lions. This distance is approximately the length of three full-sized buses; if an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
Moose are not inherently aggressive but are highly unpredictable and will defend their space, especially a cow with a calf or a bull during the mating season. Unlike elk, moose often stand their ground when threatened and may charge. If a moose shows signs of agitation, such as lowering its head, laying its ears back, or licking its snout, back away immediately. If a moose begins to approach, placing a large object, like a tree or a vehicle, between yourself and the animal can provide a barrier.