Birds in Estes Park
There are plenty of Estes Park activities and attractions to choose from, no matter what type of adventure you are seeking. Some of our guests at Rocky Mountain Resorts enjoy quieter activities that allow them to enjoy the beauty of nature that surrounds us, such as bird watching.
With over 280 bird species found within Rocky Mountain National Park, which is enough that it’s been recognized as a Global Important Bird Area, the park is a great starting point to start your bird-watching adventures. Even a simple walk through town can become a bird-watching opportunity—especially in the spring. Lake Estes and the Big Thompson river walkway are two popular in-town locations you can start with!
The area is home to a diverse array of bird species, including several species of hawks, eagles, and owls, as well as various species of waterfowl and songbirds. Some of the bird species that are commonly seen in the park include the American Goldfinch, the Mountain Bluebird, and the Clark’s Nutcracker.
Inside the park, a birders’ paradise awaits. Lumpy Ridge, Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake Road, Upper Beaver Meadows, and Wild Basin are just a few of the park’s hotspots for birding. Stop by the park’s visitor center on your way in for recommendations about where to look that day, or join one of their Ranger-Led Programs for a fully guided experience around the park.
Another popular birding destination in Estes Park is the Hermit Park Open Space, which is located just outside of town. This area is known for its large meadows and wetlands, which attract a variety of bird species, including warblers, sparrows, and sandpipers.
Rocky Mountain Conservancy and Green Jeep Tours offer outdoor tours and activities where you could easily spot birds. However, Kaiyote Tours probably offers the area’s most extensive birding tour options—with them, you can arrange a private half or a full-day tour across the park’s best trails.
