The Winter months in Rocky offer plenty of great wildlife sightings, with many encounters occuring just outside the car window. November is prime time for the mule deer rut, coyotes and elk are still very active and it snows very little. With some luck we can also find sheep. Late November and December is the big horn sheep rut with rams smashing into each other at 35 mph, and if your lucky you can hear the echo of their collisions over a mile away. The New Year brings more snow and investigating animal tracks made by snowshoe hares, bobcats, elk, deer, sheep, mice, pine squirrels, birds, coyote, and mountain lion can be great fun. Each track tells the story of survival in the snow. Wildlife is still readily seen, especially the elk, coyotes, and deer. Late February through April is prime time for big horn sheep as the female and lamb bands come down to the lower hills almost everyday. If your lucky the big horn rams will show up as well.

Winter is also a great time to see the various bird species that spend winter with us, nothing warms your cold toes like the song of a flock of Chickadees. Wild Turkey show up from time to time. The scavenging birds like Magpies, Stellar's Jays, Clark's Nutcrackers, Crows, and Ravens are all out showing just how smart they really are surviving the winter and having fun in the snow.

See your chances of seeing wildlife on a tour

Tour Details: All tours are private, only the people you invite will come along. Groups are limited to four people to ensure each person has a quality experience with our naturalist. Limited to children 10 and up. Binoculars are available for each person as well as use of a spotting scope to really bring those distant creatures into view. Our vehicle also has a thermal imaging camera installed to help find animals. There are a number of stops where we can use the park restrooms.

Snowshoes are available for use, but you should consider renting a pair of snowshoes and poles if you plan to stay for a few days. Rentals are available at the Warming House.

Sunscreen, water and snacks are provided for all guests. Be sure to dress warm and in layers. Avoid cotton socks and jeans as they absorb water. Warm people see more animals. *Not included: Park entrance fees are $10 per person or $40 for an annual pass.

Winter Rates: October 20th - April 14th

Fees: 1 - 4 Guests     

3.5 Hour Tour $85 first guest + $25 per additional guest*

6 Hour Tour $125 first guest + $35 per additional guest*
(Recommended only if your looking for additional species like snowshoe hares)  

Book your tour:
tours@YWGuiding.com
303-775-5484