While skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts flock to the Rocky Mountains in the winter, Silverthorne vacation rentals offer all new possibilities during the summer months. On top of the hiking, camping and mountain biking that abounds in the Winter Park area, another favorite pastime is wildlife viewing. Catching a glimpse of elk, bighorn sheep and spectacular birds of prey is easy - as long as you know exactly where to go to catch these winged and four-legged creatures in action.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Just a short drive north from your Silverthorne vacation rental, Rocky Mountain National Park offers a plethora of wildlife viewing, with nearly 60 species of mammals and more than 280 species of birds. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of one of the six species of amphibians that call this rocky region home. Elk are the big attraction in Rocky Mountain National Park, particularly in the fall months like September and October. You may find large elk herds congregating in low meadows during this time of year, and hear the majestic bugles that male elk use to call the females during mating season. Bighorn sheep tend to come out of hiding in May, showing off their young lambs to the rest of the park. Head over to the natural mineral licks in Horseshoe Park during the spring to catch a glimpse of these animals.
Fraser River Trail
When you head out of your Silverthorne vacation rental towards the neighboring town of Fraser, you will find the Fraser River Trail. This paved nature trail meanders along the Fraser River between Fraser and Winter Park, and offers a host of wildlife viewing opportunities. Some of the reported sightings include fox, deer and even the occasional moose. The five-mile trail is an easy hike and offers informational plaques about the wildlife in the area as well as a telescope that offers a closeup view of the Continental Divide. For the best wildlife viewing opportunities, hit the trail at dusk, when the animals are more likely to come out to play.
Arapahoe National Recreation Area
This area is very close to your Silverthorne rental, and boasts no less than 36,000 acres of pristine mountain vistas and five lakes that have been dubbed the five Great Lakes of Colorado. The largest natural lake in Colorado, Grand Lake, is also located near the Arapahoe National Recreation Area. Around these bodies of water you might spot coyote, elk, moose, deer or fox. Bobcats and bears also call this region home, as do smaller critters like chipmunks, beaver and a variety of squirrels. Look up and you might spy a golden eagle or osprey. Recreation in the area includes hiking, camping and boating, along with many wildlife viewing opportunities. Fishing and hunting are also allowed during particular seasons of the year.
Winter Park and the surrounding areas offer many opportunities to spot wildlife native to the Rocky Mountains. Whether you take a hike down a nature trail in Fraser or drive your car through the winding roads of Rocky Mountain National Park, you are bound to see a wide range of spectacular wildlife that calls Colorado home. Search Vamoose.com to find aSilverthorne rental to suit your needs, based on location, price and amenities offered.