Buena Vista is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning mountain landscapes and abundant wildlife just minutes from town. Whether you're hoping to catch a glimpse of majestic elk, elusive mountain lions, or soaring bald eagles, the region provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Colorado. From hidden reserves to scenic lakes and rugged canyons, these wildlife-watching spots near Buena Vista offer unforgettable encounters with Colorado’s diverse animal life.
1. Heckendorf Elk Reserve – The Best Place to See Elk
Location: Co Rd 361, Buena Vista, CO 81211
Wildlife You’ll See:
- Elk herds year-round
- Occasional mule deer and coyotes
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning or dusk, when elk are most active
The Heckendorf Elk Reserve is one of the best places to see elk in Buena Vista. Dedicated to preserving local elk populations, the reserve features an elevated observation deck, offering a great vantage point without disturbing the animals. The best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when elk are most active, grazing in the meadows or moving through the foothills.
During the fall rut (mating season), visitors may hear the iconic bugling of bull elk, a truly unforgettable sound echoing through the valley. This reserve is a must-visit for wildlife photographers and nature lovers alike.
2. Love Ranch Wildlife Observatory – A Hidden Gem for Diverse Wildlife
Location: Chalk Creek Canyon, west of Nathrop and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs
Wildlife You’ll See:
- Bighorn sheep and elk
- Deer, antelope, and coyotes
- Various birds of prey, including eagles and hawks
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning or late afternoon for better visibility
Tucked away in Chalk Creek Canyon, the Love Ranch Wildlife Observatory is a secluded and peaceful location perfect for spotting diverse wildlife near Buena Vista. A mix of grassy meadows and forested areas provides a habitat for animals such as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, and pronghorn antelope.
The outdoor wooden observatory allows for unobstructed views of the landscape, making it a great place for wildlife photography or simply enjoying nature. Because of the variety of wildlife, visitors can see animals at almost any time of day, but early mornings and evenings provide the best chances for sightings.
3. Bighorn Sheep Canyon – A Prime Spot for Spotting Bighorn Sheep
Location: Along Highway 50, between Salida and Canon City
Wildlife You’ll See:
- Bighorn sheep (most commonly spotted on rocky hillsides)
- Occasional black bears and mountain lions in more remote areas
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning or late afternoon, when bighorn sheep are most active
Bighorn Sheep Canyon is one of the best places to spot Colorado’s state animal, the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. As you drive along Highway 50, keep an eye on the steep, rocky cliffs, where these agile climbers navigate the terrain with ease.
During the fall mating season, bighorn rams engage in dramatic head-butting battles, which can be heard echoing through the canyon. While sightings are common year-round, winter and early spring offer particularly good opportunities, as sheep move to lower elevations to forage for food.
4. Arkansas River Valley – A Diverse Wildlife Habitat
Location: Surrounding Buena Vista and Salida
Wildlife You’ll See:
- Mule deer and elk
- Coyotes, bears, and foxes
- Mountain lions and bobcats (rare but occasionally spotted)
- Beavers and waterfowl along the riverbanks
Best Time to Visit:
- Dawn or dusk, when wildlife is most active
The Arkansas River Valley is one of the most diverse wildlife viewing areas near Buena Vista. From riverbanks teeming with beavers and waterfowl to forested hills where black bears roam, this area offers some of the best chances to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Elk and mule deer are frequently seen grazing in meadows, while coyotes and foxes often make appearances at dawn and dusk. While mountain lions and bobcats are rarely spotted, their presence is evident through tracks and occasional trail camera captures. For birdwatchers, the river corridor is home to bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.
5. Cottonwood Lake – A Scenic Spot for Mountain Goat Sightings
Location: Near Cottonwood Pass
Wildlife You’ll See:
- Mountain goats on the cliffs above the lake
- Marmots and pika among the rocks
- Bald eagles and hawks overhead
Best Time to Visit:
- Anytime, but early morning or late afternoon offers the best visibility
Cottonwood Lake is one of the few places near Buena Vista where mountain goats can be spotted. These agile climbers navigate the rocky cliffs above the lake, especially during warmer months when they descend to graze.
The area is also home to marmots and pika, which can often be seen darting between boulders. Birdwatchers will appreciate sightings of bald eagles and hawks soaring overhead, especially during the summer months. The pullouts along the road to Cottonwood Pass offer great opportunities for spotting wildlife while taking in breathtaking alpine views.
6. Sands Lake State Wildlife Area – A Prime Birdwatching Destination
Location: 8720 Co Rd 175, Salida, CO 81201
Wildlife You’ll See:
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Bald eagles, great blue herons, and ospreys
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Ducks, geese, and shorebirds
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Mule deer and beavers near the water’s edge
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning and late afternoon for birdwatching
The Sands Lake State Wildlife Area is one of the best places near Buena Vista for birdwatching and water-based wildlife viewing. Located just outside Salida, this serene lake and wetland area attracts a variety of migratory and resident bird species. Bald eagles and ospreys are commonly seen hunting for fish, while herons and ducks nest along the water’s edge.
The area also provides a habitat for mule deer, beavers, and other small mammals, making it a great spot for a peaceful wildlife-watching experience.
Find Your Dream Home with First Colorado Land Office
For those who love nature and wildlife, Buena Vista offers incredible year-round opportunities to experience Colorado’s diverse ecosystem. Whether you’re drawn to elk herds at Heckendorf Elk Reserve, bighorn sheep in Bighorn Sheep Canyon, or mountain goats near Cottonwood Lake, these prime locations offer unforgettable wildlife encounters.
If you’re considering buying a home in Buena Vista to enjoy its outdoor lifestyle, First Colorado Land Office can help you find the perfect property. Contact their team today to explore real estate options that put you closer to the beauty and wildlife of the Arkansas River Valley.
