Due to Colorado’s unique landscape containing a number of different habitats, over 400 species of birds live in the state. From raptors to songbirds to migratory birds, birdwatchers have plenty to see and hear while birding in the Centennial State. The five trails below will grant birders with a pleasant hike along with some birdwatching areas that are sure to please any and all explorers. Get your hiking shoes and binoculars ready while hitting these five wonderful birdwatching hikes in Colorado.
This popular trails leads up to the iconic 14,000-foot mountain in Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak. However don’t feel like you have to hike the trail in its entirety to view birds. There are plenty of easy trails in the area that make for great birdwatching spots. This area is teeming with a variety of different birds, such as ptarmigan, finches, wrens, owls, falcons, hummingbirds, quail, woodpeckers and more.
For birdwatchers in western Colorado, head to the trails found in the Colorado National Monument for an excellent hike sure to offer views of the bird wildlife here. The monument, which is part of the National Park Service, is home to approximately 50 breeding songbird species and nine different raptor species. The Colorado National Monument was even designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by American Bird Conservatory and the National Audubon Society. One of the top trails to visit for birding is the Devil’s Kitchen Trail on the east entrance of the monument.
Colorado’s eastern plains sometimes get overshadowed by the western, mountainous part of the state. However birdwatchers here shouldn’t miss the impressive migratory bird population found at John Martin Reservoir State Park run by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Birders will find a variety of water birds here. Check out the Santa Fe Trail or the riparian areas along the Lake Hasty Campground to score some excellent views of the bird population here.
Near the town of Burlington, head to the Snow Goose Trail, an area where sandpipers, cranes, egrets, plovers, gulls, ducks and other migratory birds are found. No matter what time of year you visit the Snow Goose Trail, there are sure to be birds and other wildlife living here.
Located in the Spanish Peaks State Wildlife Area, the Spanish Peaks Trail is known to be a key spot for wildlife viewing. Birders here have spotted Steller’s jays, bluebirds, warblers, turkey, and other beautiful bird species. Since this area is in a remote region, this wildlife viewing spot requires driving on county roads. However the solitude found at Spanish Peaks is worth the trip.
