By Barbara Gardner
Elk on a hillside, a bald eagle over the river, and a moose along a creek are all part of life in the mountains. Many people who move here say that wildlife is one of their favorite parts of the lifestyle. I put together a guide to the tours and programs that can help you see animals with an experienced guide. Here is how to plan your outing and what to know before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Naturalist walks: The Walking Mountains Science Center lists free guided walks and hikes in Avon and on Vail Mountain.
- Private options: Small groups can request a private nature walk with a focus on wildlife.
- Backcountry and river trips: Timberline Tours offers jeep and rafting trips where animals have been spotted.
- Respect the animals: Local guidance recommends staying at least 50 yards away from wildlife.
Learn From Naturalist Guides
The Walking Mountains Science Center offers six naturalist-guided tours, and five are listed as free. The programs are described as suitable for all ages and experience levels.
Public Tours to Consider
- Avon Nature Walk: The one-hour family-friendly hike covers aspen and riparian habitat and runs Monday through Saturday.
- Vail Mountain hikes: An easy hike and a moderate hike run Wednesday through Sunday, and a scenic gondola pass is required.
- Bird walks: Morning walks in Avon cover meadows, forests, and riparian areas on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Schedules change with the season, so confirm dates and registration on the center's website. The winter snowshoe tour is listed as resuming in December 2026.
Book a Private Nature Walk
A private walk lets you set the pace and focus on the animals that interest you most. The science center describes these guided walks as emphasizing wildlife, ecology, and animal adaptations.
What the Private Walks Offer
- Length: Walks last between one and two hours.
- Small groups: The center lists $175 per guide per hour for two to six participants.
- Larger groups: The center lists $250 per guide per hour for seven to thirteen participants.
Rates and availability can change, so ask the center for current details. A private walk can be a good fit for visiting family or a small group of friends.
Explore the Backcountry by Jeep
Timberline Tours runs backcountry jeep trips in the Vail area, including a tour of the Radium State Wildlife Area. The company's website describes the area as having one of the highest concentrations of mountain wildlife in the Vail area.
What You May See
- Radium State Wildlife Area: The company lists mule deer, elk, and bighorn sheep, along with many bird species.
- Piney River Ranch: The company notes that moose have been spotted on jeep tours near the ranch.
- Guide decisions: Guides choose the best route on the day based on season, trail conditions, weather, and the group.
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so bring patience and curiosity. A good guide can point out signs of animals even when they stay hidden.
See Wildlife From the River
River trips offer a different vantage point, with animals often seen along the banks. Timberline Tours reports sightings on several rivers near Vail.
River Wildlife Reports
- Eagle River: The company reports bears in the Dowd Chute area, marmots on rocky banks, and bald eagles overhead.
- Upper Colorado River: Mule deer and elk are common, and bears are seen more often there than on other sections the company runs.
- Gore Creek: The company notes moose have been spotted along the creek.
Sightings depend on timing and luck, so treat these as possibilities rather than promises. Ask your guide which animals to watch for on your trip.
Watch Wildlife Responsibly
Good habits protect both people and animals. Local guidance from EagleOutside recommends staying at least 50 yards, about half a football field, away from wildlife.
Respectful Viewing Tips
- Use optics: Colorado Parks and Wildlife suggests binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto lenses to watch moose from a distance.
- Leash dogs: Moose treat dogs like predators, so Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends leashing dogs or leaving them at home.
- Watch the season: Moose breeding runs from late September through November, and bulls can be aggressive.
Some areas close seasonally to protect winter range, such as Town of Eagle trails from December 1 through April 15. Check local rules before you head out on any trail.
FAQs
What should I know before booking guided wildlife tours Vail Valley operators offer?
Confirm the schedule, group size, and what the tour includes before you book. Some programs are free, while private tours carry hourly rates. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so go with an open mind.
When is the best time to see wildlife in the Vail Valley?
Animals can be seen in several seasons, and the best time depends on the species. The tour companies I reviewed did not name a single best month. Ask your guide what is active during your visit.
How close can I get to wild animals?
Local guidance recommends staying at least 50 yards away. For moose, Colorado Parks and Wildlife says that if an animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Use binoculars or a zoom lens instead of moving closer.
Contact Barbara Gardner Today
If you are thinking about a move to the Vail Valley and want a home close to the outdoor life, I would love to help. Contact Barbara Gardner today to talk about your goals and the areas that fit them best. I am happy to share my favorite local spots.
