Best Time to See Bison in Colorado
July, August and June is the best time to see bison in Colorado. Based on 6,179 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when bison are most active across the year in Colorado.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
6,179 verified observations of bison in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When bison are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
July
1,322 records (21.4% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 138 | 2.2% |
| February | 168 | 2.7% |
| March | 291 | 4.7% |
| April | 421 | 6.8% |
| May | 463 | 7.5% |
| Junepeak | 901 | 14.6% |
| Julypeak | 1,322 | 21.4% |
| Augustpeak | 1,040 | 16.8% |
| September | 548 | 8.9% |
| October | 447 | 7.2% |
| November | 269 | 4.4% |
| December | 171 | 2.8% |
Bison you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Bighorn Sheep | 4,319 |
| Mountain Goat | 1,423 |
| American Bison | 282 |
| Domestic Sheep | 70 |
| Domestic Cattle | 53 |
| Domestic Goat | 7 |
Sightings of bison in Colorado peak in July, when 1,322 of the year's 6,179 verified observations are logged — about 21.4% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, August and June.
The quietest stretch is January, February and December, when bison are hardest to find — January sees just 138 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The bison you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat and American Bison — the most-recorded species in the state. Each keeps its own seasonal rhythm, but the month-by-month pattern above reflects every reported sighting together.
Where to go
Best places to see bison in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site — National Historic Site
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park — National Park
- Colorado National Monument — National Monument
- Curecanti National Recreation Area — National Recreation Area
- Dinosaur National Monument — National Monument
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — National Park & Preserve
Plan your bison trip in Colorado
Start with live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main bison viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best bison viewing area in Colorado.
Viator
Broader backupBook a bison tour in Colorado
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see bison in Colorado?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, August and June, based on 6,179 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are bison hardest to see in Colorado?+
January is the quietest month for bison in Colorado, with only 138 verified records.
Are bison active year-round in Colorado?+
Bison are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More places to see bison
More wildlife in Colorado