Best Time to See Chipmunks in Colorado
July, June and August is the best time to see chipmunks in Colorado. Based on 39,043 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when chipmunks 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.
39,043 verified observations of chipmunks in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When chipmunks are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
July
8,155 records (20.9% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 883 | 2.3% |
| February | 780 | 2% |
| March | 1,348 | 3.5% |
| April | 3,115 | 8% |
| May | 4,043 | 10.4% |
| Junepeak | 7,075 | 18.1% |
| Julypeak | 8,155 | 20.9% |
| Augustpeak | 6,141 | 15.7% |
| September | 3,715 | 9.5% |
| October | 1,957 | 5% |
| November | 979 | 2.5% |
| December | 852 | 2.2% |
Chipmunks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel | 6,577 |
| Eastern Fox Squirrel | 6,371 |
| Black-tailed Prairie Dog | 6,354 |
| Yellow-bellied Marmot | 5,770 |
| Least Chipmunk | 2,167 |
| Fremont's Squirrel | 1,964 |
| Wyoming Ground Squirrel | 1,334 |
| Colorado Chipmunk | 1,070 |
Sightings of chipmunks in Colorado peak in July, when 8,155 of the year's 39,043 verified observations are logged — about 20.9% of the annual total. Activity stays high through July, June and August.
The quietest stretch is February, December and January, when chipmunks are hardest to find — February sees just 780 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The chipmunks you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel and Black-tailed Prairie Dog — 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 chipmunks 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 chipmunk 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 chipmunk viewing area.
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Stay nearbyStay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best chipmunk viewing area in Colorado.
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Broader backupBook a chipmunk tour in Colorado
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see chipmunks in Colorado?+
July is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through July, June and August, based on 39,043 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are chipmunks hardest to see in Colorado?+
February is the quietest month for chipmunks in Colorado, with only 780 verified records.
Are chipmunks active year-round in Colorado?+
Chipmunks are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in July.
More wildlife in Colorado