Best Time to See Coyotes in Colorado

May, June and January is the best time to see coyotes in Colorado. Based on 3,096 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when coyotes are most active across the year in Colorado.

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By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.

Coyote photographed in ColoradoCoyote photographed in ColoradoCoyote photographed in Colorado
Photos by iNaturalist observers, used under Creative Commons.
Best months: May, June, January

3,096 verified observations of coyotes in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.

When coyotes are recorded in Colorado

Peak month

May

343 records (11.1% of the year)

Quietest month

October

195 records

MonthObservationsShare
Januarypeak2979.6%
February2447.9%
March2447.9%
April2849.2%
Maypeak34311.1%
Junepeak31710.2%
July2297.4%
August2267.3%
September2377.7%
October1956.3%
November2146.9%
December2668.6%

Coyotes you are most likely to see

SpeciesVerified observations
Coyote3,096

Sightings of coyotes in Colorado peak in May, when 343 of the year's 3,096 verified observations are logged β€” about 11.1% of the annual total. Activity stays high through May, June and January.

The quietest stretch is October, November and August, when coyotes are hardest to find β€” October sees just 195 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.

The coyotes you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Coyote β€” 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 coyotes in Colorado

  • Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site β€” National Historic Site
  • Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park β€” National Park
  • Colorado National Monument β€” National Monument
  • Curecanti National Recreation Area β€” National Recreation Area
  • Dinosaur National Monument β€” National Monument
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve β€” National Park & Preserve
Plan your tripBent's Old Fort National Historic Site

Plan your coyote 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.

Gear to see them

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to see coyotes in Colorado?+

May is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through May, June and January, based on 3,096 verified iNaturalist observations.

When are coyotes hardest to see in Colorado?+

October is the quietest month for coyotes in Colorado, with only 195 verified records.

Are coyotes active year-round in Colorado?+

Coyotes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in May.