Are There Gophers in Colorado?
Yes, gophers are common throughout much of Colorado. Northern pocket gopher and plains pocket gopher occur widely in grasslands, mountain meadows, and forest areas across the state. Gophers are found from the plains east of Denver westward through the mountains at elevations ranging from 4,000 to over 12,000 feet, with populations concentrated in suitable grassland and meadow habitats.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 22, 2026.
Northern California pocket gopher · John Rosford CC BY
Megascapheus bottae bottae · Henrik Kibak CC BY
Northern Pocket Gopher · Public domain CC0
- 5,126
- GBIF records
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Yes, gophers are common throughout much of Colorado. Northern pocket gopher and plains pocket gopher occur widely in grasslands, mountain meadows, and forest areas across the state. Gophers are found from the plains east of Denver westward through the mountains at elevations ranging from 4,000 to over 12,000 feet, with populations concentrated in suitable grassland and meadow habitats.
Where Gophers Are Found in Colorado
Gophers are widely distributed across Colorado in diverse habitats. The eastern plains and Front Range area support plains pocket gophers in grasslands and prairie dog colonies. Northern pocket gophers occur throughout the mountains and high country. The Colorado Front Range foothills, from the Wyoming border south toward New Mexico, provide excellent gopher habitat with mountain grasslands and meadows. High elevation meadows in the Rocky Mountains, including areas above 10,000 feet, support thriving gopher populations where suitable soil and vegetation are present. The Western Slope regions of Colorado, including areas near the Uncompahgre National Forest and Grand Mesa, host gophers in meadows and grasslands. The San Juan Mountains and high country around Telluride and Aspen support gopher populations in mountain meadows and alpine meadow edges. The North Fork of the South Platte River region and other mountain drainages provide good gopher habitat. Gophers are less common in dense forest interiors and high alpine zones above timberline. The Rio Grande National Forest and parts of the Gunnison National Forest support established gopher populations. Learn more about Colorado's diverse habitats at/wildlife/colorado.
Seasonal Patterns and Activity in Colorado
Colorado gophers are active year-round but show pronounced seasonal variation driven by soil conditions and elevation. In lower elevations, peak mounding occurs in spring and early summer as soil warms and moisture becomes available. April through June typically shows the most visible gopher activity statewide. Gophers breed in spring, with females producing single litters in late spring or early summer. Young gophers disperse in early summer, creating additional surface activity as they seek new territories. At higher elevations, mounding activity is compressed into a shorter window, often late May through July as snow melts. Winter activity decreases significantly, especially above 8,000 feet where deep snow and frozen soil limit gopher excavation. However, gophers remain active in their burrows, continuing to feed on stored food and root systems they can access. Fall brings moderate activity as gophers prepare for winter and expand food stores. Elevation strongly influences timing of peak activity;/wildlife/colorado/gophercan help you understand local seasonal patterns where you live or travel in Colorado.
How to Identify Colorado Gophers
Colorado pocket gophers are medium-sized rodents, typically 6 to 9 inches in total length. Northern pocket gophers tend to be slightly larger than plains pocket gophers. Gophers have strong, stocky bodies with short tails and small, nearly concealed eyes and ears reflecting their burrowing lifestyle. The most distinctive feature is their large, external cheek pouches lined with fur, extending from their mouths and used for carrying food and nesting material. Gophers have prominent front teeth visible even with closed mouth and large, powerful claws on their forelimbs. Fur color typically ranges from grayish-brown to reddish-brown, often matching local soil color. Males and females look similar, though males may be slightly larger. Gophers are easily distinguished from ground squirrels by their exposed cheek pouches and lack of visible ears. Colorado voles are much smaller and lack prominent front teeth and large claws. Marmots, which occur at high elevations, are much larger and stockier than gophers. For more on gopher in Colorado, see ourColorado gopher guide.
Where Gophers Concentrate in Colorado
Gopher populations concentrate in Colorado's mountain meadows and grassland regions. The mountain parks such as North Park, Middle Park, and South Park, which are large intermontane grassland valleys, support healthy gopher populations. These parks offer ideal habitat with deep volcanic soils and abundant herbaceous vegetation. The grassland valleys along mountain drainages, including the valleys of the North Platte River, South Platte River, and Arkansas River, provide excellent gopher habitat. High elevation meadows in the San Juan Mountains, Elk Mountains, and ranges north of the Colorado River support dense populations where suitable soil conditions exist. Mountain meadow complexes in the White River National Forest and Routt National Forest harbor abundant gophers. The Vail Valley and other intermontane valleys along Interstate 70 support gopher populations in grasslands and meadows. The Front Range foothills west of Denver provide good habitat where grasslands persist. Even modest meadows and grassland openings within the mountain forest provide suitable gopher habitat. Visiting/wildlifehelps you understand Colorado's diverse mountain ecosystems and where wildlife concentrations occur.
Typical Behavior and Gopher Ecology
Colorado pocket gophers are solitary, territorial rodents spending most of their lives underground in extensive burrow systems. A single gopher maintains a tunnel network covering one-half to one full acre or more with specialized chambers for nesting, sleeping, and food storage. Gophers are strict herbivores, feeding on roots, tubers, bulbs, grasses, clover, and other plant material. They pull plants down into burrows from below, feeding without full exposure aboveground. This foraging behavior allows gophers to remain relatively safe from predators. Gophers are most active at dawn and dusk but work throughout the day depending on soil conditions and weather. They have excellent senses of touch and smell but poor eyesight. Gophers create conspicuous mounds of excavated soil as they tunnel and expand their burrow systems, with each mound marking significant soil removal. Gophers are intolerant of other gophers except during breeding season. Predators including coyotes, badgers, weasels, and raptors hunt gophers, helping maintain natural population balance. Gophers provide ecological benefits by aerating soil, creating small-scale habitat heterogeneity, and creating vulnerability points for other wildlife. You can also browseColorado wildlife.
Coexistence and Colorado Wildlife Regulations
In Colorado, pocket gophers are not protected species and may be managed on private property if they cause problems. Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not prohibit gopher control, but many non-lethal methods work effectively. Exclusion fencing sunk at least 18 inches deep can protect specific garden areas. Live trapping and relocation is an option, though moving animals should be done carefully and legally. Habitat modification, such as reducing preferred vegetation or improving drainage, can discourage gophers. Gophers can damage gardens, orchards, hay meadows, and irrigation systems in Colorado. In mountain agricultural areas, gopher damage can be significant. However, in natural grassland and meadow ecosystems, gophers play an important ecological role as soil engineers. Their burrowing improves soil structure and creates habitat for other species. Many native plants and animals depend on gopher-created disturbance. Understanding their ecological role helps balance management needs with ecosystem health.
Species People Confuse With Gophers in Colorado
Colorado ground squirrels, particularly the Wyoming ground squirrel in northern areas, are the most commonly confused species with gophers. Ground squirrels have visible ears and social behavior that distinguish them from gophers. Belding's ground squirrels occur at higher elevations and can be mistaken for gophers but lack prominent front teeth and large claws. Marmots, particularly yellow-bellied marmots common in Colorado mountains, are much larger and more social than gophers. Pikas, small alpine lagomorphs, occur above timberline and look nothing like gophers. Voles are much smaller than gophers and create surface runway patterns rather than conspicuous mounds. Pocket mice are tiny and lack the strong build of gophers. By consulting/wildlife/colorado, you can explore detailed information about Colorado's burrowing animals and ground-dwelling mammals. Proper identification is important for choosing appropriate management techniques and understanding Colorado's wildlife diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gophers found throughout Colorado? Gophers occur in most of Colorado in suitable habitats. They are especially abundant in mountain grasslands and meadows. At very high elevations above timberline and in dense forest interiors, gophers are less common. When is peak gopher mounding season in Colorado? Spring and early summer, particularly April through June, show the most visible gopher activity statewide. Timing varies by elevation and local weather patterns. Can I trap and remove gophers in Colorado? Yes, live trapping gophers on your own property is legal. Contact Colorado Parks and Wildlife for specific guidance on relocation and check local regulations. How much damage can Colorado gophers cause? Gophers can damage gardens, hay meadows, orchards, and irrigation systems. In natural grasslands, gopher burrowing is part of normal ecosystem function and supports other wildlife.
Plan your gopher sighting in Colorado
5,126 verified gopher records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2026. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Colorado
- Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Colorado National Monument · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Curecanti National Recreation Area · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Dinosaur National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
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