Grizzly Bear in Colorado: what to know before you start looking
Grizzly Bear sightings in Colorado start with real records, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Check the observation data on this page, start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
- 43
- verified records
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of grizzly bear have been logged in Colorado, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
State
Colorado
Animal
Grizzly Bear
Route
State wildlife guide
Grizzly Bear sightings in Colorado start with real records, and the best first step is matching habitat, timing, and recent local conditions. Check the observation data on this page, start with the state wildlife hub, compare likely cover and movement windows, use the animal facts page for field marks, and plan one realistic route.
1. What is the current status of grizzly bears in Colorado?
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have been extirpated from Colorado. The last known individual was killed in 1979 in the San Juan Mountains. Occasional unconfirmed sightings are reported, but no breeding population exists. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not manage for grizzlies, and the state's bears are all black bears (Ursus americanus).
See ourGrizzly Bear guidefor the next step.
2. Where were grizzly bears historically found in Colorado?
Historically, grizzly bears roamed most of Colorado's mountain ranges, including the Front Range, the San Juans, and the Rocky Mountains. They preferred high-elevation forests and alpine meadows. Today, black bears occupy much of that same territory, especially in the San Juan National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest. If you want to explore the landscapes grizzlies once used, start with the Weminuche Wilderness.
See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. How can you tell a grizzly bear from a black bear?
Grizzlies have a distinct shoulder hump, a dish-shaped face, and long claws (about 2-4 inches). Black bears lack the hump, have a straighter face, and shorter claws. In Colorado, any bear you see is almost certainly a black bear, but it's wise to know the difference in case you travel north to states like Wyoming or Montana. A quick clue: black bears often have a brown color phase, so color alone doesn't distinguish them.
See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
4. What are the best places in Colorado to see bears today?
For black bears, head to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, or the San Juan Mountains. The best odds are in areas with dense berry patches and oak brush during late summer. For grizzlies, your best bet is not Colorado but the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem or Glacier National Park. If you're set on Colorado, focus on bear habitat near the Continental Divide between Leadville and Durango.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
5. When is the best time of year to spot bears in Colorado?
Bears are most active from April through November. The peak viewing window is late summer (August-September) when they enter hyperphagia, feeding up to 20 hours a day to fatten up for winter. Dawn and dusk are the best times. In spring, bears emerge from dens and often stick to lower elevations where new vegetation grows.
6. One practical clue for beginners to identify bear signs
Look for bear scat. Black bear scat is often tubular with berries or grass visible. Grizzly scat is larger and may contain animal remains, but since grizzlies aren't in Colorado, any large scat you find is likely from a black bear on a high-protein diet. Also check for claw marks on trees: black bears leave scratches that are narrower and higher up, while grizzly claw marks are wider and lower.
7. What should you do if you encounter a bear in Colorado?
Stay calm, do not run. Speak in a low voice, slowly back away, and give the bear space. If it's a black bear, make yourself look large and make noise. If it charges, fight back. For grizzlies (unlikely in Colorado), play dead. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Always store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
8. Let the wild stay with you: bear-themed gear for your adventures
After your trip, keep the wild close with these bear-themed favorites from Easy Street Markets. They make great conversation starters and daily reminders of Colorado's rugged landscapes.
Grizzly Bear Mug - gift for him - Animal Lover Gift
Start your morning with this handsome mug featuring a fine art grizzly bear. Perfect for sipping coffee while planning your next hike.Check Price and Availability
Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt
This tri-blend tee is incredibly soft and features a funky boho bear design. Roam free in style, whether you're on the trail or in town.Check Price and Availability
Forest Animal Sticker Sheet
Decorate your journal, laptop, or water bottle with this die-cut vinyl bear and mountain silhouette sticker. Waterproof and weatherproof.Check Price and Availability
Men's Forest Bear Silhouette Graphic T-Shirt
A classic bear silhouette against a forest backdrop. Simple and bold for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Check out our full collection ofwildlife shirtsandgrizzly bear gearfor more ways to celebrate Colorado's wildlife.
See ourCompare wildlife shirtsfor the next step.
9. Frequently asked questions about grizzly bears in Colorado
**Are there any grizzly bears in Colorado?** No. The last confirmed grizzly in Colorado was killed in 1979. No breeding population exists today.
**Could grizzlies ever be reintroduced to Colorado?** There have been discussions, but no active reintroduction plan. Some ranchers and conservation groups debate the idea.
**What should I do if I see a bear in Colorado that looks like a grizzly?** Stay calm and take a photo. Report it to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. It's most likely a large black bear with a color phase, but they can investigate.
**Where can I learn more about Colorado black bears?** Visit theColorado wildlife pagefor guides on black bear behavior and safety.
Plan your grizzly bear 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 grizzly bear viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best grizzly bear viewing area in Colorado.
Viator
Broader backupBook a grizzly bear tour in Colorado
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Plan your grizzly bear sighting in Colorado
43 verified grizzly bear records have been logged in Colorado, most recently in 2019. 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
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the current status of grizzly bears in Colorado?+
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have been extirpated from Colorado. The last known individual was killed in 1979 in the San Juan Mountains. Occasional unconfirmed sightings are reported, but no breeding population exists. The Colorado Parks and Wildlife does not manage for grizzlies, and the state's bears are all black bears (Ursus americanus). See ourGrizzly Bear guidefor the next step.
2. Where were grizzly bears historically found in Colorado?+
Historically, grizzly bears roamed most of Colorado's mountain ranges, including the Front Range, the San Juans, and the Rocky Mountains. They preferred high-elevation forests and alpine meadows. Today, black bears occupy much of that same territory, especially in the San Juan National Forest and the Rio Grande National Forest. If you want to explore the landscapes grizzlies once used, start with the Weminuche Wilderness. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
3. How can you tell a grizzly bear from a black bear?+
Grizzlies have a distinct shoulder hump, a dish-shaped face, and long claws (about 2-4 inches). Black bears lack the hump, have a straighter face, and shorter claws. In Colorado, any bear you see is almost certainly a black bear, but it's wise to know the difference in case you travel north to states like Wyoming or Montana. A quick clue: black bears often have a brown color phase, so color alone doesn't distinguish them. See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
4. What are the best places in Colorado to see bears today?+
For black bears, head to Rocky Mountain National Park, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, or the San Juan Mountains. The best odds are in areas with dense berry patches and oak brush during late summer. For grizzlies, your best bet is not Colorado but the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem or Glacier National Park. If you're set on Colorado, focus on bear habitat near the Continental Divide between Leadville and Durango. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
5. When is the best time of year to spot bears in Colorado?+
Bears are most active from April through November. The peak viewing window is late summer (August-September) when they enter hyperphagia, feeding up to 20 hours a day to fatten up for winter. Dawn and dusk are the best times. In spring, bears emerge from dens and often stick to lower elevations where new vegetation grows.
7. What should you do if you encounter a bear in Colorado?+
Stay calm, do not run. Speak in a low voice, slowly back away, and give the bear space. If it's a black bear, make yourself look large and make noise. If it charges, fight back. For grizzlies (unlikely in Colorado), play dead. Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Always store food properly to avoid attracting bears.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Colorado