Where to See Grizzly Bear in Colorado
Grizzly bears no longer roam Colorado; the last confirmed grizzly was killed in 1979. However, Colorado has a healthy black bear population. If you're hoping to see a bear, the best odds are in the San Juan Mountains and along the Colorado Trail during late summer and fall.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself.
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
Page focus
Where To See
Grizzly bears no longer roam Colorado; the last confirmed grizzly was killed in 1979. However, Colorado has a healthy black bear population. If you're hoping to see a bear, the best odds are in the San Juan Mountains and along the Colorado Trail during late summer and fall.
1. Where can you still find grizzly bears in Colorado?
State
Colorado
Animal
Grizzly Bear
Page focus
Where To See
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are functionally extinct in Colorado. The last verified sighting was in 1979 in the San Juan Mountains. Today, the state's bear population consists entirely of black bears (Ursus americanus). If you want to see a grizzly, you would need to travel to Alaska, western Canada, or the Northern Rockies. For bear spotting in Colorado, focus on black bears.
In Colorado, grizzly bear sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to likely habitat. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. What are the best places to see black bears in Colorado?
The highest densities of black bears occur in the **San Juan Mountains** around Durango and Silverton, the **Gunnison Basin**, and the **Rocky Mountain National Park** area. Look for them in dense forests with oak brush, chokecherry, and serviceberry patches. Early morning and late evening in summer and fall offer the best odds. For detailed habitat info, see ourColorado wildlife guide.
3. What time of year offers the best chance to see a bear?
Bear activity peaks from **late June through October** as they feed heavily to prepare for hibernation. July and August bring berries, but fall (September-October) is prime time in oak brush and mast-producing areas. Spring (April-May) also works near lower elevations. Always check local regulations; feeding bears is illegal and dangerous.
4. What should you expect when visiting bear habitat in Colorado?
Most bear encounters are brief and from a distance. Use binoculars or a spotting scope. Never approach a bear or block its escape route. In popular spots like **Telluride** or **Estes Park**, bears may be habituated. Keep a clean camp and store food properly. For identification tips, visit ourgrizzly bear pageto compare with black bears.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any guided bear viewing tours in Colorado?
While no tours guarantee grizzlies, several outfitters offer black bear viewing in the San Juans and along the **Colorado Trail**. Guided hikes with naturalists can improve your odds. For independent spotting, the **Weminuche Wilderness** and **Indian Peaks Wilderness** are excellent. Check with local ranger stations for recent sightings.
6. How can you stay safe while looking for bears?
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails to avoid surprising a bear. If you encounter a black bear, do not run; back away slowly while facing it. For grizzlies (none here), playing dead is recommended, but that's not applicable. For a practical checklist, see ourwhere to see grizzly bear in Colorado page.
7. Bring the wilderness home with bear-themed gear
After your trip, keep the adventure alive with items that celebrate bears. Our collection includes practical and fun options.
Grizzly Bear Mug
A sturdy mug featuring a mama bear design, perfect for morning coffee while planning your next outing.Check Price and Availability
Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt
This soft tri-blend tee with a Boho Bear graphic reminds you to roam free. Great for hikes or everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
Forest Animal Sticker Sheet
Die-cut vinyl stickers of bear silhouettes and mountains, waterproof for your water bottle or journal.Check Price and Availability
Explore more bear-themed apparel at ourt-shirt collection.
8. Frequently asked questions about seeing grizzlies in Colorado
**Are there any grizzly bears left in Colorado?** No, the last confirmed grizzly was killed in 1979. **Could grizzlies be reintroduced?** There have been discussions, but no active plans. **How do I tell a black bear from a grizzly?** Black bears lack the hump and have a shorter, darker face. For more details, see ourgrizzly bear identification guide. **What should I do if I see a bear?** Stay calm, give it space, and leave the area. Do not run.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Plan your grizzly bear trip in Colorado
Start with live tours in Colorado, then compare nearby stays and broader wildlife inventory before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Colorado
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main grizzly bear viewing area.
Booking.com
Find a baseFind stays in Colorado
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges that keep you close to the main grizzly bear routes 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.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where can you still find grizzly bears in Colorado?+
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are functionally extinct in Colorado. The last verified sighting was in 1979 in the San Juan Mountains. Today, the state's bear population consists entirely of black bears (Ursus americanus). If you want to see a grizzly, you would need to travel to Alaska, western Canada, or the Northern Rockies. For bear spotting in Colorado, focus on black bears. In Colorado, grizzly bear sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to likely habitat. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. What are the best places to see black bears in Colorado?+
The highest densities of black bears occur in the **San Juan Mountains** around Durango and Silverton, the **Gunnison Basin**, and the **Rocky Mountain National Park** area. Look for them in dense forests with oak brush, chokecherry, and serviceberry patches. Early morning and late evening in summer and fall offer the best odds. For detailed habitat info, see ourColorado wildlife guide.
3. What time of year offers the best chance to see a bear?+
Bear activity peaks from **late June through October** as they feed heavily to prepare for hibernation. July and August bring berries, but fall (September-October) is prime time in oak brush and mast-producing areas. Spring (April-May) also works near lower elevations. Always check local regulations; feeding bears is illegal and dangerous.
4. What should you expect when visiting bear habitat in Colorado?+
Most bear encounters are brief and from a distance. Use binoculars or a spotting scope. Never approach a bear or block its escape route. In popular spots like **Telluride** or **Estes Park**, bears may be habituated. Keep a clean camp and store food properly. For identification tips, visit ourgrizzly bear pageto compare with black bears. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
5. Are there any guided bear viewing tours in Colorado?+
While no tours guarantee grizzlies, several outfitters offer black bear viewing in the San Juans and along the **Colorado Trail**. Guided hikes with naturalists can improve your odds. For independent spotting, the **Weminuche Wilderness** and **Indian Peaks Wilderness** are excellent. Check with local ranger stations for recent sightings.
6. How can you stay safe while looking for bears?+
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise on trails to avoid surprising a bear. If you encounter a black bear, do not run; back away slowly while facing it. For grizzlies (none here), playing dead is recommended, but that's not applicable. For a practical checklist, see ourwhere to see grizzly bear in Colorado page.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Colorado