Best Time to See Snakes in Colorado
June, May and July is the best time to see snakes in Colorado. Based on 36,554 verified iNaturalist observations, here is exactly when snakes 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 July 2, 2026.
36,554 verified observations of snakes in Colorado, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When snakes are recorded in Colorado
Peak month
June
8,145 records (22.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 22 | 0.1% |
| February | 48 | 0.1% |
| March | 417 | 1.1% |
| April | 2,619 | 7.2% |
| Maypeak | 7,409 | 20.3% |
| Junepeak | 8,145 | 22.3% |
| Julypeak | 6,684 | 18.3% |
| August | 5,163 | 14.1% |
| September | 4,216 | 11.5% |
| October | 1,559 | 4.3% |
| November | 235 | 0.6% |
| December | 37 | 0.1% |
Snakes you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | 6,118 |
| Gopher Snake | 5,626 |
| Prairie Lizard | 3,720 |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | 3,127 |
| Plateau Fence Lizard | 1,798 |
| Plains Garter Snake | 1,742 |
| North American Racer | 1,431 |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | 1,370 |
Sightings of snakes in Colorado peak in June, when 8,145 of the year's 36,554 verified observations are logged — about 22.3% of the annual total. Activity stays high through June, May and July.
The quietest stretch is January, when snakes are hardest to find — January sees just 22 records. If a reliable sighting matters, plan around the peak window rather than the off-season.
The snakes you are most likely to encounter in Colorado are Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Gopher Snake and Prairie Lizard — 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 snakes 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 snake 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 snake 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 snake viewing area in Colorado.
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Broader backupBook a snake tour in Colorado
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Gear to see them
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see snakes in Colorado?+
June is the single best month, and the broader peak window runs through June, May and July, based on 36,554 verified iNaturalist observations.
When are snakes hardest to see in Colorado?+
January is the quietest month for snakes in Colorado, with only 22 verified records.
Are snakes active year-round in Colorado?+
Snakes are recorded in 12 of 12 months in Colorado, so they can be seen year-round, with a clear peak in June.
More places to see snakes
More wildlife in Colorado