Squirrels in Colorado: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For
Squirrels are common across Colorado, from the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountains. The most widespread species include the rock squirrel on the Front Range and Abert's squirrel in ponderosa pine forests. Start your search in parks, woodlands, or suburban backyards, especially near oak or pine trees. Look for chewed cones and tree cavities.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Yellow-bellied Marmot · Thomas Koffel CC BY
Yellow-bellied Marmot · John Powers CC BY
Wyoming Ground Squirrel · Public domain CC0
- 8
- species recorded
- 44,091
- GBIF records
- July, June, August
- peak months
Yes, squirrels are in Colorado. Next you'll want:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
18 types of squirrels recorded in Colorado
18 squirrel species have a verified observation record in Colorado across the squirrel family (Sciuridae), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
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Also recorded in Colorado
| # | Species | Scientific name | Records |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | American Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicus | Tamiasciurus hudsonicus | 415 |
| 14 | Thirteen-lined Ground SquirrelIctidomys tridecemlineatus | Ictidomys tridecemlineatus | 262 |
| 15 | Uinta ChipmunkNeotamias umbrinus | Neotamias umbrinus | 222 |
| 16 | Hopi ChipmunkNeotamias rufus | Neotamias rufus | 86 |
| 17 | White-tailed Antelope SquirrelAmmospermophilus leucurus | Ammospermophilus leucurus | 85 |
| 18 | Spotted Ground SquirrelXerospermophilus spilosoma | Xerospermophilus spilosoma | 65 |
Plus 3 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
39,058 verified observations on iNaturalist of squirrel have been recorded in Colorado, most often in July, June, August.
When squirrel are recorded in Colorado
Squirrels are common across Colorado, from the eastern plains to the Rocky Mountains. The most widespread species include the rock squirrel on the Front Range and Abert's squirrel in ponderosa pine forests. Start your search in parks, woodlands, or suburban backyards, especially near oak or pine trees. Look for chewed cones and tree cavities.
Where are squirrels most likely found in Colorado?
Rock squirrels favor the dry, rocky canyons of the Front Range and western slope. Fox squirrels are common in urban parks and residential areas along the eastern plains. Abert's squirrel is exclusive to ponderosa pine forests in the southern Rockies, especially around Durango and Colorado Springs. Pine squirrels (red squirrels) inhabit coniferous forests at higher elevations. For a full overview of Colorado's wildlife habitats, check out our/wildlife/coloradopage.
In Colorado, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
What time of day and season is best for spotting squirrels?
Squirrels are most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially on clear days. They remain active year-round, but you'll see them less often during heavy snow or extreme cold. Spring and fall offer the best odds because squirrels gather food and are more visible. To learn more about squirrel behavior, visit our/animals/squirrelpage.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around time-of-day or seasonal behavior, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Colorado. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
How can you identify squirrel tracks and movement patterns?
Squirrel tracks show four toes on the front feet and five on the hind feet, with the hind prints placed ahead of the front in a bounding pattern. Look for chewed pine cones with the scales stripped in a spiral pattern, and listen for the scolding chatter or rustling of leaves. Nests (dreys) appear as messy leaf balls high in trees. These signs are also useful when tracking other small mammals like/animals/deeror foxes; see our/animals/foxguide for comparison.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What squirrel shirts are great for wildlife watchers?
Show your interest in squirrels with these comfortable tees. They make great souvenirs after a day of spotting.
Wild Wings Wildlife T-Shirt Gray Squirrel Unisex Graphic Tee For Men & Women
This soft 100% cotton tee features a detailed gray squirrel graphic. It's a comfortable choice for casual wear or field outings.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Lover Vintage T-Shirt
A classic vintage design for squirrel fans. Affordable and lightweight.Check Price and Availability
Squirrel Shirt. Squirrel Gift. Squirrel Clothing. Funny Squirrel Shirt.
A fun, humorous shirt that makes a good gift for anyone who enjoys squirrels.Check Price and Availability
Browse more wildlife-themed shirts at our/t-shirtscollection.
What is the most common squirrel in Colorado?
The rock squirrel is widespread across the Front Range and western slope. Fox squirrels are common in urban areas along the eastern plains. Abert's squirrel is limited to ponderosa pine forests in the south. Pine squirrels are common at higher elevations.
Are squirrels active during winter in Colorado?
Yes, squirrels remain active year-round, but they reduce activity during heavy snow. They rely on cached food and may stay in their nests for days. On sunny winter days, you might see them foraging for buried nuts.
How can you tell different squirrel species apart?
Rock squirrels are grayish with a long, bushy tail. Fox squirrels are larger with reddish-brown fur and a more rounded tail. Abert's squirrel has distinctive ear tufts. Pine squirrels (red squirrels) are small, reddish, and very vocal.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Plan your trip
Best time to see squirrel in Colorado: July, June, August
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your squirrel sighting in Colorado
44,091 verified squirrel 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
Frequently asked questions
What squirrel species live in Colorado?+
Rock squirrels favor the dry, rocky canyons of the Front Range and western slope. Fox squirrels are common in urban parks and residential areas along the eastern plains. Abert's squirrel is exclusive to ponderosa pine forests in the southern Rockies, especially around Durango and Colorado Springs. Pine squirrels (red squirrels) inhabit coniferous forests at higher elevations. For a full overview of Colorado's wildlife habitats, check out our/wildlife/coloradopage. In Colorado, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
Where can you see squirrels in Colorado?+
Rock squirrels favor the dry, rocky canyons of the Front Range and western slope. Fox squirrels are common in urban parks and residential areas along the eastern plains. Abert's squirrel is exclusive to ponderosa pine forests in the southern Rockies, especially around Durango and Colorado Springs. Pine squirrels (red squirrels) inhabit coniferous forests at higher elevations. For a full overview of Colorado's wildlife habitats, check out our/wildlife/coloradopage. In Colorado, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
When is the best time to see squirrels in Colorado?+
Rock squirrels favor the dry, rocky canyons of the Front Range and western slope. Fox squirrels are common in urban parks and residential areas along the eastern plains. Abert's squirrel is exclusive to ponderosa pine forests in the southern Rockies, especially around Durango and Colorado Springs. Pine squirrels (red squirrels) inhabit coniferous forests at higher elevations. For a full overview of Colorado's wildlife habitats, check out our/wildlife/coloradopage. In Colorado, squirrels sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. 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.
Keep exploring
More places to see squirrel
More wildlife in Colorado
Common questions about squirrels