Seeing wildlife

[johngoat2002]

The countdown is getting close for this years vacation. We are heading to the Badlands then to Mount Rushmore and then down to Denver to stay in Elk Meadow lodge and rv park in the Rocky Mountains and back to Kentucky. We have heard of a few wildlife drives like the wildlife loop in Custer state park and Bear Country USA. Has anyone experience these and are there any other stops we shouldn't miss?

Thanks.


Flagstaff FS26
2007 Dodge Cummins

[Oakman]

Yes, the wildlife loop in Custer State Park is a “must do.” We enjoyed Bear Country USA but it is a zoo. The first half is a drive through area where the bears are located and the second half is more of a conventional zoo that you walk through.

Elk Meadow RV park is a great choice for visiting Rocky Mountain NP because it is so close to the park’s entrance. Be sure to drive the Old Fall River Road if it is open, spectacular scenery. I believe it ends at the Alpine Visitors Center. You can ask there about locations of Big Horn Sheep etc. If that road is closed the Trail Ridge Road will take you to the visitors center and it too has spectacular scenery. We usually drive up on the Old Fall River Road and drive back on the Trail Ridge Road.

I took this photo of some Bull Elk on a snowpack at a pullout near the top of the Old Fall River Road. This was early July.

[Mountndream]

X2, Custer state park and RMNP. I would skip Bear country myself.

Also pay attention to the time you go in RMNP.

Early mornings and evenings are the best times to see wildlife.

[johngoat2002]

I'll be sure to check out the scenic drive. Thanks for suggestions.


Flagstaff FS26
2007 Dodge Cummins