Some wildlife in the area are easily seen; others are elusive. Wildlife watching is best as mule deer browse only a few feet away and elk congregate in open meadows.

While most often seen during fall and winter, summer sightings of big game are common. Smaller animals – beaver, coyote, chipmunk, squirrel, raccoon, badger and marmot – are abundant year-round. Moose, bear, fox, mountain lion and bobcat also live here but are rarely seen.

During summer, birds and butterflies abound. Tiny hummingbirds, brilliant bluebirds, noisy nutcrackers, magpies and jays share the air with hundreds of butterfly species. Far above there are raptors: golden eagles, peregrine and prairie falcons and red-tailed Cooper’s hawks.