At a Glance
- Bighorn Sheep: Visible from Town
- Best Time: Dawn & Dusk
- Black Bears: Active June–Oct
- Marmots: Everywhere Above 10K ft
Wildlife You'll See Around Ouray
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep are essentially Ouray's mascot — herds regularly graze the steep canyon walls directly above town and are clearly visible with binoculars from Main Street. They're most reliably spotted in morning light on the canyon's east-facing walls.
Elk herds move through the high meadows around Yankee Boy Basin at dawn and dusk in summer and fall. Mule deer are common at lower elevations, often wandering into the town's edge neighborhoods at dusk.
Bears, Mountain Lions, and Raptors
Black bears are active through the summer and fall as they build up fat stores for hibernation. Keep food secured while camping and maintain distance if you encounter one on the trail.
Golden Eagles nest on canyon walls throughout the San Juans and are frequently seen soaring on thermals above the ridgeline. Red-tailed Hawks and Cooper's Hawks are common year-round.
Wildlife from The Lumberyard's Doorstep
Look up from the hot springs on a clear morning and you'll often spot bighorns on the rimrock above town. The Lumberyard Condos' central location means wildlife encounters begin before you've left the neighborhood.
Book at ouraycondos.com — dogs are welcome and will love the wildlife-rich mountain environment.