Spotting moose in Summit County's willows

Moose are big, dark, and surprisingly common in the willow-lined creeks and wet meadows around Summit County, which makes them one of the more memorable animals you can spot here. They look calm, and the trick to enjoying them is knowing they are bolder than they seem.

Unlike deer or elk, moose do not fear humans, so they won’t simply move off when you approach. They can be defensive, especially a cow with a calf, and may stand their ground. That is good to know in advance: it means giving any moose plenty of room is the easy, comfortable way to watch one. Dogs are worth planning around too. A moose sees a dog as a wolf-like threat, and a frightened dog often runs back to its owner with the moose following. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recommends keeping dogs leashed and giving any moose a wide berth.

Handy for newcomers: a moose on or near a trail is your cue to pause, back off, and pick a different route or wait a bit, then admire it from there. Keep an eye out around willows, ponds, and snowy packed trails in winter, where sightings are most likely.

For how to enjoy moose safely in Summit County, see Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s living-with-moose guidance.