A Little-Known Mountainous Vacation Spot Is Colorado's Gorgeous Moose Viewing Capital

If you feel the mountains calling to you with their snow-capped peaks, meandering rivers, and exciting wildlife encounters, head to North Park in Colorado. Located about three hours from Denver by the southern border of Wyoming, the mountain town of North Park is considered the moose-viewing capital of Colorado. Bordered by the exhilarating Continental Divide Trail, North Park offers a host of outdoor recreation activities that include hiking, fishing, and camping. Those seeking authentic adventure will feel the spirit of the pioneers as they embark on a journey through the real Western frontier and experience the joys of quiet solitude. 

The closest airports to North Park include Denver International Airport, which is over three hours away, Northern Colorado Regional Airport, which is over two and a half hours away, and Steamboat Springs Airport, which is about 90 minutes away. Rocky Mountain National Park is also located a little over two hours away if you're looking to explore more of the state.

Looking for moose on the loose? You've come to the right place. The moose in North Park are new to the area, with park managers only introducing 12 animals in 1978. Since then, the population has grown to more than 3,000 in the state –– a true success story in wildlife conservation. Weighing up to 1,200 pounds and heights of more than 6 feet with stately antlers (also called paddles), moose are beautiful creatures to watch. 

They are attracted to the wetland vegetation in the valley and emerge in search of food and water. They can be hard to spot, so your best bet is to look for willows, shrubs, and meadows to see them roaming in their natural environment. However, you may also spot moose just crossing the road. Dawn and dusk are optimum viewing times, but keep in mind that moose are very protective of their young and can become aggressive, so keep your distance. It's also best to keep your furry friends at home and off the trail. 

Check out other wildlife like pronghorns, mule deer, jackrabbits, and prairie dogs as well while you're in North Park. And if you to hike along the rivers, look for beavers and otters basking in the sun. Learn more about Colorado's quietest town with unparalleled mountain views.

Colorado is known for its vast system of well-known national and state parks, from the famous Rocky Mountain National Park to hidden gems like Mueller State Park. Hiking the Continental Divide Trail could be your most memorable, yet challenging, adventure. As one of the country's 11 National Scenic Trails, the Continental Divide Trail covers more than 3,000 miles where you will discover every type of terrain from tundra to desert. In North Park, the trail wraps around the edge of the town and gives you easy access to the trailhead. Many hikers choose to navigate the trail on a day hike. Come winter, the various trails near North Park turn into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing and snowmobiling. And if you're into skiing, you can take a short trip north to Walden to hit the slopes.

North Park also offers the best trout fishing in the state, especially for brook and rainbow trout. In nearby Coalmont, you can visit a certified Colorado Reindeer Ranch for an authentic hands-on experience with these incredible animals. They maintain a herd of 12 North American reindeer so you can see them in their natural habitat. Along the Colorado Scenic Byway, there's another inspiring Rocky Mountain destination to visit.