Best Wildlife Viewing Spots near Boulder

Boulder, Colorado, offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to observe a diverse range of species in their natural habitats. One of the best places to see wildlife near Boulder is the Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat and Sawhill Ponds. These two preserves, located just a half-mile apart in northeast Boulder, provide a serene environment for bird-watching. The area boasts 24 ponds, swaying cottonwood trees, lush grasses, and teeming wetlands, making it a haven for various bird species.

Walden Ponds and Sawhill Ponds are less crowded than some of Boulder's more popular hiking spots, offering visitors a peaceful setting to observe wildlife. Bird blinds are strategically placed at Sawhill Ponds for optimal viewing, and at Cottonwood Marsh near the Walden Ponds parking area, visitors can witness tree swallows in nest boxes. The region is home to a wide array of bird species, including osprey, Eastern screech owls, great horned owls, cormorants, bald eagles, bitterns, herons, wood ducks, Eastern kingbirds, and even the elusive least bittern, which nests exclusively in this area in Colorado.

For those interested in visiting these wildlife habitats from Boulder, Colorado, you can reach Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat and Sawhill Ponds by driving northeast for a short distance. The drive typically takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It's recommended to check for any updates or closures before planning your visit, especially as Sawhill Ponds is scheduled for improvement projects in the fall of 2024.

Enjoy a peaceful and enriching wildlife viewing experience at Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat and Sawhill Ponds, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and observe a wide variety of bird species in their natural surroundings.