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Rocky Mountain National Parka photo of a ranger in a flat hat
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Featured Plants and Animals

This section provides information on some of the park's most popular plants and animals.

Aspen
Elk
Bighorn Sheep
Moose

Keep in mind that plant and animal watching vary with the season. Here are a few highlights:


November - May


Elk commonly seen at lower elevations on the East Side.


March


Mountain Bluebirds return.


May - June


Bird migration.

 

Elk calves and bighorn lambs born.

 

Wildflowers in bloom at lower elevations.

 

Tundra flowers begin blooming.


July


Wildflower season peaks.


August


Colorado columbines and other late season flowers still in bloom.

 

The Elk rut begins.

 

Bird migration.

September-October

Elk rut peaks.

 

Bird migration continues.

 

Aspens turn color.

a photo of a comfort station  

Did You Know?
Daily during the summer, Rocky's custodial crew cleans 102 toilets in comfort stations at trailheads and along roads. They also clean around 100 toilets in campground comfort stations, 30 visitor center toilets, and 35 toilets for park staff. That's 267 toilets cleaned every day of the summer!

Last Updated: January 23, 2007 at 16:32 EST