The 14 Best Places and Times to See Bald Eagles in Colorado

Native to North America, bald eagles are a majestic sight when you see them in the wild. Their white head feathers make them easy to identify, though they only get their white feathers as adults. Like many birds, bald eagles migrate through the seasons. They spend springs and summers north in Canada, then move south throughout the United States and northern parts of Mexico for the fall and winter. However, some bald eagles call specific areas of the U.S. “home” year-round. Colorado hosts many of these eagles both year-round and during their winter migrations.

Bald Eagles in Colorado

Several counties in the west and north sides of Colorado report year-round sightings of our national bird. Bald eagles prefer to live near water and wetlands, where they can find their preferred meal, fish. As opportunistic foragers, though, they also eat a variety of other small mammals and birds. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, bald eagles’ dietary preferences make them a common sight near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. They like to perch on tall, mature trees near the water to watch for prey.

The bald eagle population has boomed in Colorado over the last 50 years. Just three known bald eagle nests existed by 1980, but today, reports of over 200 statewide exist! That’s just the year-round birds — over 1,000 bald eagles migrate through the state yearly, more than quadrupling Colorado’s species population. With so many more birds visiting between November and March, the chances of seeing a bald eagle also increase.

Why Colorado?

Bird migration patterns have long been a mystery to us. Experts think bald eagles’ migrations depend more on food availability and weather patterns — two reasons they might choose Colorado. The late-season freezes of Colorado’s waters mean bald eagles have longer access to fish. 

Colorado’s bald eagles often move to lower elevations during the winter for precisely this reason since the lakes in the mountains freeze first. This shift also makes them easier to spot! The eagles are less active on cold days, meaning their dark body feathers stand out against the snow or bare tree branches. Winters in Colorado also remain relatively mild. Temperatures drop, of course, but the state isn’t known for winter storms or frequent unpredictable weather.

Where to See Bald Eagles

Are you looking to spot some of these majestic creatures? Several places across the state offer great chances to see bald eagles. However, current nesting areas aren’t listed. Bald eagles may not be endangered anymore but still have federal and local protection. Experts recommend taking some binoculars to help you spot the eagles without getting too close. 

Many of these areas are designated as “Important Bird Areas” (or IBAs) by the National Audubon Society. Colorado boasts 55 IBAs, meant to protect a variety of bird species, including bald eagles. The following places frequently record bald eagle sightings, making them great places to visit for your own eagle experience.

1. Barr Lake State Park — Brighton, CO

Barr Lake State Park is a favorite among birdwatchers thanks to the 370 species living in the park. Certain areas of the park close periodically to protect the bald eagles nesting in the area.

2. Fossil Creek Reservoir Natural Area — Fort Collins, CO

Fossil Creek Reservoir and its forested exterior provide a crucial stopping point for migrating bald eagles, as well as many other bird species. 

3. Highline Lake State Park — Loma, CO

An IBA, over 200 species call the park home. The park frequently hosts migrating bald eagles during the winter months. 

4. Eleven Mile State Park — Lake George, CO

The reservoir at Eleven Mile State Park is one of Colorado’s largest. The area is known for its trophy fishing, a fact that attracts both humans and bald eagles.

5. St. Vrain State Park — Firestone, CO

Within St. Vrain State Park, 14 ponds offer the ideal habitat for various species, including wintering bald eagles. Formerly called Barbour Ponds, amenities have been consistently added since 2006. 

6. Trinidad Lake State Park — Trinidad, CO

The 2,700 acres of this state park centers around Trinidad Lake, a dammed reservoir at the foot of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Bald eagles are known to spend their winters around this lake. 

7. Sweitzer Lake State Park — Delta, CO

A 137-acre reservoir, Sweitzer Lake provides a great spot for bird watchers. Sighting reports exist for over 170 different avian species living in the park, including bald eagles.

8. John Martin Reservoir State Park — Bent County, CO

This reservoir protects two endangered shorebirds — the least tern and the piping plover — as well as bald eagles. The large water source and active shore feed the eagles year-round.

9. Chatfield State Park — Littleton, CO

Chatfield State Park is recognized as an IBA both as a stand-alone park and as part of the Chatfield Basin Conservation Network. Of the 320 bird species that pass through the Basin, bald eagles frequently winter here. 

10. City Park — Denver, CO

Home to the Denver Zoo and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, City Park also features acres of public access park amenities. Bald eagles have increasingly been seen in the heart of the city during the winter.

11. Lake Pueblo State Park — Pueblo, CO

Lake Pueblo offers a great nesting spot for bald eagles, thanks to the abundance of fish in the lake. With 60 miles of shoreline, the eagles have ample opportunities for perching in search of fish.

12. Manitou Lake — Colorado Springs, CO

A 13-acre lake and 63-acre habitat, Manitou Lake makes for great fishing for bald eagles. The lake is listed as an IBA primarily for the nearby flammulated owl study area, but other bird species also take advantage of the area. 

13. South Platte River Corridor — Denver, CO

Smack in the middle of Denver, the South Platte River Corridor offers a bit of nature in the middle of the city. The river, floodplains, and ponds attract many bald eagles. In fact, the Corridor is home to the second-largest bald eagle roost in the county. 

14. Standley Lake Regional Park — Westminster, CO

This park loves its eagles, using social media to keep up to date with them year-round. Standley Lake Regional Park also features a live camera for those who can’t visit the park.