Beware of These 8 Bear Hotspots in Colorado

#3 Aspen

Aspen, Colorado is known for its breathtaking nature views and skiing, as well as wildlife. 

This popular ski destination is a hotspot for bears. The local Aspen government noted that some bears become “habituated” to humans. This means that they are used to humans and are no longer as afraid or standoffish. The result is that habituated bears are more likely to go into urban areas, usually looking for food. They are rewarded with dumpsters, trash cans, and other necessities of town and city life that reinforce their behavior. Bears remember where they found food and will return to the spot. Because of this, the City of Aspen requires that all trash cans have locks to prevent bears from accessing them.

#4 San Juan Mountains

The historic train takes visitors through the San Juan Mountains with views of the nearby river and the majestic mountain peaks.

This subregion of the Rockies is located in southwestern Colorado. It has high elevation and plenty of natural wilderness, perfect for bears. It is great for camping and exploring. In fact, the San Juan Mountains were first important in the modern history of Colorado thanks to the rich mineral deposits, mostly gold and silver, that brought settlers out in the gold rush. Today, many of these early settlements are ghost towns that bring history buffs and curious visitors to the area. There is a scenic railway through the mountains between Durango and Silverton. There’s a good chance that you’ll spot a bear from your train car through the countryside. A sheepherder working in the San Juan National Forest was injured by a bear in July 2023. The bear was attacking his sheep and he shot the bear as he tried to fend it off.

#5 Telluride

Telluride and Mountain Village are nestled beneath the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.

If you are looking to encounter a bear, Telluride’s Black Bear Road is a great spot to go. It’s also known as Black Bear Pass and officially as Forest Service Road 648. It is a rugged road, dirt in some places, that goes from the peak of Red Mountain Pass down to Telluride. You’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Bridal Veil Falls, the highest waterfall in the state, as well as epic vistas over the San Juan Mountains from almost 13,000 feet up. Black Bear Road is only open during the summer months but you can visit Telluride during the winter as well, when it’s ideal skiing weather. Just be aware of how to keep yourself and the bears safe if you do encounter one during your adventure.