Wildlife Watching in Grand Canyon 2024-2025

Grand Canyon is a great habitat for a variety of wildlife. The National Park covers a vast area of 1.2-million-acres and is home to unique species. Six of the most iconic ones include the nearly extinct California Condor, Rocky Mountain Elk, Ringtail, Bighorn Sheep, Abert’s Squirrel, and Little Brown Bat. Other common residents are beavers, foxes, bobcats, jackrabbits, mule deer, coyotes, raccoons, bears, badgers, mountain lions, and dozens of others.

The Colorado River corridor seems to be the most prolific locations within the park. However, desert uplands and coniferous forests are also rich in wildlife. Each habitat offers different viewing opportunities.

Whenever you decide to go wildlife watching, keep in mind a few safety rules. First, it's essential to stay at the right distance. It's at least 100 feet (30 meters) in case of bigger animals (i.e., deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and mountain lion), and half of that length for smaller species (birds, squirrels, and reptiles). Even if an animal approaches you, it's your responsibility to step back. Feeding is prohibited, and so is whistling, clicking, or other noises produced to attract an animal's attention. Remember: when an animal feels threatened it's prone to aggression, and even seemingly harmless squirrels may cause you a lot of trouble.

Although wildlife viewing is good all year round, spring stands out as the best season for an opportunity to spot baby animals.