Hunting Elk on a Beautiful Sunny Snow Day in Colorado
Photo: What A Feeling!! @MountianViewAdventures
There are few things more breathtaking than hunting elk on a sunny day after fresh snow. The mountains sparkle, the air feels clean, and the silence of winter gives way to the soft crunch of snow under your boots. It’s one of those rare days in Colorado that remind you why you fell in love with hunting in the first place.
At Mountain View Adventures, we’ve seen how these clear, snow-covered days bring out the best of elk country — both in beauty and in hunting success.
The Calm After the Storm
After a snowstorm, elk tend to move more than usual. The storm keeps them hunkered down, but when the sun comes out, they’re eager to feed and stretch their legs. That’s when opportunity strikes.
You’ll often find elk out in the open, feeding on sunny slopes and meadows that start to warm up through the day. The combination of fresh tracks, soft light, and active herds makes sunny snow days some of the best conditions of the season.
Why Sunny Snow Days Are Great for Spot-and-Stalk Hunting
When the sun hits the snow, visibility becomes incredible. Every movement catches your eye — a flick of an ear, a shadow through the timber, a bull crossing an open ridge.
Here’s why these days work so well:
Fresh Tracks Stand Out: You can easily tell which tracks are new and worth following.
Elk Move Midday: They often stay active longer as the day warms.
Easier Glassing: Bright conditions and open views make spotting herds simpler.
Peaceful Conditions: No wind, no fog — just crisp, calm air for a perfect hunt.
If there’s ever a day that feels like “the one,” it’s a clear, blue-sky morning after a snowfall.
Staying Comfortable in the Cold
Even though the sun is shining, temperatures can still stay low. The key is layering — dress in moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, and a breathable shell to regulate your body temperature.
Don’t forget:
Sunglasses or snow goggles to protect against glare
Gaiters to keep snow out of your boots
Light gloves for shooting and glassing
Thermos of hot coffee or soup for long sits in the cold
Being comfortable lets you stay patient — and patience kills elk.
Capturing the Moment
There’s something special about taking a trophy on a sunny snow day. The photos are incredible — antlers glistening against the white snow, blue sky stretching above the mountains. It’s the kind of moment every hunter dreams about hanging on their wall later as a European mount or framed photo.
Even if you don’t fill your tag, a sunny snow day in elk country feels like a gift. The sights, the silence, and the sense of peace remind you why hunting is about more than just the harvest.
Book Your Colorado Elk Hunt
Whether it’s snowing sideways or shining bright, elk hunting in Colorado is always an adventure. But if you’re lucky enough to hunt on one of those beautiful sunny snow days, you’ll understand why so many hunters call this their favorite time of year.
At Mountain View Adventures, we guide hunters through over 350,000 acres of breathtaking elk country — where every sunrise feels like a postcard. Ready to experience it for yourself? Book your hunt today.