Elk Hunting in Colorado on a Snowy Day
There’s something special about elk hunting in the snow. The air is crisp, the woods are quiet, and every track tells a story. Hunting elk in Colorado on a snowy day isn’t just beautiful — it can also be one of the most productive times to fill your tag. Snow changes the game, revealing elk movement, quieting your approach, and creating an unforgettable mountain experience.
At Mountain View Adventures, we’ve guided countless hunters through snow-covered mountains — and some of the best hunts of the season happen when the flakes start to fall.
Why Snowy Conditions Are Great for Elk Hunting
When snow hits the Colorado mountains, elk behavior shifts. The cold temperatures push them to lower elevations where food and shelter are easier to find. This means hunters have a better chance of spotting herds as they move out of the high country.
Here’s why snow can actually help you during your hunt:
Tracks Tell the Story: Fresh snow makes it easy to identify elk trails and recent activity.
Quiet Stalks: Snow muffles sound, helping you move silently through the woods.
Better Visibility: Elk stand out sharply against the white landscape.
More Predictable Movement: In cold weather, elk feed longer and stay more active during daylight hours.
The result? A prime opportunity to get within range of a big bull.
Where to Find Elk in the Snow
Once snow starts piling up in the high country, elk head down into timbered draws, south-facing slopes, and open meadows with accessible forage. Look for:
Aspen pockets near lower ridgelines
Sheltered valleys with nearby food sources
Edges of timber and meadows, especially in early morning and late afternoon
At Mountain View Adventures, our guides track elk movement daily and know exactly where they tend to migrate when the snow flies.
Staying Warm and Comfortable
Hunting in snow can be incredible — but only if you’re prepared. Proper gear makes all the difference.
Here’s what we recommend:
Insulated waterproof boots and quality wool socks
Moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin
Quiet, windproof outer layers
Hand and toe warmers for long glassing sessions
Hot drinks or soup in a thermos
Staying warm and dry keeps you focused — and focused hunters spot more elk.
Following Fresh Tracks
Few things are as thrilling as cutting a fresh elk track in the snow. Tracks that are still crisp and defined likely mean the elk passed through within a few hours. Follow slowly, use the wind to your advantage, and scan ahead often. In these conditions, you can sometimes sneak within range before the elk ever know you’re there.
It’s pure mountain hunting at its best — slow, patient, and deeply rewarding.
The Beauty of a Snow Hunt
Beyond the strategy, elk hunting in snow captures the true spirit of the mountains. The silence, the white pines, the steam rising from an elk’s breath in the cold — it’s the kind of moment that stays with you forever.
For many hunters, tagging an elk in the snow is the highlight of their career. It’s the hunt you’ll talk about for years — not just for the trophy, but for the experience itself.
Ready to chase elk through the snow-covered mountains of Colorado? Book your hunt with Mountain View Adventures and experience winter elk hunting at its finest.