Celebrate Colorado’s largest big game mammal at State Forest State Park

State of Colorado and Colorado Parks and Wildlife combined logo Rachael Gonzales
Northwest Region Public Information Officer
970-773-8587 / [email protected]
Twitter: @CPW_NW

Celebrate Colorado’s largest big game mammal at State Forest State Park 

Stock photo of two bull moose eating. Photo Credit: CPW/Jerry Neal.

 

WALDEN, Colo. - Seeing an image of moose walking through residential neighborhoods, populated downtown shopping centers, and hiking trails on TV and social media are fairly common these days. As the state’s moose population grows and sightings increase, so does the public's curiosity. This Saturday, head to State Forest State Park to celebrate their claim to fame and learn more about Colorado’s largest big game species at the annual Moose Fest. 

This free family event will take place at State Forest State Park’s Moose Visitor Center on Sat. Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. From hay rides to backyard bass fishing, arts and crafts, and educational presentations, there’s something for everyone of all ages. Head out in search of clues in our moose scavenger hunt around the visitor center or grab a passport and earn a stamp for visiting our partners' booth for a chance to win a prize. 

"One of the great things about State Forest State Park is the high likelihood of seeing a moose on your visit," said Ryan Crabb, State Forest State Park Manager. “They’re what we are known for. This annual festival is a great way to get out, have fun, and explore the outdoors while learning about moose. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see a moose while you are here."

Details:
When: Saturday, August 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: State Forest State Park Visitor Center 
              56750 Highway 14, approximately 22 miles east of Walden

Scheduled Events: 
10 a.m. - All About Moose (presentation)
11 a.m. Rocky Mountain Wildlife (presentation)
Noon and 2:30 p.m. - Colorado’s Moose (Documentary by Peak to Creek Films)
1 p.m. - Moose Behavior (presentation)

Food will be available for purchase from Colorado Lottory from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Thanks to successful reintroduction efforts by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the state’s moose populations are thriving. Colorado Parks and Wildlife encourages the public to appreciate them and learn more about the species, including how to watch them safely and avoid conflicts. 

Although moose may appear docile, they are powerful animals and can be extremely dangerous if they feel threatened, especially if a dog approaches them. CPW encourages people to watch all wildlife safely and from a distance. When recreating with dogs, keep them on a leash and under control at all times.

Thanks to our partners with the US Forest Service, the Colorado State Forest Service, Yampatika, the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, and the Colorado State Land Board for helping make this event possible. 

Learn more about State Forest State Park on our website. For more information on the event, call the State Forest Moose Visitor Center at 970-723-8366.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.