River/Riparian birding habitat

Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70

Colorado · Rocky Mountains

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

June-October

About This Location

Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 is a productive birding destination in Colorado, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Gadwall among many others. Elevation changes create diverse habitats, from riparian valleys to alpine meadows, supporting a wide range of species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

7/21/2026Great Western Reservoir (closed to public)1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

7/21/2026Clear Creek Trail--Golden to I-701 observed

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

7/20/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/20/2026Rocky Mountain Arsenal NWR--Bluestem Loop Trail3 observed

White-eyed Vireo

Vireo griseus

7/19/2026Coal Creek Open Space (Jefferson Co.)1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/19/20261809 E Tufts Ave1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/19/2026Bluff Lake Nature Center1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

507/21/2026

Wood Duck

37/21/2026

Mallard

407/21/2026

Mourning Dove

57/21/2026

White-throated Swift

257/21/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

17/21/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

157/21/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

17/21/2026

Snowy Egret

57/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Osprey

37/21/2026

Cooper's Hawk

27/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

American Kestrel

17/21/2026

Eastern Phoebe

17/21/2026

Say's Phoebe

17/21/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Acclimate to altitude before hiking to high-elevation birding spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 for birding?
The best months to visit Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 for birding are June-October. The best seasons are Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70?
Notable species at Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70?
Birding at Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70?
Clear Creek Trail - Golden to I-70 offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.