Buffalo Herd Overlook
1 / 15

Buffalo Herd Overlook

4.5
·615 reviews·Golden, United States

Witness majestic bison grazing against a backdrop of stunning Colorado mountains, easily accessible from I-70.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Calves are often visible

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Buffalo Herd Overlook

Buffalo Herd Overlook

Best Time

Spring mornings

Calves are often visible

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness majestic bison grazing against a backdrop of stunning Colorado mountains, easily accessible from I-70.

4.5
(615 reviews)

"A convenient stop to see bison and catch breathtaking mountain sunsets right off the highway."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Easy I-70 Access

Conveniently located right off I-70, making it a quick and easy wildlife viewing stop.

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Many visitors rave about the stunning mountain sunsets from this overlook.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Majestic Bison Herd

The Majestic Bison Herd

Genesee Buffalo Overlook

Witness North America's largest land mammal grazing in their natural habitat. Keep a safe distance!

Stunning Mountain Sunsets

Stunning Mountain Sunsets

Overlook near I-70

The panoramic mountain views provide a breathtaking backdrop for vibrant sunset displays.

Abundant Local Wildlife

Abundant Local Wildlife

Trails connected to overlook

Beyond bison, spot deer, elk, coyotes, and various bird species on nearby trails.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Bison Sightings

The bison herd's location shifts seasonally. In summer, they're often north of I-70, while winter moves them south. Spring brings adorable calves! Check local conditions before you go, as they can be unpredictable.

Accessibility & Nature's Soundtrack

This overlook is incredibly accessible right off I-70, making it a quick stop. Be aware that highway noise is present, but many find the wildlife and mountain views worth it, especially at sunset.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Calves are often visible
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Golden hour for bison
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter afternoons
Why
Herd often south of I-70
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Golden moments in @Victoria's High Country ☀️👏 As far as sunset spots go, it doesn't get much better than #TheHorn in #Victoria - the (literal) pinnacle of alpine lookouts in #MtBuffaloNationalPark 😍 🎥: @Nathan Sawaya 📍: #TheHorn, #MtBuffaloNationalPark, #VictoriasHighCountry, #Victoria - @Visit Melbourne #SeeAustralia #ComeAndSayGday #Travel #TravelTok #Australia #BucketList #Adventure #Sunset ...
@australia
36.2K likes • 504.2K views

🚗 Easy I-70 Access

Conveniently located right off I-70, making it a quick and easy wildlife viewing stop. Instagram

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Many visitors rave about the stunning mountain sunsets from this overlook. Instagram+1

Where the Bison Still Roam — Genesee Buffalo Overlook Just off I-70 at Exit 254 lies a slice of Colorado history most locals zoom past — the Genesee Buffalo Overlook. Since 1938, this overlook has been home to a managed bison herd, started by the City and County of Denver to help protect and restore the American bison. These majestic animals are part of a conservation story that goes back nearl...
ovrlnd2
16 likes • 391 views
🔻🔻 Sunset at the Buffalo herd overlook with @bigjonmiskew & @mountainrecovery . . . . . #sunset #colorado #vailpass #vailmountain
armadatruckinggroup
6 likes • 77 views

🦌 Look for More Wildlife

Besides bison, keep an eye out for deer, elk, and various birds on nearby trails. Reddit

↔️ Seasonal Herd Movement

Bison move between north and south of I-70 depending on the season. Reddit

🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬 📍Buffalo Corral Overlook 🌎In Hot Springs State Park, there is a loop drive course that will take you to see the bison herd. Have you seen bison in person? They are the largest mammal in North America. When you go see Bison, please remain in your vehicle and do not approach them since they can be dangerous and unpredictable. They have their own lives. Let’s respect their boundary and keep th...
tomo.travel.camping_usa
115 likes • 2.6K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Easy I-70 Access

Conveniently located right off I-70, making it a quick and easy wildlife viewing stop. Instagram

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Many visitors rave about the stunning mountain sunsets from this overlook. Instagram+1

🦌 Look for More Wildlife

Besides bison, keep an eye out for deer, elk, and various birds on nearby trails. Reddit

↔️ Seasonal Herd Movement

Bison move between north and south of I-70 depending on the season. Reddit

⚠️ Stay in Vehicle

Always maintain a safe distance from bison and remain in your vehicle. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(615 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Buffalo Herd Overlook for its accessible wildlife viewing and stunning mountain sunsets, making it a convenient stop along I-70. While the highway noise is a factor, many find the chance to see bison and other local fauna, especially during golden hour, to be a rewarding experience. Seasonal herd movements and occasional GPS inaccuracies are minor drawbacks.

"Beautiful area. Went on a walk near the highway here, and though the buffalo weren't out, we did see some deer.

We didn't walk very far, but if you look on the map, the trails that are connected to this overlook runs for miles. It's a great spot to pass by even for just a few moments, and the views of the mountains and sunset are stunning.

I-70 is right there, so it can technically take away from the nature feel because you can hear the cars driving by, but at the same time it's so accessible and easy to get in and out of."

Lona D

"I frequent this area a lot and I love seeing the wild life. During the summer months you can see the bison herd North of I-70, but during the winter months they are typically moved to the South of I-70. They have their own private access below I-70 to go from one side to the other. Usually the baby bison are born in the Spring and once old enough they have the bison herd go to the long green grasses North of I-70 for summer. When they feed the bison hay bales it also brings in the Elk and they just hangout together eating. While walking the path I’ve also seen coyote, fox, magpies, blue birds, mule deer and red tail hawks. Beautiful walk anytime of the day, but my favorite is sunset!"

Frances Moeller

"I was driving down the highway and noticed the Bison by the road! I turned around and parked at this little area. I walked down the bike path a little ways and got a chance to watch these bison graze. It was awesome to see the calf as well! Definitely stop by if you have time and enjoy watching wildlife."

Chris Maine

What People Like

Easy highway access
Bison sightings
Beautiful sunsets

What People Dislike

Highway noise
Herd not always visible

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Buffalo Herd Overlook is easily accessible directly off I-70 at Exit 254. GPS directions can sometimes be tricky, so pay close attention to signs for Genesee Park. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is a designated parking area at the overlook, making it convenient for a quick stop. Instagram

The overlook itself is accessible by car. However, there are walking paths and trails connected to the area for further exploration. Reddit

The overlook is accessible year-round, but the bison herd's location and visibility can change with the seasons. Reddit

While specific coordinates can vary, searching for 'Genesee Buffalo Overlook' or 'Buffalo Corral Overlook' in your navigation app should guide you. Be mindful of potentially poor GPS signals. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to visit the Buffalo Herd Overlook. It's a public viewing area. Instagram

Genesee Park, where the overlook is located, is generally free to enter. There are no specific entrance fees for the park itself. Instagram

The overlook is open 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, wildlife viewing is best during daylight hours. Reddit

No, the overlook is first-come, first-served. It's a casual stop, not a reserved attraction. Instagram

There are no tickets to buy. The best times to see the bison are generally during dawn and dusk, or when they are actively grazing. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Early mornings and late afternoons/evenings are often best for spotting the bison herd as they are more active during cooler parts of the day. InstagramReddit

It's crucial to maintain a safe distance and stay in your vehicle. Bison are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Never approach them. Instagram

Besides bison, visitors often report seeing deer, elk, coyotes, magpies, bluebirds, and red-tailed hawks. Reddit

Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned as being directly at the overlook itself. It's advisable to use facilities before or after your visit. Instagram

While there aren't designated picnic tables, you can enjoy a picnic in your vehicle or find nearby areas within Genesee Park. Remember to pack out all trash. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, especially during sunset, offers stunning light for photographing the bison and the mountain landscape. InstagramReddit+1

A telephoto lens is highly recommended to capture clear shots of the bison from a safe distance. A wide-angle lens is great for landscape shots of the mountains. TikTok

The main overlook provides a good vantage point. Exploring the adjacent trails can offer different perspectives of the herd and scenery. Reddit

Yes, spring is a great time to see bison calves, and they make for adorable photo subjects from a safe distance. Instagram

Regulations regarding drone usage can vary. It's best to check with local park authorities or the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website for current rules before flying a drone. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Buffalo Herd Overlook offers a fantastic, accessible way to introduce children to wildlife. The chance to see bison, especially baby calves in the spring, is incredibly exciting for kids. Instagram The overlook's proximity to I-70 means less travel time and more time for viewing, which is great for shorter attention spans. Remember to emphasize the importance of staying in the car and observing from a safe distance to ensure everyone's safety. Instagram

Consider bringing binoculars for the kids to get a closer look at the bison and other potential wildlife like deer or birds. The adjacent trails can be a fun, short adventure for families, but always supervise children closely. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. The sunset views can also be a magical experience for the whole family, creating lasting memories.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Buffalo Herd Overlook presents a unique blend of wildlife and landscape opportunities. The bison themselves are iconic subjects, and capturing them in their natural habitat, especially with calves in spring, is a prime objective. Instagram The surrounding mountain vistas provide a dramatic backdrop, particularly during the golden hour of sunrise and sunset. InstagramReddit+1

To make the most of your photography session, a telephoto lens is essential for capturing detailed shots of the bison from the required safe distance. TikTok A wide-angle lens will be useful for the expansive mountain scenery. Be prepared for varying light conditions and consider bringing a tripod for sharper images, especially during low-light conditions at dawn or dusk. Remember that the bison's location can shift seasonally, so scouting the area beforehand or checking recent visitor reports can help you find the best vantage points.

🚗 Day-Trippers & Road-Trippers

The Buffalo Herd Overlook is an ideal quick stop for anyone traveling along I-70. Its direct highway access means you can easily pull over for a short break to witness a piece of Colorado's natural heritage. Instagram It's a perfect opportunity to stretch your legs, enjoy a scenic view, and potentially spot some wildlife without a significant detour. Reddit

Many travelers use this overlook as a convenient spot to catch a beautiful sunset over the mountains. Instagram+1 Even if the bison aren't visible, the mountain panoramas are worth the brief stop. Consider packing some snacks to enjoy while taking in the views. It’s a great way to add a touch of nature and local flavor to your road trip itinerary.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Bison Herd's Behavior

The bison herd at Genesee Buffalo Overlook is managed by the City and County of Denver, aiming to protect and restore the American bison population. Instagram Their movements are influenced by the seasons and food availability. During the summer months, they are typically found grazing north of I-70, drawn to the lush green grasses. In winter, they are usually moved to the south side of the highway. This seasonal shift is a fascinating aspect of observing them in their environment. Reddit

When the bison are fed hay bales, it often attracts other wildlife like elk, creating a unique opportunity to see different species coexisting. Visitors have also reported sightings of coyotes, foxes, various birds, and mule deer while exploring the trails around the overlook. Reddit Observing these animals requires patience and respect for their wild nature.

It's crucial for visitors to remember that these are wild animals. Always maintain a safe distance, stay in your vehicle when viewing the herd, and never attempt to feed them. Their unpredictability means that even seemingly calm animals can react suddenly. Instagram Following these guidelines ensures both your safety and the well-being of the bison.

Maximizing Your Visit: Tips from Travelers

Many visitors highlight the stunning mountain views and the opportunity to witness wildlife as major draws to the Buffalo Herd Overlook. The accessibility right off I-70 makes it an easy stop for travelers passing through. Instagram However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the 'nature feel' due to the proximity of the highway; the sound of cars is a common observation. Reddit

For the best experience, timing is key. Spring is ideal for seeing adorable bison calves, while summer evenings offer beautiful light for photography and often more active bison. InstagramReddit If you're looking for a quieter experience, visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays might be beneficial. Remember that the herd's location can change, so checking recent local reports or observing their current grazing areas is helpful. Reddit

Photography enthusiasts will find the sunset views particularly rewarding. Instagram+1 Bringing a telephoto lens is recommended to capture detailed shots of the bison from a safe distance. TikTok Even if the bison aren't immediately visible, the surrounding trails offer opportunities to spot other local fauna and enjoy the mountain scenery. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2