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

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Calves are often visible

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Buffalo Herd Overlook

Best Time

Spring mornings

Calves are often visible

CrowdLow

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."

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.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 615 reviews

Type

Wildlife Refuge

Address

I-70 Exit 254, Golden, CO 80401, USA

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Overlook near I-70

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

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.

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

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

↔️ Seasonal Herd Movement

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

🦬🦬🦬🦬🦬 📍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.

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

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

🦌 Look for More Wildlife

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

↔️ Seasonal Herd Movement

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

⚠️ Stay in Vehicle

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

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

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

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

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

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.

🎫 🏞️ 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.

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

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

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

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.

📸 📸 Photography

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

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

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

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.