Tucked just 10 minutes south of Highlands Ranch, Daniels Park is home to one of the most unexpected sights in the area—a roaming bison herd set against some of the best views on the Front Range.
Here’s what to know before you go—including where to find them.
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The Bison Living Life on the Range
📍 The Big Picture (Know This First)
Daniels Park is part of Denver Mountain Parks (yes—Denver, not Douglas County)
It’s one of the only parks in the system in a High Plains environment
Much of the park is dedicated to a protected bison preserve
Views stretch from Pikes Peak to Wyoming
🦬 Where to See the Bison
The herd lives in a large fenced preserve
Best viewing spots:
Along Daniels Park Road
From designated overlooks
There’s a trail running parallel to the road with elevated viewpoints
🚶♀️ Can You Walk to Them?
Yes — a trail runs alongside the road
Roughly 1.5 miles each way
Sightings aren’t guaranteed, but overlooks increase your chances
⏰ Best Time to Go
Early morning or evening = best activity
Midday can be quieter
👉 We visited around 9am and saw one bison, so it varies from day to day.
🤔 Why You Might Not See Them
The herd rotates between different pastures
This protects grazing land
Sometimes they’re simply in another section of the park
⚠️ Safety (Most Important)
Bison are wild and unpredictable
Can run up to 35 mph
Can change direction quickly and even jump fences
Never approach or feed them
Keep serious distance — these are not zoo animals
🌱 Why There Are Bison Here
Part of a conservation effort
Managed by Denver Mountain Parks
Helps preserve a species that once defined the American West
🐃 Bison vs. Buffalo (Quick Note)
These are bison, not buffalo
Native to North America
Known for their large shoulder hump + thick coat
“Buffalo” is commonly used, but technically incorrect
Driving 10 minutes south of the Ranch took my breath away. I had no idea this was there.
Coffee. Quick drive. Short walk. What a spot.
Know someone who hasn’t been yet? Send this to them.
Grace
Editor, The Ranch Scoop
📚 Sources
Denver Mountain Parks, Denver Mountain Parks Foundation, Douglas County, Darla Travels (2024), local reporting, and field observations by The Ranch Scoop.