Mountain Lion Hike - October 11, 2025
A mountain lion checking a scrape for activity. During the hike we’ll learn how to identify mountain lion scrapes, why they are made and where to look for them.
What: Mountain Lion Hike
Where: Northwest of Fort Collins (details will be sent to participants)
We will meet at Me Oh My Coffee and Pie in Laporte, Colorado at 7:15 am, 3310 WCR 54G, Laporte CO 80535
When: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $220 per participant (Limited to Five Participants)
Come, wildlife enthusiasts, and walk with me upon the lion’s trail, where every stone, pine needle, and birdcall whispers the story of nature’s grand design. On this five-mile wandering, gentle in places and steeper in others, we shall attune our senses to the hidden presence of the mountain lion, that noble, unseen shepherd of the forest. We will read the earth as a book, finding the lion’s sign upon the dust and grass, and behold how the great carnivores, in their chase, give life and balance to deer, elk, and all their kin. Here we will learn that the mountain lion is no mere hunter, but a keystone of creation, shaping streams, forests, and meadows in ways both subtle and profound.
The Hike Includes:
understanding which animals to expect on the landscape and why
air currents and how they decide wildlife movement for many mammals.
learning how mountain lions hunt and navigate across their territories
why mountain lions are elusive and yet predictable
how mountain are different from other predators
being safe in mountain lion country
learning how to maximize your chances of seeing wildlife and wildlife activity
being prepared to deal with backcountry emergencies
setting up trail cameras or DSLR camera traps to film wildlife successfully
Bull elk sparring in the background as the bull in the foreground enjoys the wallow without competition. This area is frequented by black bear, mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep or moose. Mountain lions keep these animals on the move, preventing them from overgrazing this area. The result? Green grass, forbs, chokecherries and currants thrive. The biodiversity of the area is maximized, resulting in a healthy, vibrant ecosystem.
You’ll learn how to identify tracks of mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, red and grey foxes, Merriam’s turkeys, deer, elk and moose. You’ll also learn the difference between canine and feline tracks and how to identify tracks without any pad marks but simply a dimple in the surface, whether it’s snow, sand or another substrate.
Consider downloading the app iTrack for an excellent overview for mountain lions, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, bears and numerous prey species, beginning with deer and elk.
The goal of this workshop is to help you not only identify sign of different wildlife species but also learn an incredible amount about what results in fantastic wildlife habitat.
WHAT TO BRING
layered clothing
decent footwear for hiking (closed toe footwear)
snacks and lunch
at least two liters of water
camera (cell phone is plenty)
a sauntering spirit
We will be stopping often to discuss the tracks and habitat of the wildlife that call this place home. There are many incredible connections worth learning that will enrich your time afield.
This is a great opportunity to ensure you have the Ten Essentials in your pack. Check out my Ten Essentials Plus system. If you’re just getting started, I highly recommend buying the SOL Bivvy XL first. It will save you from hypothermia and is an incredible shelter to wait out a thunderstorm.
Super healthy juvenile mountain lion. This lion had three siblings, all healthy as well. Note the fat pouch below the neck. These mountain lion kittens were well fed by the adult female, their mom.