Rabbit Mountain Open Space is where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Front Range, the Continental Divide, and the western edge of the Great Plains. Can you see the snow caps to the right? A snow storm is rolling in from the mountains. We are due for up to ten inches in the next couple days.
Don’t be fooled by the barren look of the landscape. We were standing in the foothills transitional zone between the prairie and the montane life zones, which make this area rich in plants and wildlife.
In addition to rabbits, one might see coyotes, deer, prairie dogs, hawks, eagles, and other grasslands and foothills birds.
Seasonally closed off areas protect nesting golden eagles December 15 – July 15.
We came across this herd of deer, along with a wounded deer following a bit behind. The herd would stop and wait for the wounded deer, but seemed to keep a distance in front. See the video below…
The sun was starting to set as we walked away from the herd of deer. Next we heard a curdling screaming sound and then coyote yips and barks. We believe the coyotes attacked and killed the wounded deer. It was unsettling to be so close to a pack of coyotes, especially since we had our dog Max, with us.
Rabbit Mountain covers 2,733 acres and offers 4 miles of multiple-use trails. This area was once called Rattlesnake Mountain, and rattlesnakes are active here March through October.
It's advised to wear closed-toe shoes, stay on the trail, keep your dog on-leash, and shuffle your feet to alert snakes of your presence. Rattlesnakes are important to this ecosystem and do not deliberately harm people; they strike only in self defense. I think I'll seek out other trails when it gets warmer!
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