Living in the mountains has a way of reminding you that you’re not the only one calling this place home. Out here, the true neighbors are the wild ones—elk, deer, foxes, birds, and more—each with their own rhythm and story to share. What I love about Wildwood Reserve is that you don’t need to trek miles into the backcountry to witness it. You just have to step outside your door, sip your coffee, and keep your eyes open.
Mornings with Deer and Elk
There’s something grounding about waking up to mule deer grazing quietly in the meadows. They move with a calm confidence, blending in so effortlessly with the sagebrush that you almost miss them if you’re not paying attention. Come fall, the mountains echo with a sound that still gives me chills: the bugle of an elk. It’s raw, haunting, and beautiful—like an ancient reminder that this valley has always been theirs.
Some mornings, I’ll stop mid-hike just to listen. Even if you’ve heard it before, it never loses its magic. And when a whole herd moves through, leaving trails of tracks in the frost or snow, you realize you’re walking in step with centuries of migration.
Unexpected Winter Visitors
Winter changes everything. Fresh snow becomes a blank canvas, and the stories of the forest appear overnight. Foxes leave their playful zig-zag trails, raccoons shuffle in the dark, and sometimes—if luck’s really on your side—you’ll spot moose tracks leading to the riverbanks.
Seeing a moose in person is unforgettable. They’re massive, yet quiet, and they remind you that you’re just a small piece of a much larger wilderness. I’ve seen one wander through the trees like it owned the place (and, honestly, it does).
The Birdwatcher’s Paradise
For anyone who loves birds, Wildwood is like a year-round show. Eagles and hawks ride the thermals above, their wings stretching against the wide sky. On warmer mornings, I’ll catch hummingbirds darting between wildflowers—they move so fast they almost look unreal. Then there are the smaller moments: chickadees chattering in the aspens, woodpeckers tapping out their rhythms, herons standing still by the reservoir as if meditating.
It’s easy to overlook birds when you think of “big” wildlife, but here they’re part of the daily soundtrack. Their presence is constant, and if you slow down enough, you’ll notice just how much color and personality they bring to the landscape.
Everyday Encounters at Wildwood Reserve
The beauty of life here is that these encounters aren’t rare—they’re everyday moments. From your kitchen window, you might spot a deer crossing the trail at sunrise. From your deck, you might catch a hawk circling above. Even a short walk to check the mail could bring you face to face with a wild neighbor.
That’s the magic of living in Wildwood Reserve. It’s not about visiting nature on weekends—it’s about coexisting with it every single day. And honestly, it changes the way you see the world. Every bugle, every set of tracks, every bird song is a gentle reminder that you’re part of something bigger, older, and incredibly alive.
