Colorado’s wide-open trails and mountain backdrops invite us outdoors, but they also raise a fair question: what about ticks? These tiny hitchhikers spark worry for hikers, pet owners, and families alike.
In this blog, we’ll break down how common ticks really are in Colorado, when you’ll see them most often, and what kinds of ticks you can expect to find here.
The Short Answer: Will You See Ticks in Colorado?
Yes, ticks are present in Colorado. They’re most active in spring and early summer, with Rocky Mountain wood ticks being the main culprit. Lyme disease risk here is low, but tick protection still matters.
Tick Presence Overview in Colorado
Ticks aren’t everywhere in Colorado, but they’re far from rare. Researchers have identified close to 30 different species across the state, though only a handful ever bother humans or pets. The Rocky Mountain wood tick and the American dog tick are the ones you’ll hear about most.
They thrive in foothills, grassy areas, and wooded trails, usually up to about 10,000 feet in elevation. Their activity peaks in spring and early summer, but you can still cross paths with them year-round.
Common Tick Species & Their Risks
Not every tick in Colorado is gunning for you, but here are the main ones to keep in mind:
- Rocky Mountain wood tick – The one we run into most. Known to bite humans and pets, and capable of spreading Colorado tick fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia.
- American dog tick – Shows up often, carries some of the same risks, but does not spread Lyme disease.
- Other species – Rabbit ticks, lone star ticks, and brown dog ticks exist here, but most stick to specific hosts and are less likely to end up on you.
Local Disease Risks: What Coloradans Should Know
There are a few illnesses these ticks can spread:
- Colorado tick fever – The most common here. Brings on a high fever that can flare, fade, and flare again in a two-wave pattern.
- Tularemia – Rare, but possible. Usually caught from handling infected animals, though ticks can spread it too.
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) – Despite the name, it’s not common here, but when it hits, it can be serious.
- Lyme disease – Extremely rare in Colorado since the blacklegged tick isn’t established here. Cases are usually related to traveling outside the state.
Emerging Trends: Tick Populations on the Move
Colorado’s tick picture is changing, and it’s worth keeping an eye on:
- Warming winters – Softer cold seasons let ticks survive in places where they once struggled.
- New territory – Researchers have spotted ticks, including lone star ticks, expanding into areas of Colorado where they weren’t much of a concern before.
- Higher elevations – Places people once thought were “safe” from ticks may start seeing more activity.
Real-World Data & Community Involvement
One thing that is often overlooked is how much local data benefits us all. In Colorado, both university-led projects and the state health department are leaning on everyday outdoors users to chip in.
For example, Colorado State University set up tick collection stations at trailheads, letting hikers submit ticks (and surveys) that researchers can then test for pathogens and map out on a county-by-county basis. Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment runs a Citizen Scientist Tick Surveillance Program, where you can send in ticks for identification by an entomologist. It might sound small, but these submissions help fill gaps in what we know, and bolster our tick control efforts statewide.
Prevention & Safe Behavior: Smarter Ways to Lower Your Risk
We can’t fence the whole outdoors, but there are smart steps you can take:
- Dress for defense – Long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and repellent give ticks fewer opportunities to latch on.
- Stick to the trail – Ticks like brush, tall grasses, and foothill clearings. Staying on beaten paths helps cut down exposure.
- Check often – After time outside, look over yourself, your kids, and your pets (ears, toes, and waistbands are favorite hiding spots).
- Remove correctly – Use fine-tipped tweezers, pull straight out, and clean the bite. Don’t twist, burn, or smother—it just makes things worse.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Most tick bites don’t lead to serious illness, but it’s best not to shrug them off. If you can’t remove a tick completely, or if fever, rash, or flu-like symptoms creep in afterward, it’s time to call a doctor. Quick treatment matters—especially since diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever can escalate fast.
Need Help with Tick Control at Home?
Ticks don’t just stay out on the trails; they can find their way into your yard, too. If you’d like an extra layer of peace of mind, visit our tick page to learn more about our tick services and how we can help keep your family and pets safe. Contact us today!
Final Thoughts on Ticks in Colorado
Ticks are a reality in Colorado, but with awareness and good habits, the risks are manageable. Remember: dress smart, check often, and remove promptly. A simple prevention checklist is your best tick protection, and when we all stay watchful, those tiny hitchhikers lose their chance to cause real trouble.