Genesee Park is where thousands of I-70 drivers do a double take: a herd of American bison grazing on the hillsides just west of Denver. It is Denver’s first and largest mountain park, and the bison have called it home since 1914.

Denver’s mountain park system began in 1912 with the purchase of Genesee Park, which now covers 2,413 acres on both sides of I-70. The bison came two years later. According to Denver Parks and Recreation, the herd descends from the last wild bison in North America. It began at City Park with the Denver Zoo, where by 1908 the zoo’s 18 bison were all that were left in Colorado. The herd moved to Genesee in 1914, and a second herd was started at Daniels Park in 1938. Today it is a true conservation herd, and since 2021 Denver has donated surplus bison to tribal nations to help return buffalo to tribal lands.

Take the Genesee Park exit (Exit 254) and look for the bison viewing areas and overlooks next to the pastures. Bison can be near the fence or far up the slope, so binoculars help. Away from the herd, trails climb through ponderosa pine to the 8,284-foot Genesee Mountain summit, with a view running from the Continental Divide to the city and plains. The park also has big picnic areas, historic stone shelters, Chief Hosa Lodge and Chief Hosa Campground, which opened in 1918 as America’s first motor-camping area. Continue west on the Lariat Loop toward Evergreen Lake for winter skating.

Insider tip: Winter is a great time to see the herd. Bison are built to dig through deep snow for forage, and a light dusting of snow on their shaggy coats makes for great photos. Stay behind the fences, never feed or approach the animals, and keep dogs leashed. Pull into a legal parking area instead of stopping on the I-70 shoulder.

Denver Mountain Parks are open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, so plan a daylight visit, especially with early winter sunsets. Denver Parks and Recreation keeps sending surplus bison from the Genesee and Daniels Park herds to tribal nations through 2030 under its partnership with the InterTribal Buffalo Council and tribal partners. Learn more at denvergov.org.