Ticks in Colorado

Colorado is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of breathtaking recreational areas that cater to every adventurer's taste. From towering peaks to crystal-clear lakes, this diverse state has it all. Unfortunately, Colorado is also home to a wide variety of dangerous ticks.

Ticks that live in Colorado may include the blacklegged tick (deer tick), American dog tick, brown dog tick, Lone Star tick, Asian longhorned tick, poultry tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, Cayenne tick, Gulf Coast tick, and Pacific Coast tick. As ticks actively expand their habitats across the United States designating defined geographical regions as the sole place of residence of any given tick is becoming a fleeting challenge.

Ticks in Colorado are a threat everywhere, from the deep forest to urban backyards. These lethal arachnids employ a behavior known as "questing", a passive strategy where they position themselves in vegetation, such as tall grasses or shrubs, and wait for a potential host to pass by.

Ticks have specialized sensory organs located on their legs, known as Haller's organs, which can detect stimuli such as heat, carbon dioxide, vibrations, and odor. When a human or animal approaches a waiting tick senses these stimuli and reacts by extending its legs outward, latching on as you pass by.

Once a tick has hitched a ride, it will crawl to a secluded location on your body, attach, and feed on your blood. Ticks secrete a unique substance that prevents you from feeling their bite, so they can feast unnoticed. Disease transmission may occur.

Popular outdoor areas in Colorado that are also home to ticks:

Rocky Mountain National Park stands tall as one of the most iconic destinations in the state. With its majestic peaks, alpine meadows, and pristine lakes, it offers endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, and wildlife spotting. Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the United States, takes visitors on a scenic journey through the heart of the park, offering unparalleled views of the surrounding Rockies.

Garden of the Gods, located in Colorado Springs, is a geological marvel that will leave you in awe. Its towering sandstone rock formations, sculpted by nature over millions of years, create a surreal landscape perfect for rock climbing, hiking, and photography. The park's extensive trail network allows visitors to explore its stunning beauty up close.

For those seeking adventure on the water, the Blue Mesa Reservoir in Curecanti National Recreation Area is a must-visit destination. Spanning over 20 miles, this massive reservoir offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Surrounded by the rugged Gunnison Gorge, it provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.

In the southwestern part of the state, Mesa Verde National Park showcases the rich history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The park is home to numerous well-preserved cliff dwellings, offering a glimpse into the lives of these ancient civilizations. Hiking and guided tours allow visitors to explore these architectural marvels, making it a truly unique outdoor experience.

If you're a fan of winter sports, Colorado's ski resorts are world-renowned. Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Steamboat Springs are just a few of the top destinations that attract skiers and snowboarders from around the globe. With vast ski areas, diverse terrain, and top-notch facilities, these resorts offer unparalleled winter adventures.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, located in the San Luis Valley, presents a striking contrast to Colorado's mountainous landscapes. Towering sand dunes, reaching heights of up to 750 feet, create a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can hike, sandboard, or simply relax on the sandy slopes, immersing themselves in this unique natural wonder.

For the avid hiker, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness near Aspen offers an extensive network of trails through stunning alpine scenery. The Maroon Bells, two majestic peaks reflected in Maroon Lake, provide an iconic and often-photographed backdrop. This wilderness area encompasses snow-capped mountains, wildflower-filled meadows, and serene lakes, making it a hiker's paradise.

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or someone seeking tranquility, Colorado’s diverse landscapes provide something for everyone. From the soaring peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park to the red rock wonders of Garden of the Gods, Colorado's outdoor treasures are waiting to be explored, inviting you to embark on unforgettable adventures in the heart of nature.

So, grab your hiking boots, your sense of adventure, and go experience all that Colorado has to offer. Just don’t forget your tick repellent. The wide variety of human biting ticks that call Colorado home commonly transmit over a dozen tick-borne diseases. Ticks are out there ruining lives every day, do not become a statistic.

Ticks in Colorado transmit conditions such as Lyme disease, tularemia, babesiosis, tick paralysis, Powassan virus, Heartland virus, Colorado tick fever, Borrelia miyamotoi disease, anaplasmosis, and Alfa gal allergy.

Major cities in Colorado that are home to ticks include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Fort Collins, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Pueblo, Centennial, Boulder, Greeley, Longmont, Loveland, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Commerce City, Parker, Littleton, Northglenn, and Brighton.