The terrain and vegetation of the area provide a variety of habitats for many types of fish, birds and mammals. The largest animal found here is the elk, which range freely in the mountains coming down to the valleys to spend the winter where they can be seen in any but the most developed areas. Mule deer are found in all areas of the study area and are a serious problem to motorists. Although their forage patterns are different from the elk, they also move up and down with the snow levels. The shy bighorn sheep and mountain goat are occasionally spotted.

The largest predator is the apparently plentiful but rarely seen mountain lion. Coyotes, red foxes and less frequently, bobcats and gray foxes can be seen in the lower elevations of forests and scrub vegetation. Black bears, while not predators, roam throughout the region.

The area is home to many species of migratory birds. In the winter, bald eagles, several species ducks and geese make the region their home. When these birds fly north in the summer, rufous hummingbirds, swallows, and many neo-tropical birds fly up from Arizona, New Mexico, and Latin American countries.

Year-round feathered residents include turkeys, golden eagles, red tailed hawks, kestrels, osprey, ravens, magpies, jays, finches, and chickadees. The Blue Grouse, and its cousin the Ptarmigan, is found throughout the higher elevations. Peregrine falcons have inhabited the area but are now listed on the endangered species list.

One of the attractions of the area is the availability of fishing. Native cutthroat trout can still be found in some of the streams and creeks. Also found are rainbow, brook, and brown trout. Kokanee or landlocked lake salmon are stocked in Ridgway Reservoir.

Many small mammals inhabit the region ranging from seldom seen mice, voles, and shrews to the hoary marmot whose distinctive bark is heard in the highest elevations. Rabbits, skunks, porcupines, and squirrels live throughout the area and beavers and their dams can be found along the streams.