Today’s Tick Risk in Colorado – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Non-endemic for Lyme; CTF is common
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Increasing human-tick encounters in Front Range
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Larimer, Boulder, Jefferson, Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Lory State Park
Current Situation in Colorado
Colorado is synonymous with the outdoors, and unfortunately, also with Colorado Tick Fever. The tick forecast for Colorado warns of high risk in the foothills and montane zones during the spring. The Rocky Mountain Wood Tick is the primary culprit. While Lyme disease is not considered endemic, residents in the Front Range and Western Slope frequently encounter ticks. The "urban interface" in Boulder and Fort Collins brings ticks into close contact with hikers and trail runners.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Colorado, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni)
Where Ticks Hide in Colorado
The transition zone between the plains and the mountains (5,000 to 8,000 feet) is the sweet spot for ticks. Brushy areas, open pine forests, and south-facing slopes in the Front Range are heavily infested in spring. Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde also have tick populations. Ticks are rarely found above 10,000 feet, providing some relief for high-alpine hikers.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
Tick season starts early, often in March at lower elevations. The peak risk for Colorado Tick Fever is from April to June. By mid-summer, the wood ticks largely disappear, but the American Dog tick may persist in lower, wetter areas. A "second season" is rare but can occur in mild falls.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
Ready to see current tick activity in your area? Get today's tick forecast and personalized risk assessment for your ZIP code.
Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Colorado helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Rocky Mountain Wood Tick
Dermacentor andersoni
Appearance: Brown with gray/white mottling, similar to dog tick but found at higher elevations.
Peak Season: March-July
Habitat: Shrublands, lightly wooded areas, and grasslands at 4,000 to 10,500 feet elevation.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever, Tularemia, Tick Paralysis
Note: Saliva contains neurotoxin that can cause Tick Paralysis (reversible after removal).
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Soft Tick (O. hermsii)
Ornithodoros hermsii
Appearance: Soft-bodied, leathery texture, no hard shield. Looks like a raisin. 5-8mm.
Peak Season: Active in mountain cabins year-round
Habitat: Rustic cabins, rodent burrows in coniferous forests at 900-2,000m elevation.
Diseases: Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF)
Note: 🌙 Feeds at night for 15-30 minutes. Painless bite. Found in mountain cabins with rodent infestations.
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
When does tick season end in Colorado?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Colorado typically arrives around Oct 2. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Colorado first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Colorado?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Colorado mosquito risk profile.
View Colorado mosquito forecastStay Safe in Colorado
Get personalized tick forecasts and prevention tips for your area