Every September, something magical happens in Estes Park: the elk rut. Big bulls bugle across the meadows, gather their herds, and spar for dominance. It's one of the great wildlife shows in North America, and it happens right outside our door. Here's how to enjoy it safely.
When is the elk rut?
The rut runs through September and October, when elk herds gather in lower-elevation meadows for mating season. Dusk and dawn are the best times to hear bugling.
Where to see elk
The National Park Service names these popular spots in Rocky Mountain National Park:
- Moraine Park
- Horseshoe Park
- Sheep Lakes
- Along Trail Ridge Road
- Harbison Meadow (west side)
Elk also wander all over town, on golf courses, around Lake Estes, and in neighborhoods (including ours!).
Meadow closures you need to know
From September 1 through October 31, the park closes parts of Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow to foot travel off established roads and designated trails from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily. Fishing in affected parts of the Fall River, Big Thompson and Colorado rivers is closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. The closures protect the elk and give everyone a better view.
The rules (and why they matter)
- Stay at least 75 feet back, about two school bus lengths. If an elk moves away or changes its behavior, you're too close.
- The "rule of thumb": hold your arm out and give a thumbs-up. If your thumb can't hide the whole elk, step back.
- No elk calls, bugles or spotlights. Using artificial lights or calls to attract wildlife is illegal in the park. That includes vehicle headlights for spotting.
- Approaching, harassing or feeding wildlife is illegal.
- Park only in pullouts, turn off your engine and lights, and close car doors quietly.
Bull elk can be very aggressive during the rut. Every year people get too close for a photo. Please don't be one of them. Bring binoculars or a zoom lens instead.
Play Bluebell I Spy!: Guests at Bluebell get our Bluebell I Spy! Estes Park & RMNP game. Bull elk, cow elk, an elk calf and an "elk jam" (stopping the car for elk crossing the road) are all on the card, and every one of them counts from 75 feet away.
Spring calving: another time to be careful
Cow elk give birth in late spring and are very protective of their calves. Colorado Parks and Wildlife warns that elk, moose and deer with young can become aggressive defending them. If you see a calf alone, its mother is almost certainly nearby. Leave the area.
Tips from your host
- Bring a thermos and a warm jacket for evening viewing. It gets cold fast in fall.
- Weekends are busy. A weekday evening is much calmer.
- Fall timed entry continues through mid-October; enter after 2 p.m. for an evening drive (Bear Lake Road needs a reservation until 6 p.m.).
- Join "Elk of Estes Park" on Facebook before your trip. Locals post real-time sighting updates daily, including where the herds are.
Before you go, read my guide on how to safely enjoy wildlife: Estes Park Wildlife Safety Guide
FAQ
When is the best time to see the elk rut in Estes Park? September and October, at dawn and dusk.
Where can I see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park? Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, Sheep Lakes, along Trail Ridge Road and Harbison Meadow are the classic spots.
How close can I get to elk? Stay at least 75 feet away. In the park, closer approaches are prohibited.
Are there closures during the elk rut? Yes. From Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, key meadows are closed to off-trail foot travel from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Can I use an elk bugle call? No. Elk calls and spotlighting are illegal in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Related guides: Planning around the rut? See the best time to visit Estes Park, month by month.
Some of my favorite rut evenings happen right in the neighborhood. If you'd like a front-row seat to elk season, I'd love to host you at Bluebell Mountain House, in a prime location very close to the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance (and pet-friendly, too).