Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

3 Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

This time of year all eyes and ears are on the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s rut season for the park’s elk herd and thousands of people flock to the park to see these magnificent animals. There’s even a festival!

Held annually in October in the gateway town of Estes Park, “Elk Fest” celebrates the mating season of one of Rocky’s most famous residents.  Under the backdrop of the red, yellow and gold fall colors, the rut takes center stage.

elk-herd-in-rocky-mountain

While there is a chance to see elk throughout Rocky, there are a few spots during the fall where the elk (and the best wildlife photographers) congregate.  Today Park Chasers is sharing our 3 best places to see elk in Rocky Mountain National Park so that you can see this amazing mating ritual up close and personal.

Related:

bull-elk during rut

The 3 Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

Moraine Park

Located just a few miles inside the eastern gates and park headquarters, the Moraine Park area is one of the top places to watch elk in late September and October.  Visitors can travel west from the gateway town of Estes Park on Highway 36 and turn onto Moraine Park Road.  As you near the Moraine Park area, the road winds through large open meadows where the elk congregate.  The elk spend the summer months in the mountains surrounding Moraine Park and then travel down to these meadows for rut.

The pullouts in the area are heavily trafficked, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or just before dark.  For an even closer look, plan to stay in the Moraine Park Campground.  The elk frequently travel through the campsites on their way to the meadow areas.

Related:  Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Loch Vale Trail

Bull Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park
Bull Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park

Kawuneeche Valley

The Kawuneeche Valley is another key area to hear bugling elk in Rocky Mountain National Park.  Located on the southwest side of the park, the roads and trails near the Kawuneeche Visitors Center represent prime elk habitat. The marshy river valley blazes in fall colors at the same time the elk arrive each year.

Keep an eye out for other wildlife in the Kawuneeche Valley during your visit.  The area is also home to many of the coyote and moose that live in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Related:  The Best Fall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows

Two of the lesser known spots to see elk in Rocky Mountain are around the Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows areas.  Located off Trail Ridge Road, these areas can be a little less populated from the Estes Park visitors. Plan to find a pull out near one of the open meadows and listen for the signature bugle.

Fall Colors - Rocky Mountain National Park

Reminders about Elk Viewing

If you plan to view elk anywhere in Rocky Mountain, it’s important to remember a few key items from the National Park Service:

“To minimize disturbance to the animals and to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors, please observe these viewing guidelines.

  • Turn off car lights and engine immediately. Shut car doors quietly and keep conversations to a minimum.
  • Observe and photograph from a distance that is comfortable to the elk. If the elk move away or if their attention is diverted, you are too close.
  • Stay by the roadside while viewing elk in park meadows. Travel is restricted to roadways and designated trails. Be aware of posted area closures.
  • It is illegal to use artificial lights or calls to view or attract wildlife.”

(text provided by: https://www.nps.gov/romo/learn/nature/elk.htm)

elk-rut-in-rmnp
Search
Picture of THE PARK CHASERS

THE PARK CHASERS

Greg & Amy
Chasing a visit to all 400+ units in the NPS
Current Count: 130/423
Next Stop: @hawaiivolcanoes

WHERE WE ARE NOW

8 thoughts on “3 Best Places to See Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park”

  1. Pingback: Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park: The Fern Lake Trail - Park Chasers

  2. Pingback: Be My Valentine? - 7 Reasons to Skip Flowers and Buy Camping Gear Instead - Park Chasers

  3. Pingback: 7 Reasons to Skip The Flowers and Buy Camping Gear Instead - Park Chasers

  4. Pingback: Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Moraine Park Campground - Park Chasers

  5. Pingback: The Best Fall Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park - Park Chasers

  6. Pingback: Park Chaser's Best of Rocky Mountain National Park - Park Chasers

  7. Pingback: 9 Reasons to Skip Flowers and Buy Your Valentine Camping Gear - Park Chasers

  8. Pingback: The Most Visited National Parks in 2019 - Park Chasers

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

You May Also Like

3 Easy Day Hikes in Colorado National Monument

Since the monument was established in 1911, hikers have enjoyed the stunning scenery in Colorado National Monument.  While many of the parks 40+ miles of

Read More »
All About Colorado National Monument

All About Colorado National Monument

Sometimes our favorite national park units aren’t the end destinations but the parks we find on the way.  Colorado National Monument (Park #95 of 423)

Read More »
Least Visited National parks in 2021

The Least Visited National Parks in 2021

Even though more than 297 million people visited a national park last year, there are still some places you can find wilderness, quiet, and solitude

Read More »

Start Park Chasing Today

Download your free .pdf checklist of all 400+ national park units and start planning your next adventure.