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Estes Park
Elk Rut Tour: Witness Mating Season in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Overview
The Ruttin Elk Mating Tour on Rocky Mountain National Park takes guests to the best spots in the park to see elk during their mating season. With about 3,000 elk in the park at this time, visitors can see big herds and hear the loud bugling of the bulls. Sometimes, there might even be a fight between bulls!
The tour guide knows a lot about elk. They will teach visitors about where the elk go during the year and how they mate. Guests can also learn about other animals that live in Rocky Mountain National Park. This tour happens around sunrise and sunset. These are the times when the elk are most active.
The tour includes soda, water, snacks, park entry, a timed entry pass, binoculars, coffee, tea, and a guide. The tour starts near the Store Front, goes through the Eastern RMNP Valleys, Downtown Estes Park & Gateway Route, and ends at the RMNP Elk Rutting Grounds. Gratuity is not included. 
Highlights
See Elk Up Close: Get close to elk herds during their active mating season.
Learn from an Expert Guide: Hear interesting facts about elk habits and other park animals.
Enjoy Refreshments: Snacks and drinks are provided during the tour.
Hassle-Free Park Entry: Park admission and timed entry are included.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers had an amazing time seeing the elk and learning from the guide. However, one customer had a bad experience due to the guide's unreliability.
Customers loved seeing many elk up close.
The tour guide was very informative and helpful.
The open-air vehicle made it easy to take pictures.
Many considered it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
One customer reported the tour guide was late and unprepared.
They also reported the guide did not seem interested.
The Journey
Store Front
Your adventure begins at our welcoming store front, the perfect launching point for an unforgettable journey into the Colorado wilderness. This is where you'll check in, meet your guides, and prepare for an exciting expedition into the heart of elk country.
Eastern RMNP Valleys
Venture into the eastern valleys of Rocky Mountain National Park, a prime location to witness the spectacular elk rut. This is a phenomenal display of nature, where large herds of elk gather, and the air resonates with the bugling calls of bulls vying for dominance. Learn about the elk mating season and witness nature's raw power firsthand in one of Colorado's most stunning settings. Keep an eye out for other wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and a variety of birds, making every moment a discovery.
Downtown Estes Park & Gateway Route
Our office in downtown Estes Park serves as both the starting and ending point for your tour. From here, traverse the scenic gateway town of Estes Park, the charming entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park itself offers a blend of quaint shops, local eateries, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Experience the unique atmosphere of this gateway town, steeped in history and natural beauty, before or after your elk-watching adventure.
RMNP Elk Rutting Grounds
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado as you witness the magnificent spectacle of over half a million elk participating in the annual rut within Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a truly unforgettable experience, as bull elk engage in displays of strength and dominance to attract mates. RMNP offers unparalleled views and ample opportunities to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. It's a photographer's paradise and a wildlife enthusiast's dream come true.
Store
Conclude your incredible journey back at our store, where you can reflect on the amazing sights and experiences of the day. Share stories and photos, and perhaps find a souvenir to remember your adventure into the heart of Colorado's elk country. It's the perfect ending to an unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes soda, bottled water, snacks, park admission, a timed entry pass, binoculars, coffee, tea, and a professional guide/driver. Gratuity for the guide is not included. The meeting point for the tour is at a store front, and the tour explores Eastern RMNP Valleys, Downtown Estes Park & Gateway Route, and RMNP Elk Rutting Grounds.
Hot Tip
Dress warmly, even if it seems nice out! It can get very cold early in the morning, especially in an open-air vehicle.
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Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour offers a safari-like adventure to witness the elk rut mating season. This private tour, exclusively for your group, takes place in Rocky Mountain National Park, lasting 4-5 hours. Instead of a typical hiking tour, it focuses on comfortable driving with scenic strolls. Guests can anticipate a journey along the famous Old Fall River Road (weather permitting) or the stunning Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S. Both routes offer breathtaking mountain views and waterfalls. A key stop is the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest in the National Park system. The tour also includes a visit to Moraine Park, a prime location to observe the elk rut. Guests should be aware that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but every effort is made to scout the best locations. Iconic landmarks include the historic Stanley Hotel, Rocky Mountain National Park's elk rut viewing areas, and the Alluvial Fan & Horseshoe Falls. This experience includes a timed entry permit, private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and the use of binoculars or a spotting scope. Lunch is not included. The tour prides itself on delivering an excellent quality, private sightseeing experience. Reviews from similar tours highlight the knowledgeable guides and incredible views.
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