Reporting by Miles Blumhardt, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Fall colors in Rocky Mountain National Park aren’t as vibrant as in years past due to the drought, but the real show is elk bugling season, and that alone is worth the price of admission.
The last two weeks of September are generally when the elk bugling show reaches peak pitch, though the show continues well into October.
Here is what to know to enjoy the spectacle of elk bugling
- About the show: Each fall larger, more mature bull (male) elk gather a group of cows (female) elk into harems. This is called the rut, or breeding season. During the rut male elk fend off competing bulls for the right to breed through antler-to-to-antler combat, chasing and bugling.
- About the bugling: The sound is more of a high-pitched scream or whistle, but bugling sounds cooler. It usually starts with a series of low grunts before a crescendo into the bugle or scream. It is used to warn of a bull’s dominance and to discourage other bulls from trying to steal their cows.
- Best time of day to go: Around dawn and dusk are when elk are most active and bulls tend to bugle more. As the day progresses, elk activity and bugling tends to lessen. Dawn and dusk also offer golden light for photos and videos.
- Best places in the park to watch the show: Elk herds can be scattered around park meadows, but Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows are popular spots. Herds can be found along the main road in these areas as well.
- Estes Park elk: If you don’t want to pay the park entrance fee or don’t have a timed entry permit, which is required during certain hours, the gateway to the Rockies offers plenty of elk around town. Fish Creek Road west of U.S. Highway 36 has several herds with dominant bulls. Do not block driveways and roads and do not trespass.
- Crash alert: The dominant bull in a herd along this stretch has been aptly named “Crash” due to his aggressive nature towards vehicles. He rammed a Coloradoan reporter’s parked vehicle on a recent outing and even chases vehicles on the road. Make sure to give Crash, or any bulls during the rut, more room than you can imagine as they can be aggressive.
- Don’t be a touron: Countless videos are posted on social media showing tourists/morons getting way too close to elk, especially bulls. It is generally best to stay in your vehicle, keep quiet (that includes your dogs) and watch the show. Park viewing usually offers more space to watch than in Estes Park. Bring binoculars and long camera lenses. The park’s Elk Bugle Corps will help guide your experience.
- Don’t be that guy: OK, it’s exciting to see the elk. We get it. But take the time to fully pull off the road, all four wheels, and park where allowed so all can enjoy the show.
Miles Blumhardt covers the outdoors for the Coloradoan.
This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan.
Related: Colorado fall color planning guide: Peak viewing times, top drives
