During the September through October months in the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), there is a very distinct sound that can be heard loud and clear and it sounds like a bugle you might hear being played by a marching band at a college football game. But, in fact, that bugle comes from bull elks during their mating season. The unique rutting call of bulls can be heard from dusk to dawn and some of the better locations within RMNP to hear and see the bull elks are in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows.
Not only can you view the bull elks in RMNP but you’ll also find them grazing around the town of Estes Park on golf courses and in front yards. If you are lucky you might come across a couple bull elks battling for the attention of a female elk. Typically the dominant bull elk has a full set of antlers and a bellowing bugle. Occasionally the bull elks will enter into a competitive battle ramming each other with their antlers. I was able to witness bull elks fighting a couple years ago and it was amazing to see in person…which leads me to a very important topic about watching wildlife…etiquette.
Elk gather in the open meadows and are easily visible when left undisturbed. The RMNP has strict rules to follow during the elk rut and they will not allow people to venture into the park’s meadows between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and visitors must stay on roadways and designated trails. Look for postings alerting you to areas that have been closed.
Please remember that wildlife are the natives in this area and we are the visitors! Wildlife are very keen on “personal space.” In other words, they’re happier if you keep your distance. Many people will bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to get a close up view of these majestic creatures. If your presence causes the elk to move away, then you are too close. Within the park, you may be cited for harassment of wildlife if your actions affect the behavior of an animal in any way. As soon as you park, turn off your car lights and engine. Shut car doors quietly and speak softly. Don’t use headlights or flashlights to illuminate or entice wildlife.
Please be respectful of the wildlife so everyone can have the same enjoyment when they visit the Park.
