Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Active
5h - 6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Join us for a safari-like experience during the the elk rut! Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on a 5 - 6 hour private tour with only your party & your guide! On our Rut Tour, you will be taken up the famous Old Fall River Road where you will see beautiful mountain views & waterfalls, stop at the highest visitor center in the US National Park System, drive back down the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road and witness the elk rut mating season in Moraine Park. When Old Fall River Road isn't open, you will drive up & back down Trail Ridge Road. This tour is NOT a hiking tour, and focuses more on driving in the National Park with small strolls throughout. *Wildlife is unpredictable & we cannot guarantee sightings, but we try our best to scout the prime locations!
We only offer pickup for guests staying in Estes Park. If you are staying outside of Estes Park, we can meet you at the free parking garage for the Estes Park Visitor Center for pickup.
Available options
Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Pickup included
What's included
Timed Entry Permit
Private transportation
Bottled water
Binoculars / Spotting Scope
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
See the historic and famously haunted Stanley Hotel on your drive towards Rocky Mountain National Park with history and stories of this iconic location.
2
Our Elk Rut tour in Estes Park is all about taking a beautiful drive into the Rocky Mountain National Park. We'll take you as high up the mountain as the weather allows through beautiful scenic mountain passes. You'll see the city of Estes Park from above, beautiful lakes, meadows, waterfalls, and wildlife. At sunset, you will get to witness the elk gather in Moraine Park for the elk rut. Don't worry about the timed entry permit, your entrance and permit into the Rocky Mountain National Park are included!
3
Our your way up to the tundra, you'll stop for a guided walk around the Alluvial Fan to see Horseshoe Falls and learn the history of this unique feature in the National Park
4
When open, (typically July through September) your guide Riley will take you up Old Fall River Road, a one-way dirt road that goes up to the Alpine Visitor Center. You'll experience thrilling cliff-side mountain driving, see beautiful wildlife, flowing waterfalls, and more! When Old Fall River Road is not open, you will drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as it is open for the season.
5
When open, take a short stop at the highest Visitor Center in all of the US National Park System (typically June through September)! Your guide will spend 20 minutes here for you to shop. Grab a snack, snap some photos, or get your National Park Passport stamped before heading back to Estes Park!
6
On the drive to Moraine Park, your guide will take you down the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road. Witness the changing beauty of the ecosystems within the Rocky Mountain National Park from the upper tundra to the lower montane. In October, you will drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as it is open for the season.
7
To finish your tour, you will stop around sunset time in the Moraine Park to witness the elk rut before heading back to Estes Park. Here, you can see the winding Big Thompson River with the elk fighting for their harems!
What's not included
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
8 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
26 reviews
5★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Carseat must be provided for infants
About Estes Park
Estes Park, Colorado, is a charming mountain town nestled in the Rocky Mountains, serving as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Known for its stunning natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and quaint downtown area, Estes Park offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Top Attractions
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most visited national parks in the U.S., offering stunning landscapes, wildlife, and numerous hiking trails.
Nature
Half day to multiple days
$35 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
Estes Park Aerial Tramway
An aerial tramway offering panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Valley.
Adventure
1-2 hours
$20 for adults, $10 for children
Downtown Estes Park
A charming downtown area with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
Cultural
A few hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Rocky Mountain Oysters
Deep-fried bull testicles, a local delicacy.
Appetizer
Not vegetarian or vegan
Bison Burger
A burger made with bison meat, often served with local toppings.
Main Course
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking
Rock climbing
Mountain biking
Scenic drives
Picnicking
Wildlife watching
Visiting art galleries
Attending local events
Best Time to Visit
June to August
Summer is the peak tourist season with warm days, cool nights, and all activities and attractions fully operational.
15-25°C
60-77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
United States Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (GMT-7)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Estes Park is generally safe, but visitors should be aware of wildlife, weather conditions, and potential hazards in the national park.
Important Precautions:
- • Be aware of wildlife
- • Check weather conditions before hiking
- • Stay on marked trails
Getting there
By air
- Denver International Airport • 105 km (65 miles)
By bus
Estes Park Visitor Center
Getting around
Public transport
The shuttle service is convenient but has limited routes and schedules.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Downtown Estes Park
Marys Lake Road
Day trips
Grand Lake
40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day
A picturesque lake town with beautiful views, hiking trails, and water activities.
Boulder
72 km (45 miles) • Full day
A vibrant college town with a mix of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and a thriving food scene.
Festivals
Estes Park Winter Festival • February
Estes Park Jazz Fest • July
Pro tips
- Visit Rocky Mountain National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Book accommodations and popular activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Pack layers of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions.
- Use the Estes Park Shuttle for convenient and affordable transportation to the national park.
- Try local specialties like Rocky Mountain oysters and bison burgers.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
