Annual meadow closures go into effect today in Rocky Mountain National Park as elk mating season (called a rut) begins. The peak of the rut typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October. The closures prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during this season. The closures will remain in effect until October 31.
During the rut, groups of tens to hundreds of elk can be seen throughout the park. Research suggests that elk “form larger aggregations in Rocky Mountain NP than in parks such as Yellowstone where they have predators such as wolves and grizzly bears.” During this time, bulls often become so busy attracting, herding, and fighting for their harems (groups of female elk), that they will lose a significant amount of weight during the rut.
The sounds of bull elk bugling add to the wonder of the event. The iconic call is used to attract females, and each one is a unique blend of grunts, high-pitched squeals and shouts. The opportunity to hear and see the elk rut, along with the beginning of fall colors in the park, make fall an ideal time to visit the park.
The meadow closures start at 5 p.m. each evening and will be lifted at 10 a.m. the following mornings. During this time, popular meadows such as Horseshoe Park and Upper Beaver Meadows will be closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roads and trails. Visitors can still view elk from the edges of the meadows, and will surely hear the elk bugles throughout the park.
Fishing locations along the Fall, Thompson and Colorado Rivers that are accessed by walking through closed meadows will also be closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. each day.
Rocky Mountain NP officials recommend always staying at least 75 feet (the length of two school buses) away when viewing elk. Elk calling and using vehicle headlights to spot wildlife is prohibited in park boundaries.
