Elk Rut

At its peak from mid-September to mid-October, the elk rut is a time when male elk, or bulls, vie for the hearts of their female counterparts, known as cows. Their goal is to prove their prowess and win the loyalty of a “harem” of females. Eight-to-nine-year-old bulls stand the greatest chance of mating.

The bulls become more aggressive during this season, charging at each other and locking antlers as they battle over dominant status and mating rights. Although competition is high, actual fighting is rare since it causes injury and depletes energy. Rather, they compete by showcasing their antlers, necks and bodies, as well as emitting a strong, musky odor.

Elk Bugling

Elk bugling is another significant characteristic of rut season. This loud call is the sound of a bull trying to attract and keep an eye on as many cows as possible. It starts out as a high-pitch cry and then, about 16 percent of the time, becomes a series of low, resonating grunts.

Research led by Dr. Jennifer Clarke at the University of Northern Colorado suggests that different types of bugling sounds mean different things. One sound communicates that the bull is in the area with his harem; another warns the cows that they’re straying too far from their bull; and others tell potentially competitive bulls that they’re too close to the first bull’s harem and in for trouble if they come closer.

Horseshoe Park

In Colorado, a mountain “park” is a large open meadow surrounded by mountains. Horseshoe Park is near the northern Fall River entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Horsehoe Park gets it’s name from a sweeping horsehoe-shaped curve which the National Park road makes as it runs through the meadow.

During rutting season groups of elk with congregate in the Horseshoe Park. There are a number of turnouts along the road, which provide viewing opportunities.

The Fall River entrance to the National Park is slightly further north from the YMCA of the Rockies.

Moraine Park

Moraine Park is located near the southern, Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. This entrance is closer to the YMCA of the Rockies.

Moraine Park is located on a side road off of the main park road, Trail Ridge Road.