- Join us on our Elk Rut tour in Estes Park for a breathtaking journey up the Rocky Mountain National Park. Our tour takes you as high up the mountain ranges as weather conditions permit, through stunning mountain pass routes. Enjoy panoramic views of Estes Park city, magnificent lakes, expansive meadows, cascading waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. As the day turns into evening, observe the gathering of elks in Moraine Park for the elk rut. Entrance and permit to the Rocky Mountain National Park are taken care of, so just sit back and enjoy!
- Usually open between July and September, our driver Riley will take you on Old Fall River Road, a one-way dirt route that winds up to the Alpine Visitor Center. Experience an exhilarating cliff-side drive, while catching sight of beautiful wildlife, flowing waterfalls and much more! When the Old Fall River Road is closed, we’ll drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as possible for the season.
- When it’s open, stop by at the Alpine Visitor Center, the highest visitor center in the US National Park System, typically open between June and September. Our driver will allocate 20 minutes for you to browse. Take this opportunity to grab a quick snack, snap some memorable photos, or get your National Park Passport stamped!
- Our driver will guide you down Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., on the way to Moraine Park. Witness the diversified beauty of the various ecosystems within the Rocky Mountain National Park as you transition from the high-elevated tundra to the lower montane. In October, we’ll take the Trail Ridge Road as far as it’s open for the season.
- The final stop of your tour will be in Moraine Park around sunset where the elk rut takes place. Experience the unique sight of elks vying for their harems amidst the backdrop of the meandering Big Thompson River!
![](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-720x480/0b/f1/d2/fa.jpg)
- Timed Entry Permit
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- All fees and/or taxes
- Binoculars / Spotting Scope
- Lunch
Come and experience the incredible elk rutting season on our private, 4 to 5-hour rut tour aboard our three-row Subaru Ascent vehicle, exclusively for your group! We will accompany you on an unforgettable journey through the Rocky Mountain National Park along the renowned Old Fall River Road (open usually until September). This tour includes panoramic mountain vistas and waterfalls, a visit to the highest visitor center in the US National Park System, and a drive down the steepest continuous paved US road, the Trail Ridge Road (typically open through September). If the Old Fall River Road happens to be closed, the journey up and down will occur via the Trail Ridge Road. Observe the spectacular elk rutting season up close in Moraine Park. Please, note this is a driving tour, not a hiking one. While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed due to their unpredictable nature, we make every effort to choose the best spotting locations.
For participants staying in Estes Park, hotel pickups are available, otherwise, meet-ups can be arranged at the free car park of the Estes Park Visitor Center.
- Carseat must be provided for infants
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.