Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour
Join us for a safari-like experience during the the elk rut! Drive through the Rocky Mountain National Park in our 3-row Subaru Ascent on a 4 - 5 hour tour that is focused entirely on your party. On our Rut Tour, you will be taken up the famous Old Fall River Road (when open, typically through Sep.) where you will see beautiful mountain views and 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 (when open, typically through Sep.), and witness the elk rut mating season in Moraine Park.
When Old Fall River road is not open, you will drive up and back down Trail Ridge Road. This is a driving tour, NOT hiking. Minimum of 2 guests.Please note that we are only able to offer hotel pickup for guests in Estes Park or the small surrounding towns.
Book This ExperienceA glimpse of the journey
Your Itinerary
A curated journey through the experience
Rocky Mountain National Park
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!
30 minutesOld Fall River Road
When open, our driver 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!
1 hourAlpine Visitor Center
Shop at the highest Visitor Center in all of the US National Park System! Our driver will spend as much time as you would like here. Grab snacks, snap some photos, or even walk to the top of the Alpine Ridge!
30 minutesTrail Ridge Road
On the drive to Moraine Park, our driver 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.
1 hourMoraine Park Museum
To finish your tour, you will stop around sunset time in the Moraine Park to witness the elk rut. Here, you can see the winding Big Thompson River with the elk fighting for their harems!
1 hourIncluded
- All Fees and Taxes
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Binoculars
- Timed Entry Permit
- Bottled water
- Entry/Admission - Old Fall River Road
- Entry/Admission - Trail Ridge Road
- Entry/Admission - Moraine Park Museum
- Entry/Admission - Alpine Visitor Center
Not Included
- Lunch
Good to Know
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Our driver is fully vaccinated and will wear a mask throughout your tour at your request. If you are not fully vaccinated, you will be required to wear a full covering face mask.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Tickets & Cancellation
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.