Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

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.

From: $0.00

Location: Estes Park

What's Included

Private transportation
Bottled water
Timedy Entry Permit
Binoculars / Spotting Scope with 4K video
Air-conditioned vehicle
Explore Estes covers up to $15 per guest for RMNP entry. Any remaining fees for non-US residents must be paid by the traveler at the park entrance

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: What's the best time to go for this tour? Are the elk really active?

A: The best time for the elk rut is typically late September to early October. That's when you'll see the bulls getting really active and vocal. Early mornings or late afternoons are prime times, too. Just keep in mind that wildlife is unpredictable, but the guides know all the best spots to check for sightings!

Q: Are there any age restrictions for this tour? Can kids join?

A: There aren’t any strict age restrictions! It’s a private tour, so you can bring your kids along, which makes it a great family outing. Just remember it’s mostly a driving tour with some short walks, so make sure the kids are comfortable being in a vehicle for a few hours.

Q: Is parking easy to find if we’re not staying in Estes Park?

A: Yes! If you're not staying in Estes Park, you can park at the Estes Park Visitor Center's free parking garage. Just make sure to arrive a bit early so you can get settled before the tour starts. The guides are super accommodating with the pickup, so you shouldn’t have any issues.

Discussions

Can't wait for the Fall Private Elk Rut Tour!

I just booked the Fall Private Elk Rut Tour for my family this October! We’re super excited about seeing the elk in their natural habitat. I've heard the views from Old Fall River Road are absolutely breathtaking. Hoping to get some great pictures, too! Anyone else done this tour? What's the best tip you have?

Questions before booking the Elk Rut Tour

Thinking about getting the Fall Private Elk Rut Tour for my partner’s birthday. We're in Denver, so is it worth the drive up to Estes Park? What should we wear? Any insights would be awesome!