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Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

Overview

Join us for a safari-like experience during the the elk rut! Drive through Rocky Mountain National Park on a 4 - 5 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.

City: Estes Park

Sun 25 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $170.00

Make a reservation

Sun 25 May

Starting at $170.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Timed Entry Permit

Private transportation

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

All Fees and Taxes

Binoculars / Spotting Scope

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Carseat must be provided for infants

What To Expect

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!

Old Fall River Road

When open, (typically July through September) 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! When Old Fall River Road is not open, you will drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as it is open for the season.

Alpine Visitor Center

When open, take a short stop at the highest Visitor Center in all of the US National Park System (typically June through September)! Our driver will spend 20 minutes here for you to shop. Grab a snack, snap some photos, or get your National Park Passport stamped!

Trail 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. In October, you will drive up Trail Ridge Road as far as it is open for the season.

Moraine 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!

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (21)

Molly_H

Oct 2024

My best friend and I had an incredible private tour of Rocky Mountain National Park with Riley. He was knowledgeable, fun, and made sure we experienced all the fall highlights RMNP has to offer. The stop at the Alpine Visitor Center was a great bonus, and Riley's passion for the park and its history really shined through. Highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a memorable RMNP experience!

Laura_M

Sep 2024

Riley was incredibly informed and accommodating.It was a stellar experience from start to finish. Highly recommend.

heatherrO2176LH

Sep 2024

Highly recommend this trip for anyone visiting Estes Park. Riley was awesome. It was so cool watching him get just as excited at experiences as we were! He even gave us an awesome up close and personal Elk experience from a safe distance. He was also highly educational with giving us information on things in the park that we would never think to ask. If you are looking for a great way to see the Rocky Mountains, Riley is awesome. Would definitely do another tour with him again