Elk Bugling in Estes Park, Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park

Elk Bugling

During the September-October mating season, bull elk stage their own passion play of sorts. The characteristic rutting call of bulls can be heard from just before dusk to dawn. Head into Rocky Mountain National Park and stop at Horseshoe Park. In the early evening, local volunteer guides called the Bugle Corp are on hand to give interpretive information.

The typical bugle of the bull elk is a surprising, distinctive sound that begins deep and resonant, and becomes a high pitched squeal before ending in a succession of grunts. As you stand in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park or Upper Beaver Meadows you may hear one or more bulls bugling and you'll notice the variations. The sounds overlap and reverberate against the rock outcroppings and hills. The experience will astound you. You will be reminded that you are standing on sacred ground — where the first peoples of America stood and the same echoes of nature filled the autumn, night air.

Herding Behavior

You may be fortunate enough to see a bull elk rounding up his "harem" in one of the National Park's montane meadows, or in town on our golf courses and lawns. Bulls have various levels of experience in herding. Some are "studs" and others are wannabes. The stud is the bull that is clearly in command. There may be other competitors nearby, but they can't compete with the mature bull's display of antlers and his bellowing bugle. This swashbuckler gathers and cloisters his cows with apparent ease. Often, one or two other bulls stand on the sidelines, watching with obvious frustration. Even those who have managed to corner a cow or two watch helplessly as their prospects evade them and run toward a growing assembly of cows, yearlings and calves which have gathered near another bull. You may also notice a bull with broken antlers or half a rack — the result of competitive battles between bulls.

Wildlife Watching Etiquette

Elk gather in the open meadows and are easily visible when left undisturbed. During the elk rut, please do not venture into the park's meadows between 5 p.m. and 7 a.m. and stay on roadways and designated trails. Look for postings alerting you to areas that have been closed. You can easily sight and watch them from the roadsides.

Please remember that wildlife are the natives in this area and that we are the visitors! Wildlife are very keen on "personal space." In other words, they're happier if you keep your distance. (When your ride a bus or subway, how do you feel about strangers crowding into your space?) Bring your binoculars or telephoto lens to get a close up view of these majestic creatures. If your presence causes the elk to move away, then you are too close. Within the park, you may be cited for harassment of wildlife if your actions affect the behavior of an animal in any way.

As soon as you park, turn off your car lights and engine. Shut car doors quietly and speak softly. Don't use headlights or flashlights to illuminate or entice wildlife.

Enjoy your not-too-close encounter with our native elk!

Estes Park Condos (800) 349-1003 (970) 577-0068 eMail [note this]
Mention this ad and receive a free gift of your choice. Three beautivul and secluded properties all ideally located in a grove of majestic pines along a secluded stretch of beautiful Fall River. Property hot tub, private hot tubs and spas, fireplaces, full kitchens, private decks. Stocked river fishing, free poles & tackle..
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Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River (800) 852-7463 (970) 586-3664 eMail [note this]
Leave the fast lane, cross our covered bridge to simple serenity in a cozy cottage, suite or vacation home in towering pines along Fall River. Bask in hot tub bubbles. Warm to the scent and sizzle of a wood-burning fireplace. Fall asleep to the river's lullaby. Roam 30 acres adjoining Rocky Mountain National Park. Enjoy the serendipity of wandering wildlife and friendly gatherings in our library.
Click [got room?] above & right to see SPECIALS for the time you're coming

Windcliff Properties, Inc 1-800-748-2181 970-586-2181 eMail [note this]
Pamper yourself in a fully furnished vacation home nestled among 240 secluded acres bordering RMNP. Relax in your own indoor or outdoor hot tub! Take advantage of our spectacular views of the Continental Divide while dining alfresco on your deck! We normally require a 3 to 5 night minimum stay, but exceptions can be made under certain circumstances, please call the office for more information.
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Streamside on Fall River (800) 321-3303 (970) 586-6464 eMail [note this]
Quiet, Scenic, Modern & Convenient. River-front cabins, hot tubs, fireplaces, fishing on Fall River. Daily housekeeping provided. Only 3 minutes to town and to the National Park. What a view too!
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Lazy R Cottages (800) 726-3728 (970) 586-3708 eMail [note this]
Stay two nights, get the third night free! (valid October 15 through May 21.) Hot tub cabins and cozy cottages all with a beautiful mountain view. Full kitchens, fireplaces, wildlife. Close to everything. Don't ski? Come see Estes Park!
Call for additional specials.

Timber Creek Chalets (800) 764-4308 (970) 586-8803 eMail [note this]
Stay two nights, get the third night free! (October 15 through May 21.) Hot tub cabins and cozy suites right in the trees. Full kitchens, fireplaces, wildlife. Hike from your front door. Free snowshoe rental. Don't ski? Come see Estes Park!
Call for additional specials.

Fawn Valley Inn (800) 525-2961 (970) 586-2388 eMail [note this]
Stay two nights, get the third night free! (October 15 through May 21). Hot tub units, Jacuzzi suites, riverside condos. Full kitchens, fireplaces, wildlife, great views. Come see the beauty of Estes Park in fall!
Call for additional specials.

Solitude Cabins 877-704-7777 970-577-7777 eMail [note this]
Enjoy some midweek Solitude: Stay 2 nights, mention this ad and receive a free breakfast basket. Offer good Sunday thru Thursday, September 15, 2008 thru April 30, 2009, holidays excluded. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.

Wildwood Inn 1-800-400-7804 (970) 586-7804 eMail [note this]
Book 3 nights - receive the 4+ rate Good 9-8-08 to 9-30-08; Book 2 nights - receive a free upgrade Good 10-14-08 -11-26-08. Offers have some black out dates and only for stays during the week. You must mention this Ad at booking to be honored
Premier Inn - Bordering Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park - AAA

Black Dog Inn (866) 786-0374 (970) 586 - 0374 eMail [note this]
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Backing up from the elk