Estes Park Colorado
Lodging What To Do Specials Etc. Pictures
 
 

Elk Bugling

During the September-October mating season, bull elk stage their own passion play. 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.

In the last few years, some elk have moved into town and onto the golf course for their rut. This awesome video documents Estes Park's in-town elk rut in 2009.

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 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 you 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!

Autumn elk on the golf course [note this] video
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, 2009 thru April 30, 2009, holidays excluded. Not valid with any other offers or discounts.
Lazy R Cottages
(800) 726-3728 (970) 586-3708 eMail [note this]
Got Room?
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.
Elk in town, in Lake Estes 9/16/2008 ...a local's video [note this] video
Fawn Valley Inn
(800) 525-2961 (970) 586-2388 eMail [note this]
Got Room?
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.
Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River
(800) 852-7463 (970) 586-3664 eMail [note this]
video Got Room?
Castle Mountain Lodge on Fall River 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
Streamside on Fall River
(800) 321-3303 (970) 586-6464 eMail [note this]
Got Room?
Quiet, Scenic, River-front cabin suites with hot tubs, fireplaces, and kitchens, Daily housekeeping provided. Only 1 mile to town and 3 miles to the National Park. The View - Priceless!
See Lodging Specials at: www.StreamsideOnFallRiver.com/packages.htm
River Stone Resorts & Bear Paw Suites
(888) 234-9115 (970) 586-4005 eMail [note this]
video
Enjoy Fall Rates, the changing color of the mountains, the elk rut with bugling and end of season sales in town.
A RESORT FOR ALL SEASONS
Wildwood Inn
1-800-400-7804 (970) 586-7804 eMail [note this]
video Got Room?
"Wind Down Weekend" October 23 & 24: Add this Wine Tasting Event to your Weekend stay for just $40 couple. Choose from any of our many suites or studios for this great weekend. Call our office for more details.
Premier Inn - Bordering Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park - AAA
Timber Creek Chalets
(800) 764-4308 (970) 586-8803 eMail [note this]
Got Room?
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.
Estes Park Condos
(800) 349-1003 (970) 577-0068 eMail [note this]
video Got Room?
Estes Park Condos 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..
Mention this ad and receive a free gift

Elk in town Aug 20, 2009 sporting a string of lights.

Elk Jam in Estes, 2008 ...a local's video [note this] video

[note this page]



For a
Last Minute Getaway
see
What's Up This Week



Please email the webmaster if you see any glitches in this new site design and software.

© 2002 - 2009,eMarketing LLC
RockyMountainNationalPark.com photos © 2002, Jesse Speer

Warranty/Disclaimer

Put your ad on Estes-Park.com.