Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

Fall Private Elk Rut Rocky Mountain National Park Tour

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About This Tour in Estes Park

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.

Why Visit Estes Park?

Estes Park, USA offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Estes Park provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.

Getting to Estes Park

You can reach Estes Park, USA by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.

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

What's Not Included

  • Fees for international travelers / non-US residents into RMNP is not included. An additional $100 per traveler for a day pass, or $250 for an annual NPS pass.
  • Lunch
  • Infant Car Seat

Cancellation Policy

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

Additional Information

  • 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
  • Please note that you need to bring your own infant seats if you are with an infant during the tour.

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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers

Pickup Time: 5 minutes before departure

Custom pickup locations may be available. Please contact the supplier for details.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

See the historic and famously haunted Stanley Hotel...

See the historic and famously haunted Stanley Hotel on your drive towards Rocky Mountain National Park with history and stories of this iconic location.

Our Elk Rut tour in Estes Park is... 30 minutes

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!

Our your way up to the tundra, you'll... 30 minutes

Our your way up to the tundra, you'll stop for a guided walk around the Alluvial Fan to see Horseshoe Falls and learn the history of this unique feature in the National Park

When open, (typically July through September) your guide... 1 hour

When open, (typically July through September) your guide 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.

When open, take a short stop at the... 30 minutes

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

On the drive to Moraine Park, your guide... 1 hour

On the drive to Moraine Park, your guide 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.

To finish your tour, you will stop around... 1 hour

To finish your tour, you will stop around sunset time in the Moraine Park to witness the elk rut before heading back to Estes Park. Here, you can see the winding Big Thompson River with the elk fighting for their harems!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

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

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

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