A Ruttin’ Good Time

If you’re heading to Colorado and are interested in seeing some of the most spectacular wildlife moments, a tour focused on the elk rut in Rocky Mountain National Park might catch your eye. This 3-hour guided experience promises a chance to witness giant bulls bugling, herds of elk, and even a fight or two — all from the comfort of a retractable glass-top van. It sounds pretty exciting, especially if you’re a nature lover or just curious to see North America’s impressive elk during their mating season.

What we really like about this tour is how it’s designed for close-up viewing without the hustle of hiking or roughing it in the wild. Plus, being able to get magnificent photos from inside the vehicle, thanks to the glass top, sounds like a real bonus. The fact that it’s scheduled around sunrise and sunset makes sense, since these are peak times for elk activity, and it adds a touch of natural rhythm to the experience. That said, it’s worth mentioning that the tour isn’t perfect — it’s relatively short, and if you’re looking for an all-day wildlife adventure, this might be just a slice of the action.

This experience is a good fit for wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, or anyone wanting a guided peek into the elk’s bustling season in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s also suitable if you prefer a more relaxed, vehicle-based tour rather than a long hike. Keep in mind, it’s not designed as a family or kid-specific tour, so consider the age of your travel companions before booking.

Key Points

• Wildlife Viewing from Comfort: The tour offers the chance to see large herds of elk and dominant bulls in their natural mating rituals, all from a cozy vehicle.
• Timing Matters: Departing around sunrise or sunset maximizes your chances of witnessing active elk behavior.
• Photo Opportunities: The retractable glass top van allows for impressive photos without needing to navigate tricky terrain.
• Educational Insight: The guide explains elk habits, migratory patterns, and other Rocky Mountain wildlife, enriching your understanding.
• Cost and Value: At $147 per person, it’s a focused experience that balances scenery, wildlife, and comfort, though some may prefer more extensive excursions.
• Accessibility Considerations: Public parking is recommended, and UV levels are higher at altitude, so sun protection is advised.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Tour

When you sign up for A Ruttin’ Good Time, you’re signing up for a carefully curated glimpse into one of nature’s most dramatic displays. The tour begins at the Purple Points Tour Co storefront in downtown Estes Park, a convenient starting point with parking options nearby. From there, your guide will take you into Rocky Mountain National Park, typically during the early morning or late afternoon hours, aligning with peak elk activity.

The Journey Into Rocky Mountain National Park

Once inside RMNP, the guide will navigate to hotspots known for their elk populations, particularly during mating season. With around 3,000 elk in the park at this time of year, you’re almost guaranteed to see large herds and some impressive bulls. The tour’s focus is on observing the elk rut, a fascinating and somewhat loud spectacle, characterized by bugling sounds, horn clashes, and territorial displays.

The Experience of Watching Bulls Bugle and Fight

One of the highlights is witnessing giant bull elk bugle, a deep, resonant call that echoes across the valleys. If luck is on your side, you’ll see bulls engaging in fights—clashing antlers in a display of dominance. Several reviews mention that the guide provides insightful commentary, explaining why elk bugle and fight, and pointing out the different behaviors of the animals. This educational component adds depth to what might otherwise be a simple wildlife sighting.

Photos and Scenery

Thanks to the retractable glass top of the van, you can take magnificent photos without worrying about the glare or reflections that can sometimes mar outdoor photography. This makes it easier to capture close-up shots of the elk in their natural environment. The scenery itself, with the stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, adds to the overall appeal.

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Duration and Pacing

At around three hours, the tour is a good length—long enough to see the action but short enough not to be tiring or overwhelming. The timing around sunrise and sunset means you’ll be outdoors during the most lively part of the day for elk activity, and the flexible scheduling helps you fit it into your broader Rocky Mountain itinerary.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $147 per person covers quite a bit, including:

• A knowledgeable guide who narrates the experience
• Entry to Rocky Mountain National Park
• Snacks and drinks to keep you comfortable during the tour

However, gratuities are not included, meaning if you enjoy the experience and feel the guide went above and beyond, tipping is appreciated. The meeting point is straightforward—the Purple Points Tour Co storefront in downtown Estes Park, with nearby parking options, including paid lots and free parking at the visitor’s center.

Considerations for the Traveler

Some reviews and the information provided suggest a few practical considerations:

• The tour does not allow alcohol or drugs, which makes sense given the focus on wildlife and safety.
• UV levels are higher at altitude, so sun protection is recommended regardless of the time of year.
• The tour involves vehicle transportation; if you’re prone to motion sickness, keep this in mind.
• Since the tour is in a vehicle, it’s not suited for those who prefer long hikes or exploring on foot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is well-suited for travelers who want a comfortable, guided wildlife experience without the physical exertion of hiking. It’s a fantastic option if you’re interested in seeing large herds of elk and their mating rituals, especially if you’re limited on time or prefer a more relaxed pace. Photographers will appreciate the ability to take high-quality images through the glass top, and wildlife enthusiasts will find the educational commentary a nice addition.

However, it’s less ideal if you’re after an extensive wildlife expedition or want to spend a whole day immersed in nature. Also, families with very young children might want to consider the length and nature of the experience, as it’s primarily focused on observing rather than interactive activities.

Final Thoughts

A Ruttin’ Good Time offers a focused, high-quality opportunity to witness one of nature’s most energetic and dramatic seasons in Rocky Mountain National Park. The combination of knowledgeable guides, strategic timing, and the unique vehicle setup makes it a memorable and practical way to experience the elk rut without the hassle of long hikes or camping.

For anyone who appreciates wildlife and stunning mountain scenery, this tour balances comfort and excitement well. It’s a solid choice for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting to catch a glimpse of elk during their mating season in a relaxed yet informative setting.

If you’re planning to visit Estes Park or Rocky Mountain NP during elk season, this experience is worth considering — especially if you want good photos and an easy way to see the action up close.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those interested in wildlife viewing and comfortable with vehicle travel. Since it’s a 3-hour experience focused on observing elk from a vehicle, children who can sit quietly and are interested in wildlife will probably enjoy it. However, it’s not specifically designed as a family tour or for very young children.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers a guide, entry to Rocky Mountain National Park, snacks, and drinks. Tipping your guide is appreciated but not included.

When does the tour run?
Tours are typically available in the morning and afternoon, timed to coincide with sunrise and sunset when elk activity peaks.

Where is the meeting point?
The tour departs from the Purple Points Tour Co storefront at 165 Virginia Drive, Estes Park. Parking options include paid lots next to town hall or free parking at the visitor’s center.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, which offers enough time to see significant elk activity without it feeling too long.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes, the tour does not allow alcohol or drugs. Also, UV exposure is high at altitude, so sun protection is recommended.

If you’re looking to see elk in action during their mating season and want a comfortable, informative, and photo-friendly experience, this tour hits the mark. Just remember, wildlife is unpredictable, so while chances are high, you’re not guaranteed to see everything — but that’s part of the adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: