Rutting Around Elk Viewing Tour

If you’re headed to Estes Park and want a close-up look at the iconic elk during their mating season, the Rutting Around Elk Viewing Tour from Green Jeep Tours might catch your eye. This two-hour adventure promises to bring you right into the thick of elk activity during the fall rut, all from the comfort of an open-air Jeep. It’s a chance to see one of Colorado’s most famous wildlife spectacles in a setting that’s both accessible and engaging.

What we love about this tour is how it combines a fun, mobile way to spot wildlife with some solid insights into elk behavior. The fact that most walking involved is stroller-accessible and that the Jeep can accommodate some wheelchairs if you’re able to manage getting in and out, makes it a flexible choice. But, as with any wildlife tour, it’s worth noting that sightings can depend on the day’s luck and timing. It’s best suited for travelers who want a hassle-free, intimate glimpse of elk in their natural environment, especially during the fall season when the rut is in full swing.

A small consideration worth mentioning: The tour is fairly short at just about two hours, which is perfect for a quick outing but might leave you wanting more if you’re a wildlife enthusiast. Also, keep in mind that the price includes a hefty $80 RMNP pass and all taxes, but gratuities for your guide are not included. Overall, if your goal is to see elk in action and enjoy some scenic mountain views without a lengthy commitment, this tour could be just right.

Key Points

• Wildlife Focus: Perfect for elk enthusiasts, especially during the rut.
• Accessibility: Most walking areas are stroller accessible; some accommodations for wheelchairs.
• Cost & Value: At $97.79, it includes a significant RMNP pass and taxes, making it a straightforward, all-in-one experience.
• Duration & Group Size: Short, intimate group of up to 10 travelers, making for a more personalized experience.
• Location & Viewing Opportunities: Combines stops in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, increasing your chances to see elk.
• Considerations: Sightings aren’t guaranteed, and the experience is non-refundable, so plan accordingly.

What to Expect from the Rutting Around Elk Viewing Tour

This tour is designed for those who want to experience the wild side of the Rockies without hours of trekking. Starting at 157 Moraine Ave in Estes Park, the journey takes you into the heart of elk country using open Jeep vehicles suited for a fun and unobstructed view. The tour’s real highlight is observing elk during their rut — a season known for boisterous displays of dominance, antler clashes, and vocal calls.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Estes Park
This is where the magic begins. As the weather turns to fall, elk descend from the mountain tops and enter the town, coming down to compete for dominance. Our guides lead you through the area in open Jeeps, giving you a front-row seat to the action. It’s a lively, dynamic scene, with bulls bugling and herds moving through the landscape. The tour spends about an hour here, giving ample opportunity to spot elk and listen to the sounds of the rut.

Stop 2: Rocky Mountain National Park
Next, the tour heads into RMNP, which is a favorite hangout for elk even outside the rut season. During these months, elk are still quite active in the area, and your chances of catching a sighting are pretty good. This stop offers a second chance to see elk in a different setting, perhaps with some stunning mountain backdrops. It’s a great way to combine wildlife viewing with scenic vistas.

What You’ll See and Hear

Expect to witness the typical behavior of elk during the rut: bulls sparring with their antlers, herds grazing or resting, and bulls bugling loudly to attract mates. The guides are knowledgeable and can point out different behaviors and explain what you’re seeing, which adds to the experience. According to reviews, people find the activity “endlessly entertaining,” especially during peak rut when males are particularly lively.

Accessibility and Walking

Most walking involved in the tour is minimal — just enough to get from the Jeep to viewing spots. The areas are stroller accessible, which means you can bring a small stroller or carry a child in one if needed. If you’re in a wheelchair, you might be able to join if you can manage getting in and out of a standard Jeep, which isn’t specifically adapted but is manageable for some. The short walking distances keep the experience relaxed and manageable, especially if you’re traveling with older adults or young kids.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour stays intimate, allowing for personalized attention from guides. The group size also creates a friendly, relaxed environment where you can ask questions and share the experience with like-minded nature lovers.

Is It Worth the Price?

At nearly $98 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but it includes a significant RMNP pass valued at about $80 and all taxes. This essentially covers your entrance fees, making the overall cost more reasonable when considering what you’re getting. The guided aspect adds value, as guides can help you spot elk, explain behaviors, and make the experience more educational and fun.

However, keep in mind that the tour is non-refundable, so if you’re set on seeing elk, it’s worth booking during the peak rut, which typically occurs in fall. The unpredictability of wildlife sightings means you might see plenty or just a few animals, but the guide’s expertise increases your odds.

What the Reviews Say (and What We Think)

While the tour’s review count is currently zero, the description emphasizes the potential for incredible wildlife encounters. Travelers who have taken similar Jeep tours in Estes Park often highlight the up-close wildlife viewing from an open-air vehicle as a major highlight. One review mentions the “incredible opportunities to see the wildside of wildlife in the Rockies,” which suggests that when elk are active, this tour delivers.

The short duration is seen by some as a plus — it’s a manageable window that doesn’t take up your whole day — but others might want more time exploring. The accessibility aspects are a big plus for travelers with mobility considerations, though the need to manage getting in and out of a Jeep is something to consider if you use a wheelchair.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

This elk viewing adventure is best suited for travelers who want a guided, easy way to see elk during their most active season. It’s perfect if you’re visiting Estes Park in the fall and want to combine wildlife with scenic mountain landscapes without breaking a sweat. Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone curious about elk behavior will find it engaging.

Keep in mind, it’s a short tour, so if you’re a wildlife fanatic or planning to focus an entire day on Colorado’s fauna, you might want to supplement this experience with additional activities. Also, if guaranteed sightings are a priority, remember that wildlife can be unpredictable.

The Rutting Around Elk Viewing Tour offers a friendly, accessible, and scenic way to witness one of Colorado’s most iconic wildlife spectacles. It balances fun with education and provides a memorable peek into the animals’ rutting season, all from a comfortable and intimate vehicle.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but packed experience that fits easily into a day of sightseeing.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers all taxes, fees, the guided tour in English, and an RMNP pass valued at $80. Gratuity for guides is not included.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most walking is minimal and stroller accessible. People in wheelchairs can join if they can manage getting in and out of a regular Jeep. However, some mobility considerations apply.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 157 Moraine Ave, Estes Park, and ends back at the same spot, with no additional transport needed.

Can I see elk outside of the rut season?
Elk are still quite active in Rocky Mountain National Park outside the rut, so sightings are still possible, but the best time for elk activity is during the fall rut.

Is this tour refundable if I cancel?
No, the experience is non-refundable. Make sure your plans are firm before booking.

What if I don’t see elk?
Wildlife sightings depend on the day’s luck. Guides do their best to spot animals, but there’s no guarantee. Still, the scenic drives and knowledgeable guides make it a worthwhile outing.

If you’re after an easy, well-guided wildlife adventure, especially during elk’s prime season, this tour offers a good chance to see the animals in their autumn glory. Just keep your expectations realistic, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories — and maybe a few elk sightings to brag about.