Private Fall Elk Rut Tour
Experience a safari-like adventure during the elk rut!
Witness the elk rut, or the elk mating season, on this unforgettable exploration! Join us for an incredible tour through the Rockies with the changing leaves!
Experience the Elk Rut in Fall
Skip the stress of securing a timed entry permit and hop on a private tour with Explore Estes during the fall season! Let’s explore Rocky Mountain National Park together in comfort and marvel at the wildlife. We have pre-planned itineraries that we take our Explorers through, but we are willing to accommodate small adjustments depending on what you, the Explorer, wants to do. Want to stay longer to watch the elk fight for their harem? Just let your tour guide know and we will do our best to give your party the most memorable experience that you can only get with Explore Estes.
Explore Fall Options
Highway to the Sky Tour
June 1st – September 30th
3 – 4 hour private driving tour up & down Trail Ridge Road with small photo stops.
Fall Elk Rut Tour
September 1st – October 31st
4 – 5 hour private driving tour of iconic locations in Rocky Mountain National Park with small strolls.
Highway to the Sky Tour
Private Tour available June 1st- September 30th:
Take a guided driving tour of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park! Our Highway to the Sky Summer Tour picks you up at your location in Estes Park, then takes you on a journey up the iconic roads on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are open for your visit (Trail Ridge Road – June through September, or off-road on Old Fall River Road July through September). You will see the ecosystems transition from valleys to the high alpine tundra with sweeping mountain views, the changing aspen leaves (September), and reach a peak elevation of 12,183 feet! There will be a quick 10-minute stop at the highest visitor center in the US National Parks, the Alpine Visitor Center, for a bathroom break before you drive down Trail Ridge Road back to Estes Park.
When Old Fall River Road is not open, you will drive up and back down the highest continuous paved road in the United States, Trail Ridge Road, also known as the Highway to the Sky.
Important Notes
This guided drive is not a hiking or walking tour, and instead focuses on driving through the National Park on the iconic roads with little time outside of the vehicle, while learning about the stories and history of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. This tour does not have flexibility for itinerary adjustments.
Here’s what to expect
Tour Overview
Group Size: 1 – 5 people maximum. Private tours only, you will not be with another group.
Tour Times: 7:00am & 12:30pm
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Activity Level: Easy, staying in vehicle for majority of tour, quick stops for photos and bathroom breaks.
Tour Highlights: Rocky Mountain National Park – Trail Ridge Road (Jun – Sep), Old Fall River Road (Jul – Sep), Alpine Visitor Center. *This tour does not have flexibility for itinerary adjustments.
Vehicle: We tour our Explorers in the “Blubaru.” A 3-row 2020 Blue Subaru Ascent.
Food & Drinks: Complimentary bottled water will be provided. Food will not be provided, be sure to pack a sack lunch or snack!
Permits: Explore Estes covers your timed entry permit and up to $15 per guest for National Park entry. Any remaining fees for non-US residents must be paid by the traveler at the park entrance. (International visitor fees – an additional $100 per passenger for a day pass or $250 total for an annual pass)
Park Support: 3% of your tour cost goes directly to Rocky Mountain National Park as part of our tour licensing, which directly supports conservation efforts and visitor services.
Investment: Adult – $135 | 12 & under- $82 | Infant 2 & under – Free
*Please note that we have a 2 adult minimum tour rate which applies to single passengers.
Fall Elk Rut Rocky Mountain Tour
Private Tours available September 1st – October 31st:
Our general route on our 4 – 5 hour half day private fall elk rut tour picks you up at your location in Estes Park, starts you in the lower valley meadows, then takes you on a journey up iconic roads on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park that are open for your visit (Trail Ridge Road – June through September, or off-road on Old Fall River Road July through September) where you will see beautiful mountain views and waterfalls, the changing aspen leaves (September), hopefully some wildlife along the way, and we’ll make a short 20-minute stop at the highest visitor center in the US National Park system before we 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 before heading back to Estes Park.
When Old Fall River Road or Trail Ridge Road are not fully open, you will take alternate routes so you can still experience the beauty of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Important Notes
Wildlife is unpredictable and while we cannot guarantee that your tour will be filled with elk sightings, we try our best to scout the prime wildlife viewing locations. This guided experience is not a hiking tour, and instead focuses on driving through the National Park with small strolls while learning about the stories and history of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. This tour has some flexibility for small itinerary adjustments.
Here’s what to expect
Tour Overview
Group Size: 1 – 5 people maximum. Private tours only, you will not be with another group.
Tour Times: 12:30pm
Duration: 4 – 5 hours (Add an additional hour for more wildlife viewing time!)
Activity Level: Easy, small strolls rated as easy walks, with stops at photo spots and bathroom breaks.
Tour Highlights: Stanley Hotel viewpoint, Rocky Mountain National Park – Horseshoe Park & Falls, Trail Ridge Road (Jun – Sep), Rainbow Curve, Old Fall River Road (Jul – Sep), Alpine Visitor Center, Moraine Park, potential wildlife sightings. *This tour has some flexibility for small itinerary adjustments.
Vehicle: We tour our Explorers in the “Blubaru.” A 3-row 2020 Blue Subaru Ascent.
Food & Drinks: Complimentary bottled water will be provided. Food will not be provided, be sure to pack a sack lunch!
Permits: Explore Estes covers your timed entry permit and up to $15 per guest for National Park entry. Any remaining fees for non-US residents must be paid by the traveler at the park entrance. (International visitor fees – an additional $100 per passenger for a day pass or $250 total for an annual pass)
Park Support: 3% of your tour cost goes directly to Rocky Mountain National Park as part of our tour licensing, which directly supports conservation efforts and visitor services.
Investment: Adult – $160 | 12 & under- $95 | Infant 2 & under – Free
*Please note that we have a 2 adult minimum tour rate which applies to single passengers.
Ready to escape?
Explore other options
Praise from Past Explorers
★★★★★
“Riley came to our hotel and picked us up in the morning. Very convenient. It’s nice to have a driver on a high alpine road that’s breathtaking but a little intimidating. You get to look around and enjoy the scenery. Our guide was engaging and knowledgeable. Much interesting information provided about the history of the park. Wildlife viewing was over the top. Saw a bull moose and then later two male elk fighting it out to protect their harems. Riley knew where to go so we could experience this unforgettable day.”
– Brian J.
★★★★★
“From start to finish, our experience with Explore Estes has been more than we could have hoped for. Their communication before the tour was prompt and detailed, and Riley was a wonderful tour guide. He gave us so much backstory and history, taught us how to identify different trees, took so many photos of me and my friend (so patient! Haha.), and did not rush us at all. I am so glad I booked a tour with Explore Estes! I can’t recommend them enough!”
– Lauren S.
