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
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 the Rocky Mountain National Park together in comfort and marvel at the wildlife. We have a pre-planned itinerary that we take our explorers through, but we are more than happy to make small adjustments for your group. Want to stay longer at the Alpine Visitor Center? Or maybe stay longer to watch the elk fight for their harem! Just let your tour guide, Riley, know and we will do whatever we can to give you and your party the most memorable experience that you can only get with Explore Estes.
The Itinerary
Private Tours available September 1st – October 31st:
Our general route on our 4 – 5 hour 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 an off-road drive up the famous Old Fall River Road where you will see the beautiful changing of the leaves and 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 before heading back to Estes Park. *Note: 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!
When Old Fall River Road or Trail Ridge Road are not open, you will take alternate routes so you can still experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountain National Park.
This guided experience is not a hiking tour, and instead focuses on driving through the National Park with small strolls while learning about the early stories and history of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
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: 12pm
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
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 snack!
Permits: Your entrance fee and timed entry permit are included. A $32 value that sells out quickly!
Investment: Adult – $150 | 12 & under- $120
*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.
