When to visit RMNP?

hntbambi · May 15, 2011

The wifey and I are planning a road trip this September to RMNP. When is the best time to hear the elk screaming? The dates are not set yet but early/mid/late September are open for us.

marley · May 15, 2011

3rd week seems to have them going pretty good. Never been there in Sept. but that seems to be the best time in the woods with my bow.

hntbambi · May 15, 2011

Great thanks!

HiMtnHntr · May 16, 2011

LAST EDITED ON May-16-11 AT 06:36AM (MST)[p]I would suggest any time between mid September and Mid October, with the end of September/1st of October being the best. You'll see rutting activity and hear bugling during all of September and most of October in RMNP, however. Late September is hard to be for the colors/bugling combo.

Feleno · May 16, 2011

Would agree, late September. You can't not help but see and hear a bunch bugling.

mntman · May 16, 2011

Just an FYI- there is some sort of elk festival in September at Estes Park???? Not sure of dates but it gets rather crowded down there. It may affect your decision on when to go if you like crowds or don't...
I agree though last week of september for colorado gold and bugling.
Mntman

"Hunting is where you prove yourself"

TETRA · May 16, 2011

Bambi I've seen good bulls around the Y.M.C.A camp.... http://www.ymcarockies.org/ .....a lot of the back roads around Estes hold elk...

awbmab · May 16, 2011

I would have to vote for late September. I live in Granby so we spend a few evenings every fall in the park. Stay after dark and things can really get crazy.

mshred · May 17, 2011

mid to late september will be best. it will be a circus. elk screaming all night and sometimes all day...all over the place. moraine park will be crawling with elk and with people and with cameras.

it's a great time to be in RMNP.

BeanMan · May 19, 2011

Stay out of Testes Park if you can. (Or if your Wife will let you).

hntbambi · May 20, 2011

Thanks guys! Looking at the schedule, I will be up there probably the 19-21 of Sep then head back south. The elk fest is the first couple days of Oct, so I will miss that. Stopping at Raton, Whittington Center on the way up to see the NRA facilities, then checking out hippie central (Taos) on the way back. Hopefully, it will be a fun trip.

Utah400Elk · May 20, 2011

LAST EDITED ON May-20-11 AT 10:49PM (MST)[p]I try and go every September. I live in Cheyenne, Wyoming so not too far of a drive. The end of September is hard to beat. If you can, avoid the weekends. There are a ton of people. Find one of the bigger meadows and park. I would suggest taking some chairs and adult drinks, if thats your thing, and sit back and enjoy the show. There will be a lot of people who will pull out a little table and chairs, sit, have dinner and watch the elk go nuts. It is a great time.