The 415 square miles of Rocky Mountain National Park make up a spectacular mountain environment easily accessible for tourists. Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, stunning alpine lakes, and glorious mountain peaks are visible and accessible from Trail Ridge Road, which winds its way high above the tree line as it reaches a maximum height of 12,183 feet. Plenty of wildlife is visible from the road, including the park’s famous elk population.
Currently the park tries to maintain an elk population of around 600-800 animals in the low-elevation valleys during the winter. Despite their less-than-intimidating look even female elk can present a risk to visitors. Tourists are always required to give elk at least 75 feet of space both for the safety of the people and for the safety of the animals. This rule should still be respected by people inside their cars, like those in the video below.
Feeding, harassing, or using lights or calls to attract any wildlife is illegal in every national park across the country. Animals that are touched or fed can become desensitized to people, leading to an increased risk of dangerous interactions. It can sometimes lead to the death of animals, as wildlife known for human encounters are often forced to be euthanized. Unfortunately the Rocky Mountain National Park visitors in the above video didn’t seem to understand that. You can read more about elk safety in RMNP below.
Rocky Mountain National Park Elk Viewing Guidelines:
- Elk can be seen anytime, a popular viewing period being the fall rut, or mating season. Look for elk in meadows and where meadow and forest meet.
- How close to too close? When viewing wildlife, follow the “Rule of Thumb.” When viewing wildlife, make a thumbs up; extend your arm all the way; close one eye and see if you can hide the animal with your thumb. If you can still see the animal, you are too close. Take steps back until the animal is completely hidden.
- If wildlife approaches you, back away and maintain a safe distance. If a wild animal changes its behavior due to your presence, you are too close.
- For animals like elk and bighorn sheep, keep back at least 75 feet, or two bus lengths.
- Harassing or feeding wildlife is illegal in all national parks.
- It is illegal to use artificial lights or calls to view or attract wildlife.
When we respect wildlife, viewing wildlife in their natural habitat is fun and rewarding!