Rocky Mountain National Park begins meadow closures for annual elk rut in Colorado

The elk rut in Colorado is beginning and with it comes closures to meadow access in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).

The Park announced on Sept. 1 meadow closures are now in effect through Oct. 31 to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season.

The Park said meadow closures are also in place for the safety and enjoyment of park visitors who are viewing elk and other wildlife during this special time of the year.

Meadow closures: What you need to know

• Meadow areas are closed in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m.
• During these hours, meadow areas will be closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roads and trails.
• Planning to go fishing along Fall River, Big Thompson River, and the Colorado River? Fishing locations that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas are also closed to fishing access between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.

“Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors come to Rocky to enjoy each fall,” Park officials said in a Sept. 2 social media post.

The Park wishes to remind people to keep their distance and view wildlife with respect.

“When viewing elk, keep back at least 75 feet (23 m),” the Park said. “These are wild animals and they can be very aggressive during the fall rut. If wildlife is reacting to you, you are too close. It is our responsibility to keep our distance.”

As always, the use of elk calls, spotlights, or the use of vehicle headlights to spot wildlife is prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.