Colorado is home to the majestic elk, a species that thrives across the state’s varied ecosystems. The elk, also known by the Native American name “wapiti,” is the largest member of the deer family in North America and a symbol of western wilderness. Its presence in Colorado is a testament to successful conservation efforts and the state’s diverse habitats, which provide ideal summer and winter ranges. The availability of quality forage and cover, from high alpine meadows to low-lying valleys, allows the species to flourish.
Current Population and Management
Colorado is home to the largest elk population in the world, a robust herd estimated to be over 290,000 animals statewide. This population is the result of long-term, science-based management and conservation by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) agency. The CPW manages the population through Herd Management Plans (HMPs) that establish specific population goals for distinct Data Analysis Units (DAUs). These plans determine the desired number of animals and the target bull-to-cow sex ratio for each regional herd.
The management strategy primarily relies on regulated hunting to modulate the population and keep herd numbers within an acceptable range. This approach balances ecological health and public demand. Hunting license numbers are adjusted annually based on population estimates and trends, such as declining calf recruitment in certain areas. The goal of this structured harvest is to maintain a healthy and sustainable population while mitigating impacts on available habitat, especially on winter ranges.
Prime Viewing Locations
Finding elk requires understanding their seasonal movements, as they migrate annually between high-elevation summer pastures and lower-elevation winter grounds. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is the most reliable viewing location, particularly the large, open meadows on the park’s east side, such as Moraine Park and Horseshoe Park. On the west side of RMNP, the Kawuneeche Valley near Grand Lake is another highly productive area to spot herds. The best times for viewing in these areas are dawn and dusk, when the elk are most actively feeding.
The autumn rutting season, running from mid-September through mid-October, offers excellent viewing when bull elk descend to lower valleys for mating. During this time, the town of Estes Park, located at the east entrance of RMNP, hosts hundreds of elk that graze openly in parks and golf courses. Outside of the national park system, major herds are found in the White River National Forest near Meeker and the Gunnison Basin. These areas utilize the vast expanses of the Gunnison National Forest.
Viewing Etiquette and Safety
Observing elk requires adherence to safety protocols and wildlife etiquette to ensure both human and animal well-being. A distance of at least 75 feet, or approximately two school bus lengths, must be maintained between observers and the elk. If an elk stops its activity, raises its head to stare, or shifts its attention toward the viewer, the observer is too close and should immediately back away. Approaching, harassing, or feeding elk is illegal and can lead to aggressive behavior or the spread of fatal diseases.
Elk are notably more dangerous during two specific seasons due to hormonal changes and protective instincts. The autumn rut (mid-September to mid-October) causes bull elk to become irritable and highly aggressive as they compete for dominance. Similarly, the spring calving season, primarily in May and June, makes cow elk extremely protective of their newborn calves. They may charge perceived threats without warning. If an elk approaches or displays warning signs such as teeth grinding or ears pointed back, retreating quickly is necessary, especially if walking with a dog, which elk perceive as a predator.