Arizona is home to a significant elk population, primarily Rocky Mountain Elk. These large mammals have successfully reestablished themselves across the state’s high country due to dedicated conservation efforts.
Arizona’s Elk: An Overview
Arizona’s elk belong to the Rocky Mountain Elk subspecies ( Cervus elaphus nelsoni ). These animals are among the largest members of the deer family.
Mature male elk, known as bulls, typically weigh between 700 to 800 pounds, with some individuals exceeding 1,000 pounds, and stand approximately five feet tall at the shoulder. Female elk, or cows, are smaller, usually weighing 500 to 600 pounds and standing about four and a half feet at the shoulder.
Elk coats vary seasonally, appearing with a reddish hue in summer and shifting to a lighter grayish tone in winter. A distinguishing feature of all elk is their buff-colored rump patch, often referred to as a “white rump.” Only bull elk grow antlers, which can extend up to five feet in length and weigh as much as 40 pounds. These antlers are shed annually in early spring and regrow throughout the summer, initially covered by a soft, vascularized layer called velvet.
The current elk population in Arizona is largely the result of reintroduction efforts in the early 20th century. The state’s native Merriam’s elk subspecies had become extinct around 1900, primarily due to unregulated hunting and competition with livestock. Starting in 1913, Rocky Mountain Elk from Yellowstone National Park were translocated to Arizona, with the initial release of 83 elk near Chevelon Lake. These reintroductions led to Arizona’s elk population standing at approximately 35,000 animals.
Key Habitats and Viewing Opportunities
Elk in Arizona inhabit a range of diverse environments, predominantly in the state’s high country. During the warmer summer months, they prefer higher elevations, typically between 7,000 and 10,000 feet, where they utilize mountain meadows, ponderosa pine, and mixed conifer forests. As winter approaches and snow depths increase, elk migrate to lower elevations, often settling in pinyon-juniper woodlands and mixed conifer forests, usually between 5,500 and 6,500 feet.
Many national forests and mountain ranges across Arizona serve as prime elk habitat. These include the White Mountains, the Mogollon Rim, and the Kaibab National Forest, particularly around the San Francisco Peaks and Flagstaff. Specific communities such as Williams, Payson, Heber-Overgaard, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Alpine, and Greer are also known for elk sightings. Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim is another area where elk are commonly observed.
The best times to view elk are typically during early morning and late evening hours when they are most active. The annual rut, or mating season, is when bulls become vocal with their distinctive bugling calls. This season generally runs from late August through October.
During late summer, from July through early September, Mormon Lake is an excellent location where hundreds of elk can sometimes be seen in the lake bed. Other notable viewing spots include Upper and Lower Lake Mary, Rogers Lake, the Raymond Wildlife Area east of Flagstaff, and Fool Hollow Lake Recreation Area near Show Low.
When observing elk, it is important to maintain a safe distance, generally at least 100 feet, to avoid disturbing the animals and ensure safety for both humans and wildlife. Approaching, petting, or feeding elk is not advisable, as these wild animals can be unpredictable, especially during the rut.