The cooler days of the fall season prompt the elk in Rocky Mountain National Park to move from the high country to the open meadows. The annual “show” begins! Of course, the event prompts tourists and photographers from all over the world to congretate to RMNP to witness the annual fall elk rut. Starting well before first light, the distinctive bugles of the largest bulls echo across the valley. As first light washes across the park, the elk begin moving towards cover, but not before allowing onlookers to experience the memorable and moving event each morning in September and early October.
Posted October 1, 2025
Without the fear of predators or hunters, elk have become accustomed to having two legged “strangers” milling around along the roadways⏤some toting sturdy tripods and long telephoto lenses, and others with binoculars or with much smaller phones and tablets.
Note: If viewing the photos in the gallery on a desktop computer, click any image, then use left/right arrows on your keyboard to advance to the next image.
Gear and Settings
The photos on this page were taken with a Sony A1 body and a Sigma 60-600mm lens. With improvements in camera bodies, stabilization in the lenses, and post production software, I seldom use a tripod for wildlife photography anymore. (I would need a tripod if doing videos) It is always a juggling act balancing ISO, aperture settings, and shutter speeds⏤especially in early morning light conditions. I am always ready to push the shutter speed up if I expect a fight or action opportunities, but that isn’t too common.
I typically prefer the mornings for elk photography. The elk are more predictable, there are fewer rangers around, and the rich, gold morning light casts long shadows. I have to set my alarm for 4:15 am to make it to the meadows in the park just before sunrise. That means a drive through the winding Big Thompson Canyon in the dark, but it’s worth it! I have to plan the months of September and October in advance, however, as Timed Entry Passes are required to enter the Bear Lake Corridor.
Timed Entry Passes cost only $2 per day. There are two ways of purchasing them. I religiously set aside the first day of August and the first day of September to be able to sit in front of my home computer to purchase my passes for the next month. The passes go on sale at 8:00 am for the following month. I have to be quick and efficient on my computer as most dates and time slots sell out within a short time. The second option is to try to purchase a Timed Entry Pass at 7:00 pm on the day prior to the trip. Numerous passes are held back during the original offerings for the next day passes. A regular Park Pass is also required. My lifetime Senior Pass works for me.
