Some meadows in Rocky Mountain National Park will be closed to the public nightly during the fall elk rut/Kurt Repanshek file

Annual meadow closures will take effect Sunday in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season. The closures are also in place for safety and enjoyment of park visitors who are viewing elk during the fall rut.

Meadow closures will be in place between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. Areas that are closed include meadow areas in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow. During the specified hours, these meadow areas will be closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roads and trails. Meadow closures will remain in effect through October 31.

Fishing locations along the Fall River, Thompson River, and Colorado River that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas are closed to fishing between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.   

Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors enjoy each fall. Keep your distance and view wildlife with respect. When viewing elk keep back at least 75 feet (23 m). This is the length of two school buses. It is your responsibility to keep your distance. Don’t keep approaching wildlife until they react to you. As always, elk calling and the use of spotlights or vehicle headlights for spotting wildlife is prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.