COMING SOON - Respect the Rut

Every fall, in the high country around Estes Park, something ancient unfolds — the elk rut. More than just a spectacle, it's a window into wild behavior, shifting seasons, and the human response to both.

Respect the Rut is a growing project designed to help people cultivate their own land ethic — grounded in observation, awareness, and respect for the rhythms of nature. This isn’t just about elk; it’s about how we show up in wild places.

On this page, you may eventually find:

  • 📸 Field photography capturing moments from the rut and beyond

  • 🎨 Submitted works from other artists, writers, and photographers

  • 🎙️ Interviews with NPS rangers, visitor center staff, and even local visitors

  • 🗺️ An interactive phenology map, where you can share what you’ve seen — from bugling elk to the first frost, golden aspens to early snow

  • ✍️ Personal reflections from the land, on the edge of the season

This is a story in progress — shaped by the land, the animals, and the people who pay attention.

Coming soon. Stay curious. Stay connected.