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, seasonal rhythms, and how humans interact with these landscapes.
Respect the Rut is a growing project aimed at fostering a deeper land ethic — grounded in observation, awareness, and ethical engagement with the natural world. This isn’t just about elk; it’s about how we show up in wild places, how we learn from them, and how we protect them for the future.
On this page, you may 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 local visitors about wildlife stewardship
- An interactive phenology map, where you can share what you’ve observed — from bugling elk to the first frost, golden aspens to early snow
- Personal reflections inspired by Aldo Leopold’s Land Ethic, encouraging mindful presence and care for the land
This is a story in progress — shaped by the land, the animals, and the people who pay attention.
Stay curious. Stay connected. Act responsibly.
Interviews with NPS rangers, visitor center staff, and even local visitors
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park Phenology Project
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park Phenology Project
Observe. Reflect. Share. Protect
“To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” —Aldo Leopold
What Is This Project?
The Estes Valley and Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) are home to iconic elk, diverse wildlife, and dramatic seasonal changes. This project invites visitors, residents, and nature lovers to slow down, observe the land, and share what they see through a community-built phenology map.
Every submission helps us understand:
Where elk are moving
How seasons shift across meadows and mountains
How plants respond to climate and recreation
How people interact with wildlife in these protected places
This is not just science — it’s a way to build a deeper relationship with the land we share.
How to Participate in Estes Park & RMNP
1. Observe
Find a quiet moment in:
Estes Park meadows
Lake Estes shoreline
Moraine Park
Horseshoe Park
Upper Beaver Meadows
Lily Lake
Any trail or overlook in RMNP
Then notice:
Elk behavior (rut, grazing, calls, movement)
Other wildlife (moose, deer, birds, foxes)
Plant and seasonal changes
Snowmelt, frost, wind, water levels
How people around you interact with the landscape
3. Share Your Observation
Help us build a living, evolving record of the land and its wildlife.
→ Submit an Observation from Estes Park or RMNP
You can share:
A location (trailhead, meadow, GPS point)
Photos or videos (optional)
Seasonal timing
Reflections
Notes on ethical wildlife viewing
Your contribution becomes part of a community-sourced map visitors can explore.
2. Reflect
Ask yourself:
How does watching elk or wildlife make me feel?
How does this place change with the seasons?
Did I see safe or unsafe human–wildlife behavior?
What can I do to protect this meadow, trail, or herd?
“The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals — including the elk we share Estes Valley and RMNP with.” – adapted from Aldo Leopold
Explore the Estes Park & RMNP Phenology Map
See wildlife patterns, plant changes, and human–wildlife interactions across the region
Interactive Map
On this map, you’ll find:
Elk sightings throughout Estes Park & RMNP
Plant and flower observations tied to seasonal changes
Visitor photos from quiet walks and trail moments
Human–wildlife interaction notes to promote ethical behavior
Seasonal markers like first frost, snowmelt, or leaf color change
This map helps visitors understand why respecting distance, staying on trails, and moving quietly matters — especially during elk rut.
Why This Matters Here
Estes Park and RMNP are unique because:
Elk frequently travel through town streets, meadows, and park valleys
Many visitors are unfamiliar with elk behavior, especially during rut
High traffic increases stress, collisions, and unsafe encounters
Meadows and wetlands are fragile and easily damaged
Seasonal changes shape wildlife survival
Your mindful participation helps protect elk, restore habitat, and promote safe wildlife viewing across the Estes Valley and RMNP.
Respect Wildlife. Protect the Land
“The land ethic enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals.” —Aldo Leopold
A Moment to Pause
Before you leave this page, take a moment to reflect:
“When we see land as a community to which we belong, we begin to use it with love and respect.” – Aldo Leopold
How will you move through Estes Park and RMNP today — as a visitor, or as a member of this land’s community?
Conservation starts with understanding!
Campaign created by
Ashley Glasco
Founder & Manager of Art for Our Parks