Happy September! Cool temperatures and crisp air mean that fall is just around the corner. It's also time for the park's annual meadow closures.
Meadow closures are in effect from September 1 through October 31 to prevent the disturbance and harassment of elk during their fall mating season. Meadow closures are also in place for the safety and enjoyment of park visitors who are out viewing elk and other wildlife during this special time of the year.
Meadow areas are closed in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow between the hours of 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. During these hours, meadow areas will be closed to all travel on foot or via horseback off established roads and trails.
Planning to go fishing along Fall River, Big Thompson River, and the Colorado River? Fishing locations that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas are also closed to fishing access between the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors come to Rocky to enjoy each fall. Remember to keep your distance and view wildlife with respect. When viewing elk, keep back at least 75 feet (23 m). These are wild animals and they can be very aggressive during the fall rut. If wildlife is reacting to you, you are too close. It is our responsibility to keep our distance.
As always, the use of elk calls, spotlights, or the use of vehicle headlights to spot wildlife is prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.
************************************************************************************
Check out our online trail guides:
- Glacier National Park: HikinginGlacier.com
- Grand Teton National Park: TetonHikingTrails.com
- Rocky Mountain National Park: RockyMountainHikingTrails.com
- My new edition on hiking history is available on Amazon
