Annual meadow closures will go into effect Monday in Rocky Mountain National Park to protect elk during their fall mating season.
The safety measure is both to prevent disturbance and harassment of elk during mating season and to keep park visitors safe during the elk rut, according to a release from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Meadow closures will be 5-10 p.m. daily through Oct. 31 in Horseshoe Park, Upper Beaver Meadows, Moraine Park, Harbison Meadow and Holzwarth Meadow. That means no one will be allowed to walk or ride horses off established roads and trails in those areas during the closure times.
Fishing locations along the Fall River, Big Thompson River and Colorado River that are accessed by walking through closed meadow areas will be closed from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, also until Oct. 31.
“Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities that visitors enjoy each fall,” according to the release. “Keep your distance and view wildlife with respect.”
For elk, visitors are advised to say back at least 75 feet, which is the length of two school buses. Also prohibited is elk calling and the use of spotlights or vehicle headlights for locating or viewing wildlife within the national park.
