Where are the Largest Elk Herds Found in Colorado?

Rocky Mountain National Park might have a reputation as being one of the best places to see elk in Colorado, but it's not home to the state's largest herds. While it's important to remember elk herds are often on the move throughout the year, there are areas Colorado Parks and Wildlife designate as home to many of them.

Read More: When Can You Hunt Elk in Colorado?

The elk rut is the mating season from mid-September to mid-October. It's important to remember that this is the time of year you want to be sure to give them plenty of space (75 feet), and never get between a bull and the cows. Keep reading to learn more about some of Colorado's largest elk herds.

Get our free mobile app

Colorado Vs Wyoming Elk Populations

While the Cowboy State is home to a large elk population, the number of elk in the Centennial State is nearly triple the number found in Wyoming. Elk numbers estimated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department add up to around 109,000, the elk population in Colorado at the end of 2023 is estimated to be 303,390 by Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Colorado Towns Near Elk Herds

Towns like Estes Park, Evergreen, Crested Butte, and Gunnison are all places where it is common to see elk in Colorado. They are sometimes seen wandering the streets in Estes Park and Evergreen and are often seen near the highways around Crested Butte and Gunnison during the winter months.

Which Colorado Elk Herd is the Largest?

Colorado Parks and Wildlife estimates the state is home to about 45 large to measurable elk herds as of the end of the 2023 hunting season. Gore Pass, St. Vrain, Kenosha Pass, Clear Creek, and Castle Rock have the highest number of bulls per 100 cows and show a great chance of increasing their numbers in 2024.

Let's look at some of the largest elk herds in Colorado according to numbers from Colorado Parks and Wildlife below.