Bugle in the Dark: Hike + Elk Rut + Dinner

About this event

**BUGLE IN THE DARK - Listening for Elk** **Saturday, September 19 · Hike + Listen + Eat** We’re heading to Rocky Mountain National Park for an afternoon hike to Gem Lake, followed by an evening in Moraine Park listening for elk during the rut. September is when bull elk are bugling, gathering harems, and challenging each other across the meadows. We’ll arrive around dusk, find a place to sit, and spend about 45 minutes quietly listening to whatever the park chooses to show us that night. Before that, we’ll hike to Gem Lake. The trail is about 3.4 miles round trip with roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s short, but definitely uphill, with stone steps and steady climbing. We’ll take a good break at the lake before heading back down. Then we’ll head into Moraine Park and settle in for the quieter part of the evening. We’ll listen for elk bugling and spend some time simply sitting still and paying attention. The elk may be active, or they may keep us waiting. Either way, we’ll take the evening as it comes. Afterward, we’ll head to The Rock Inn for dinner and a chance to warm back up. **THE PLAN** 4:15 PM: Start hiking at Lumpy Ridge Trailhead. 7:15 PM: Head into Moraine Park. 8:30 PM: Dinner at The Rock Inn. There will also be a Denver carpool. Details and coordination will happen in the event chat. Expect a late return. **BRING** A headlamp, preferably with a red-light setting, water, a hiking snack, and warm layers including a hat and gloves. Dress for sitting outside after dark, when you’re no longer generating heat from the hike. A folding chair, sit pad, or something else to sit on during the listening portion, plus money for dinner. **WILDLIFE + LOGISTICS** We’ll stay at an established roadside viewing area, outside the closed meadow, and give elk at least 75 feet of space. No flash photography or shining lights at wildlife. Coordinate park entry passes with your carpool. Join the event chat in our UC WhatsApp group for rides and…