Elk rut typically occurs in September and October. This is one of the best times to visit Grand Teton National Park because of fall foliage, cooler weather and less tourists. Grand Teton National Park is a wildlife lover’s paradise, with a wide range of animals to see throughout the year. From West Yellowstone, it took about 2.5 hours to drive to Colter Bay in the Tetons.
Elk Rut
During the rut, bull elk compete for the attention of cow elk by bugling, sparring, and chasing each other around. The bugling calls of bull elk are one of the most iconic sounds of fall in the Tetons, and they can be heard echoing through the valleys and meadows for miles around.
This bull elk was rubbing it’s antlers against a willow for the elk rut. He did it for a full five minutes.
Elk Flats is a large meadow and a popular gathering place for elk during the rut.
Elk can be unpredictable during this time of year, and we give them plenty of space. We once saw a car trashed by a bull elk because the car tried to drive through a herd of females and cut off the male. The park rangers stay busy trying to keep people with cell phones from taking selfies and getting too close to the elk.
Moose in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to one of the largest populations of moose in the United States. Moose are the largest land mammals in North America, and their size and power are truly impressive.
Moose are well-adapted to life in the Tetons. Their long legs and hooves allow them to easily navigate through deep snow, and their thick fur helps to keep them warm in the winter. Moose are also herbivores, and they have a varied diet that includes willows, aquatic plants, and grasses. Moose can be found throughout Grand Teton National Park, but they are most commonly seen in areas with willows and other aquatic plants. These moose were seen at Willow Flats and Moose-Wilson road.
Grizzly Bears in Grand Teton National Park
Grand Teton National Park is home to a population of grizzly bears, one of the largest and most iconic predators in North America. Grizzly bears are an important part of the park’s ecosystem, and they play a role in controlling populations of other animals, such as elk and deer.
Grizzly bears are typically brown in color, but they can also be black or blonde. They are larger than black bears, with males weighing up to 700 pounds and females weighing up to 400 pounds. They have a distinctive hump on their shoulders and a dish-shaped face. Grizzly bears are omnivores, and their diet includes a variety of plants, animals, and fish. They are particularly fond of berries, nuts, and salmon. Grizzly bears are also known to prey on elk, deer and other large animals.
They are solitary animals, and they only come together to mate. Females typically give birth to two or three cubs in the spring. Cubs stay with their mother for two or three years before they venture out on their own.
Colter Bay RV Park, Elk Rut
We have stayed at Colter Bay before. The sites are wooded with good spacing. They have full service other than WIFI. Fortunately, our antenna was able to pick up a Verizon signal so that we could use our Verizon WIFI card.
We love the views of the Tetons and Jackson Lake.
Jake loves it here because of all the areas to walk and there are abundant squirrels and chipmunks.
There are so many places to hike but it’s essential to bring bear spray and hike in a group.
A raven and fall color.
The drive to Jenny Lake is beautiful.
Oxbow bend.
Schwabacher Landing is a favorite to visit because of the reflected Grand Teton views. One day we will get a moose or beaver photo here.
Late September is a great time to visit for fall color.
Jackson Lake Lodge
We went for dinner. The views were amazing with good food and wine.
