Moraine Park
A glacier-carved meadow where the Big Thompson meanders, elk bugle in fall and the Divide fills the horizon.
About Moraine Park
Moraine Park is the broad, open valley just inside Rocky Mountain National Park's Beaver Meadows Entrance, reached off Bear Lake Road. Glaciers carved the basin and left long lateral moraines on either side; today the Big Thompson River snakes through the grassland with peaks like Stones Peak and Snowdrift Peak to the west and Longs Peak peeking over the south moraine.
It is one of the best places in the park to see elk, especially in fall, and a favorite for easy sunset strolls. A flat loop of about 4.8 miles links the river, the Cub Lake Trailhead and the South Lateral Moraine trail, and the Fern Lake and Cub Lake trailheads both start here.
The historic Moraine Park Discovery Center sits on the north edge of the valley, and Moraine Park Campground sits on the moraine above.
A wide glacial valley in Rocky Mountain National Park that works for backpacking, hiking, climbing, or snowshoeing depending on the season — and for photography, pretty much any time of day. It's one of the more reliable spots in the park for elk, especially at dawn and dusk, and the open valley floor means you can work a composition with the herd, the river, and the peaks all in the same frame.
History
Imogene Green MacPherson homesteaded here in 1903, built a lodge and cabins by 1905 and was hosting paying guests by 1910; she also supported the campaign to create the national park. After her death in 1928 her family ran the resort until the Park Service bought it in 1931. Her 1923 lodge building now houses the Moraine Park Discovery Center and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Early in the park's history the meadow also held a golf course and resort; those structures were removed, and the valley has returned to natural meadow.
Photographing Moraine Park
Best light: Sunrise lights the peaks to the west and often brings fog or frost to the meadow; sunset gives warm side light on elk and silhouettes along the moraines. September and October are prime for the elk rut, and the willows and grasses turn amber in fall.
Shots to look for
- Big Thompson River S-curves leading toward the Continental Divide from the moraine slopes (24-70mm)
- Bugling bull elk with the meadow and peaks behind during the fall rut (200-600mm)
- Morning fog lifting off the meadow with backlit willows
- Longs Peak rising over the South Lateral Moraine from the north side of the valley
- Winter snowfields and ponderosa pines on the moraine at golden hour
Photo tips
- During the rut, parts of the meadow close to people; obey signs and shoot from roads or pullouts
- Never approach elk; use a long lens and keep a respectful distance
- Fall evenings draw big crowds and traffic jams; arrive early and park only in designated spots
- Drones are prohibited in national parks
- A beanbag or window mount is useful for shooting from your vehicle
Know before you go
- Moraine Park is reached via Bear Lake Road; check whether your arrival time requires a standard timed-entry or Bear Lake Road Timed Entry+ reservation
- Park entrance fee required (America the Beautiful pass accepted)
- Seasonal elk-rut closures apply in fall
- Keep at least 25 yards from elk and other large wildlife
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see elk in Moraine Park?
Fall is best, especially September and October during the rut, around dawn and dusk. Elk are also common in winter and spring.
Do I need a timed entry permit for Moraine Park?
During the peak season, park entry and the Bear Lake Road corridor have timed-entry requirements during posted hours. Check the NPS timed-entry page for current dates.
Is there an easy hike in Moraine Park?
Yes. A roughly 4.8-mile loop along the Big Thompson and the South Lateral Moraine gains only about 120 feet.
Featured in: Easy Colorado Hikes With Big Views · Where to Photograph Wildlife in Colorado
Combine it with
Cub Lake · Fern Lake · Sprague Lake · Estes Park
More Colorado spots
Sources & further reading: nps.gov · en.wikipedia.org · rockymountainhikingtrails.com · home.nps.gov. Conditions, fees and rules change; check with the managing agency before you go.