2024 Colorado Elk Elevations

[Wickss]

Curious what elevation everyone has been finding elk so far in Colorado. I've spent days in units 36, 37, & 361 and all elk i've found have been real close to 10,000 feet in elevation, give or take about 500 feet.

 

[35WhelenAI]

Warm temps, winter coats growing back. Gotta stay cool. If warmer day temps continue into later Sept and October, winter coats keep growing and they will stay high or higher.

 

[BigAntlerGetter]

Why is it always “what elevation” really has nothing to do with temps, season anything like that. Rocky Mountain elk were originally plains animals, forced to the mountains by settlers.

I hear it every year, I gotta be 15 miles into the back country and above 11,000 feet. There’s 40 head of elk hanging out at 6300’ elevation everyday in the junipers, I’ve seen small herds at 11,000 and sept 7 we killed a 345” bull at 9000’ elevation chasing 9 cows.

The common misconceptions of the social media world put unrealistic tendencies on elk. The easiest answer is elk are where you find them. With all the pressure, recreational activity etc they are going to the spots they don’t see people or have super easy escape routes. Find those spots on the maps and go there, elevation won’t matter much they don’t care about elevation it’s safety, food and water


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[Next Ridge]

10 days ago we found elk at 9,500’ and 11,000’

 

[bucksnbirds]

In elk every day since September 3rd. All from 7200-7800. Elevation isn't as important as feed, cover, and water. Can't find them at treeline if the highest elevation is 9000. They will be where the pressure isn't.

 

[cuerro viejo]

Elk are where you find them.

Water and feed are greater than heat/elevation.

 

[hoosierhunter11]

I shot a 5x6 on 9/18 at 10,900 ft in CO

 

[Olsolitaire1]

These were around 7200 ' 95 degrees 2 in the afternoon. Feed, water and safety

 

[JackRabbitBlaster]

Why is it always “what elevation” really has nothing to do with temps, season anything like that. Rocky Mountain elk were originally plains animals, forced to the mountains by settlers.

I hear it every year, I gotta be 15 miles into the back country and above 11,000 feet. There’s 40 head of elk hanging out at 6300’ elevation everyday in the junipers, I’ve seen small herds at 11,000 and sept 7 we killed a 345” bull at 9000’ elevation chasing 9 cows.

The common misconceptions of the social media world put unrealistic tendencies on elk. The easiest answer is elk are where you find them. With all the pressure, recreational activity etc they are going to the spots they don’t see people or have super easy escape routes. Find those spots on the maps and go there, elevation won’t matter much they don’t care about elevation it’s safety, food and water


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Hey man I’m hunting 444 this November. I’m a summit county local. Did some turkey hunting this fall and liked the area I was in and heard some bull elk so I grabbed a 3rd season cow tag. I was wondering if you’d be willing to pass along any info on 444? I’ve seen you post a bit about being a guide out that way.

I know this is completely separate from the original post but I’ve been a member for almost a year and just don’t post at all…

If not all good but I’ve got some areas I’ve got some questions bout and you may be able to andwer

 

[JackRabbitBlaster]

Hey man I’m hunting 444 this November. I’m a summit county local. Did some turkey hunting this fall and liked the area I was in and heard some bull elk so I grabbed a 3rd season cow tag. I was wondering if you’d be willing to pass along any info on 444? I’ve seen you post a bit about being a guide out that way.

I know this is completely separate from the original post but I’ve been a member for almost a year and just don’t post at all…

If not all good but I’ve got some areas I’ve got some questions bout and you may be able to andwer

Meant to say I don’t post at all so I can’t message you. But let me know if you could have a chat on the side and answer some questions.

 

[Marble]

Why is it always “what elevation” really has nothing to do with temps, season anything like that. Rocky Mountain elk were originally plains animals, forced to the mountains by settlers.

I hear it every year, I gotta be 15 miles into the back country and above 11,000 feet. There’s 40 head of elk hanging out at 6300’ elevation everyday in the junipers, I’ve seen small herds at 11,000 and sept 7 we killed a 345” bull at 9000’ elevation chasing 9 cows.

The common misconceptions of the social media world put unrealistic tendencies on elk. The easiest answer is elk are where you find them. With all the pressure, recreational activity etc they are going to the spots they don’t see people or have super easy escape routes. Find those spots on the maps and go there, elevation won’t matter much they don’t care about elevation it’s safety, food and water


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This right here. If you base your hunt location off of elevation, you'll be missing a lot of ground that holds elk.

Food, safety, water.


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[bz_711]

I've shot bulls from 9300 up to 11,600. Human pressure has far more to do with what elevation they are at then any other factor.

 

[MountainMan83]

I live in the mountains at 7300 feet and elk are all around. When I go hunting next week, I usually find them between 9500-10500. What do these elk have in common? - They are in areas where there is safety and security - as others have said, the elk are where you find them.

 

[csrichardson97]

Found them between 8500-9500. Really just has to do with the area you are hunting. Don't go in with these crazy assumptions that they are only on top of the mountains above the tree line lol

 

[CoMulies]

Was doing a quick last minute scout of my unit last weekend and came across a great 5x5 working downhill through timber at 11,200