This 16 mile loop follows Highway 34 west from the town of Estes Park through the Fall River Entrance Station and Horseshoe Park. At Deer Ridge Junction, go east on Highway 36 through Beaver Meadows and the Beaver Meadows Entrance Station. Watch for sharp turns when descending from Deer Ridge Junction. The route exits the park and ends back in Estes Park. The views of the Front Range and Mummy Range are spectacular. This route can be traveled in the opposite direction.

Autumn is mating season for the elk. Many visitors come to this area of the park during mating season to hear the elk bugle. The bugle is the sound bull elk make during the "rut", or mating season. The eerie call, echoing through the autumn nights, challenges rival males an may serve as a physical release of tension. Cows or young bulls may also bugle, but they are unable to reach the strength or range of the older bull's call.

During autumn, elk congregate in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park and Upper Beaver Meadows. Watch for elk along the edges of clearings early in the morning or in the evening. Bugling is most often heard at dusk.

To minimize disturbance to the animals and to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors please observe a few guidelines:
-Turn off car lights and engine immediately. Shut car doors quietly and keep conversations to a minimum.
-Stay by the roadside while in Horseshoe Park, Moraine Park, and Upper Beaver Meadows. Travel is restricted to roadways and designated trails.
-Observe and photograph from a distance that is comfortable to the elk. If the elk move away or if their attention is diverted, you are too close.
-Do not use artificial lights or calls to view or attract wildlife.