Elk
Lean, rich game meat from Colorado's abundant elk herds, served as medallions, steaks, sausage, and burgers across the state's mountain restaurants.
Region
Mountain towns including Estes Park, Aspen, Telluride, Durango, Breckenridge, and Vail
Spice Level
🌶️ (1/5)
Diet
Non-vegetarian
Where to Try
Game-focused restaurants in Estes Park, The Wild Fig (Telluride), and lodge dining rooms across Summit County and the San Juans.
Elk is one of Colorado's most popular game meats, reflecting the state's massive elk population — the largest in North America. Elk meat is leaner than beef, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that lacks the strong gaminess of some other wild game. It appears on menus across Colorado's mountain towns, often as medallions with berry sauces, elk burgers, or elk sausage with breakfast. The Colorado elk herd is managed by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and elk hunting is a major part of the state's outdoor economy. Elk is widely available in restaurants year-round, sourced from game ranches and regulated harvests.