Dense brush understory is used for escape and thermal cover. These habitats are particularly important on south-facing slopes for cover in winter. Calving occurs in areas with available water and brushy vegetation, that provide dense cover near openings, and seclusion from human impacts. These elk do not travel far from the cover of forest. Mostly crepuscular and nocturnal, some diurnal activity.
Herds are sedentary within an annual home range, or migrate altitudinally.
Elk herds may travel established routes in home ranges. During the rut, bulls defend movable breeding territories consisting of cow harems. Rut occurs from August into November. Usually 1 calf born, occasionally 2, rarely 3. Young born in secluded areas with good cover.