Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from late May to mid-October? A timed entry reservation is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There are two different types of reservations available to choose from: Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road) or Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.
RMNP's timed entry reservation system manages day use visitor access in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations, and protects the park's resources. Timed entry reservations spread visitor use out throughout the day and throughout the park.
When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation?
Timed entry reservations are released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:
On May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: May 23 - June 30
On June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: July 1 - July 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for June
On July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: August 1 - August 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for July
On August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: September 1 - September 30, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for August
On September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: October 1 - October 19, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for September
Additional timed entry reservations will be released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. MDT on the night before a desired arrival date. These will sell out quickly, it is best to plan ahead!
Overview of Timed Entry Reservations:
Timed Entry Reservations (do not include access to Bear Lake Road) provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding locations within the busy RMNP Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park. Timed Entry Reservations are best for those planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or Lily Lake, or visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Timed Entry Reservations will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 23 through Monday, October 13, 2025.
Don't have a reservation? That's ok! You can enter the park before 9 a.m. or anytime after 2 p.m. without a timed entry reservation.
All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter RMNP within designated 2-hour windows of time. Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Overview of Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations:
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations provide access to all destinations located within the RMNP Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations also provide reservation holders with access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are best for those who plan to visit destinations inside the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Park & Ride Parking Area, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are needed to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May 23 through Sunday, October 19, 2025.
All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter RMNP within designated 2-hour windows of time. Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation, you must enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your designated 2-hour window of time. If you miss your designated window of time, you will be asked to turn around and come back to Bear Lake Road anytime after 2 p.m.
Also, if you have a Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservation, be advised that if you enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor and then want to exit and return to the Bear Lake Road Corridor later in the day, know that re-entry is only allowed after 2 p.m. For example, if you enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor using a 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. reservation and then want to leave and return later in the day, you may re-enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor anytime after 2 p.m.
How Much Do Timed Entry Reservations Cost?
The only cost associated with making a timed entry reservation is a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
Additional Details to Help You Prepare For Your Next Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park:
When planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, take time to consider your preparedness, skills, fitness and experience. No matter how you choose to recreate, be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the Rockies.
Before starting any trip, take time to explore the Rocky Mountain National Park webpage or the RMNP page on the Official NPS App to help your prepare for a safer and more enjoyable visit.
