Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
Rocky Mountain National Park will be implementing a new pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system beginning on May 28, 2021. There will be two types of reservations available. One permit will be for the Bear Lake Road Corridor (from the junction of Trail Ridge Road to the Bear Lake Trailhead), which will include the entire corridor and access to the rest of the park. This reservation period will be from 5 am to 6 pm. The second permit will be for the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding the Bear Lake Road corridor. This reservation period will be from 9 am to 3 pm. Permits issued using the reservation system will allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of availability. The reservation system will apply to all areas of the park.
Reservations to enter the park will go on sale 8 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Saturday, May 1. Reservations will be available to enter the park from May 28 through June 30. The next release will be on June 1 at 10 a.m, Mountain Daylight Time (all remaining releases will be at 10 a.m.), for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June. On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July. On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked. On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked. Initially, 25 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible. There will be no permits sold on site at the park.
This year’s pilot reservation system allows for a greater number of reservations per day. Reservations will be based on approximately 75 percent to 85 percent of the park’s total parking capacity. Last year’s system was based on approximately 60 percent of the park’s total parking capacity. This system spreads use throughout the park to better utilize all parking/trailhead areas. This system will be adaptable to changes in visitation trends and public health concerns.
Need to Know
- Reservation Requirements
Visitors who arrive by vehicle or motorcycle must have one of the types of reservations, either for Bear Lake Road Corridor – plus full park access or Park Access – excluding Bear Lake Road Corridor for their vehicle or motorcycle and for each day they plan to enter. Tickets must be purchased online at Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Reservation tickets will not be sold at the park. Park entrance fees will be collected when you enter the park. Reservations are good for re-entry. You may also review on the park website the Frequently Asked Questions on Timed Entry Permit System at Rocky Mountain National Park
- Trailhead Parking
Visitors should be aware that a reservation does not guarantee parking at a specific parking lot or trailhead and provides access to a certain portion of the park. Please plan to be flexible with your desired destination and be prepared to adjust your destinations based on availability of parking. Within the Bear Lake Road Corridor, the park’s shuttle system may be used to access a variety of trailheads while parking elsewhere within the corridor.
- Entrance Fees
A park entrance fee or annual pass is required to enter the park. Entrance fess will be collected annual and lifetime passes checked at the time of entry at park. There are no advanced sales of entrance fees through Recreation.gov for entrance fees for more information on park entrance fess and annual passes please visit: Fees & Passes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
- Entering the Park
Please have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ticket available to be scanned at the park entrance station. Visitors are required to have a reservation to enter any portion of the park. Entrance stations include: Beaver Meadows, Fall River, Wild Basin, or Grand Lake Entrances. If you are entering an outlying area of the park such as, Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Twin Sisters, or East Inlet, the reservation ticket and entrance pass is required. Please print a copy and put it on your dashboard.
- Entrance Times
Please have a printed or digital copy of your reservation ticket available to be scanned at the park entrance station. Pass holders must provide Annual or Lifetime Pass (if applicable) for validation. Visitors are required to have a reservation to enter any portion of the park. Entrance stations include: Beaver Meadows, Fall River, Wild Basin, or Grand Lake Entrances.
- Camping Reservation Holders
Visitors with campground reservations may use those reservations for their timed entry ticket. Visitors must book these camping reservations in advance (there will be no same day sales at the park’s campgrounds). You may enter the park on the first day of your camping reservation with your camping reservation confirmation presented. The entrance station staff will also collect applicable park entrance fee. The camping reservation serves as your timed entry reservation through the last day of camping.
- Re-Entry
Once you’ve entered the park during your two-hour entry window, you can exit and re-enter the park as often as needed for the rest of day.
- Outlying Areas
If you are planning to visit one of the park’s outlying areas, please print and display your timed entry permit on your dashboard. Be prepared to show a ranger your permit if asked. Outlying areas include: Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, North Inlet, etc.
- Commuter Permits
A Commuter Permit is available for permanent residents of Boulder, Grand and Larimer counties whose permanent address (as stated on their Driver’s License) is within 50 miles of a park entrance station. This permit is for non-stop, non-recreational travel through the park. No recreational use is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park when using this permit. Visit the Commuter Permits page for details. If you do not qualify for the Commuter Permit you will need a timed entry. Reminder – the reservation period that includes Trail Ridge Road is 9am to 3pm so cross park travel outside those times does not need a commuter permit, entrance fees apply.
- Foreign Currency Not Accepted
Recreation.gov does not accept payment from foreign bank accounts or travelers’ checks.
- FAQs
For additional information about entry tickets, please visit Frequently Asked Questions on Timed Entry Permit System at Rocky Mountain National Park
Booking Windows
Reservations to enter the park will go on sale through www.recreation.gov at 8 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Saturday, May 1. Reservations will be available to enter the park from May 28 through June 30.
- On June 1 at 10 a.m. MDT, reservations will be available for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June.
- On July 1 at 10a.m. MDT, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July.
- On August 1 at 10 a.m. MDT, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.
- On September 1 at 10 a.m. MDT, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.
Initially, 25 percent of permits will be held and available for purchase the day prior at 5 p.m. through recreation.gov. These are expected to sell out quickly and visitors are encouraged to plan ahead when possible.
Changes and Cancellations
Modifications or Cancellations may be made up to 24 hours in advance. The $2 reservation processing fee is not refundable.
For specific entence fee and annual pass information please visit: Fees & Passes - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1000 HWY 36 Estes Park CO 80517
Phone Number
(970) 586-1206 (HOURS: 8AM - 4:30PM MDT ON WEEKDAYS AND 8AM - 12PM MDT WEEKENDS)
