Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this summer? RMNP is implementing a pilot Timed Entry Permit Reservation system again for 2022. Timed Entry Permit Reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May 27 and October 10, 2022.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations are in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all areas of the park outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. To visit destinations along Bear Lake Road, like Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, and Moraine Park, Timed Entry Permits are in effect from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Permit holders must initially enter Rocky Mountain National Park during their 2-hour entrance window. This means that if someone books a Timed Entry Permit for 7 a.m. - 9 a.m., they must enter Rocky Mountain National Park within this window of time. Visitors may exit the park and return as needed throughout the day.
Timed Entry Permits are Vehicle Permits. A Timed Entry Permit will cover one vehicle and all passengers in the vehicle. If there are multiple vehicles in your party, each vehicle must have a Timed Entry Permit and a valid park entrance pass to enter the park. The person whose name is on the Timed Entry Permit Reservation must be present in the vehicle. The Timed Entry Permit holder does not have to be the holder of the valid park entrance pass. One driver or passenger in a vehicle can be the Timed Entry Permit holder and another passenger or the driver can be the park entrance pass holder.
When arriving at the park's entrance gate, the Timed Entry Permit Holder and Park Pass holder should be prepared to show their reservation confirmation, their valid park pass, and valid photo ID(s) for the permit holders.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations for all days in the month of July were released through Recreation.gov on June 1 at 10 a.m Mountain Time. Additional Timed Entry Permits will be released through Recreation.gov at 5:00 pm the night before a desired arrival date. On July 1, reservations were released for the month of August. At 10:00 am MT on August 1, reservations will be released for all dates in the month of September, along with any remaining days in August that have not yet been booked. On September 1, reservations will be released for days in the month of October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.
Initially, 30 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 90 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.
Notifications and Alerts
Reservation Tip: Login to your account or create a new account before tickets go on sale. We recommend you book online to avoid delays. The Call Center does not have additional inventory for sale.
Need to Know
- Reservation Requirements
Visitors who arrive by vehicle or motorcycle must have one of the two types of Timed Entry Permit Reservations: Park Access + Bear Lake Road or Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road for each day they plan to enter. Timed Entry Permits are vehicle permits and the permit holder must be present in the vehicle.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations must be purchased online through Recreation.gov or using the Recreation.gov mobile app. Timed Entry Permits are not available for purchase at park entrance stations or visitor centers. A valid park pass or entrance fee is also required to enter the park. Park entrance fees can be purchased through Recreation.gov or in person at the park's Entrance Station.
Permit holders must initially enter Rocky Mountain National Park during their 2-hour entrance window. This means that if someone books a Timed Entry Permit for 7 a.m. - 9 a.m., they must enter Rocky Mountain National Park within this window of time. Visitors may exit the park and return as needed throughout the day.
For more detailed information on Timed Entry Permit Reservations, visit RMNP's website for 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. Entrance fees and annual passes may be purchased at the park upon entry or during check out when making your reservation. 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. Be prepared to show ID for the reservation holder when entering the park. You must enter during your reservation window as shown on your confirmation. This is stirctly enforced and you will be turned around if you arrive before or after your reservation window. 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
The park is open 24 hours a day. Reservations are required for the Bear Lake Road Corridor between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and for the Rest of the Park between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- 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 the 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 (as stated on their Driver’s License) residents of neighboring towns. 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 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 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.
- Leave No Trace
While visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, please remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace. With increasing visitor use, it is up to all of us to help minimize our impacts to park resources.
The following seven principes can be applied to any natural setting to help minimize human impacts on the environment.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly (this includes trash and human waste)
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors
By following Leave No Trace ethics, it's easy to both enjoy and protect the park we all love. For more information on Leave No Trace please visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/getinvolved/supportyourpark/leavenotrace.htm
- 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 10 a.m. Mountain Daylight Time on Monday, May 2. Reservations will be available to enter the park from May 27 through October 10, 2022.
- 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 10 a.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.
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)
Available Tickets
- Option 1: Park Access + Bear Lake Road Corridor
- Option 2: Park Access, Does Not Include the Bear Lake Road Corridor
