Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
Planning trips to Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22, 2025? A timed entry reservation is not needed. To enter Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22, arrive at one of the park's entrance stations. You will need to show or purchase a valid park entrance pass upon arrival. Click here to visit RMNP's Fees & Passes webpage .
What are Timed Entry Reservations and When Will They be Needed?
Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from late May to mid-October? Beginning on May 23, 2025, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There will be 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, established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024, 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 not yet available. Timed entry reservations will be 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 folloiwng 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 folloiwng 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 folloiwng 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 folloiwng dates: October 1 - October 19, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for September.
Additional timed entry reservations will be released first-come, first-served 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) will 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 will provide reservation holders 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 will also reservation holders with access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- These 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 will be 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.
Need to Know
- When Are Timed Entry Reservations Required?
During Summer 2025, Rocky Mountain National Park will implement a timed entry reservation system beginning on May 23, 2025.
- What Types of Timed Entry Reservations Are Available?
This reservation system provides for day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experienes.
- One reservaton option is titled "Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road." This reservation provides access to RMNP's Bear Lake Road Corridor (located on the east side of the park). Visitors with a "Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road" reservation have access to destinations like Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. Visitors also have access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservations will be available within 2-hour blocks of time between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Another reservation option is titled "Timed Entry." This reservation option provides access to most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding access to the Bear Lake Road corridor, like driving over Trail Ridge Road or taking a scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, visiting destinations on the west side of RMNP, Wild Basin, and more! Timed Entry reservations will be availble within 2-hour blocks of time between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- I'm Planning a Trip to RMNP in Summer 2025. When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation?
Timed entry reservations will be available through www.recreation.gov based on the schedule below:
- Beginning at 8 a.m. MT on Thursday, May 1. This round of reservations will be available to enter the park from May 23 through June 30.
- The next release will occur on June 1, 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 Aug. 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.
- On Sept. 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.
- Entrance Fees
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Park entrance fees can be purchased in person at any of the park's entrance stations.
Booking Windows
Timed Entry reservations were required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between May 24th and October 20. As of October 21, 2024, a timed entry reservation is no longer needed to enter the park.
Changes and Cancellations
Timed Entry reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are unable to use your Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation, cancellations may be made up to 24 hours prior to your visit.
Timed Entry reservations can only be made via Recreation.gov. They are not available in person at RMNP's visitor centers or entrance stations.
In addition to a Timed Entry reservation, park entrance fees or a valid park pass are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Park entrance fees can be purchased in person upon arrival at the park's entrance station.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1000 HWY 36 Estes Park CO 80517
Phone Number
(970) 586-1206 (HOURS: 8A.M. - 4 P.M. MDT ON WEEKDAYS AND 8 A.M. - 12 P.M. MDT WEEKENDS)
