Rocky Mountain National Park - Colorado

Are you planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park from May 24 through mid-October? Rocky Mountain National Park is implementing a timed entry reservation system during certain hours of the day. Two different options are available: Timed Entry or Timed Entry plus Bear Lake Road. Timed entry reservations apply to all areas of the park.

• Timed Entry reservations are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, take a scenic drive on Old Fall River Road, explore the west side of RMNP, hike at Wild Basin, or visit any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Timed Entry reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Timed Entry plus Bear Lake Road reservations provide access to destinations located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Bear Lake, Sprague Lake, Moraine Park, and Glacier Gorge. With a Timed Entry plus Bear Lake Road reservation, you also have access to all other areas of the park. Timed Entry plus Bear Lake Road reservations are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both reservation options allow park visitors to enter Rocky Mountain National Park within 2-hour windows of time during the day. Reservation holders must enter Rocky Mountain National Park using one of the main entrances (Beaver Meadows, Fall River, or Grand Lake) within their designated 2-hour reservation window. If you have a Timed Entry plus Bear Lake Road reservation, you must also enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your designated 2-hour reservation window.

How Many Timed Entry Permits Do I Need Per Vehicle?

A one-time entry permit is required per vehicle (not per person). The person who makes the reservation must be present inside the vehicle. Upon arrival, the reservation holder must have a copy of their timed entry permit reservation confirmation and their valid photo ID.

When Can I Make a Timed Entry Reservation for Trips Planned During the Summer and Fall of 2024?

Rocky Mountain National Park's timed entry reservations are released on Recreation.gov on a first-come, first-served basis based on the following schedule:

• On May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT: Reservations will be available for May 24 - June 30.
• On June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT, Reservations will be available for July 1 - July 31 and any remaining days that have not been booked for June.
• On July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT, Reservations will be available for August 1 - August 31 and any remaining days that have not been booked for July.
• On August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT, Reservations will be available for September 1 - September 30 and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.
• On September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT: Reservations will be available for October 1 - October 20 and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.

Why is Rocky Mountain National Park Implementing a Timed Entry System?

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks. In 2023, it was the 5th most visited national park. Visitor crowding and congestion have led to increased negative visitor experiences, impacts on resource protection, and impacts on visitor and staff safety and operational capacity. Timed entry reservations help to spread visitor use throughout the park and throughout the day, reducing crowding congestion and associated impacts.