Rocky Mountain National Park Vehicle Reservation Requirements In Effect
Beginning on Friday, May 22 2026, to mid-October 2026, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter and visit all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park (including outlying areas like Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Lumpy Ridge, and East Inlet Trail) during certain hours of the day.
There are two reservation options available to choose from:
- Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)
- Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road
Details on Timed Entry Reservations (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)
Timed Entry reservations provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding areas within the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Timed Entry reservations are best for those planning to take a scenic drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore destinations on the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
When are Timed Entry Reservations needed to enter the park?
- Timed Entry reservations are needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 22 through Monday, October 12, 2026.
- 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.
Details on Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations provide reservation holders access to RMNP's popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations will also provide 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.
When are Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park?
- 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 beginning on Friday, May 22 through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
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.
