Rocky Mountain National Park
Timed Entry
Everything you need to know to get your timed entry reservations for your trip to
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you're planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer or fall, you'll need to make sure you have timed entry reservations ahead of time for the days you want to explore the park!
In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about the timed entry system, how to secure reservations, and what to do if you're heading up the mountain without a reservation in hand.
Hey there! I'm Sam, Your Colorado Photographer & Adventure EXPERT
Not only do I regularly plan and photograph elopements and weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park, it's also one of my favorite places to explore! I've got the inside scoop on how to make sure the RMNP timed entry system doesn't put a damper on your adventure. And if you're in need a photographer and planner to make your Rocky Mountain National Park elopement dreams a reality, I'd love to chat!
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Rocky Mountain National Park
Timed Entry System FAQs
01/
What is the timed entry system?
The timed entry system is a permit system for allowing visitors into Rocky Mountain National Park during the peak season.
To enter the park during peak season, you need a timed entry reservation, which acts like a "ticket" and allows you entry to the park at a specific date and time.
02/
Why does Rocky Mountain National Park have a timed entry system?
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the U.S., with over 4.3 million visitors in 2022.
Because there are so many visitors, the National Park Service started implementing a timed entry system in 2020 for the busiest parts of the year to limit the number of visitors in the park at once.
03/
When do I need a timed entry reservation?
Timed entry reservations are required from May 23 to mid-October. If you're planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park during the off-season, you won't need a timed entry reservation.
You can also explore parts of the park without a timed entry reservation if you enter before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. – more on that below!
04/
Is there more than one type of timed entry reservation?
There are two types of timed entry reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park: Timed Entry and Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.
The difference between these reservations is how much of the park they allow you to explore during peak times of day. I'll explain exactly which parts of the park each reservation covers below!
05/
Do I need anything other than a timed entry reservation to enter the park?
Even if you have a timed entry reservation, you'll still need a valid National Parks Pass to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also choose to pay the entrance fee at the gate.
06/
How long is my timed entry reservation valid for?
All timed entry reservations allow you to enter the park within a two-hour window of time (specified on your reservation). Once you enter the park, you can stay as long as you like.
You can also leave and re-enter most areas of the park for the rest of the day – so you're free to grab lunch in Estes Park and come back for more exploring!
Types of Timed Entry Reservations
What's the difference between the two types of timed entry reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park?
The two types of timed entry reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park are Timed Entry and Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road.
Regular Timed Entry reservations allow you to explore every part of Rocky Mountain National Park except Bear Lake Road, which is one of the most popular and busiest areas of the park.
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road reservations allow you to explore everything that regular Timed Entry reservations do, plus Bear Lake Road.
Timed Entry Reservations
Regular Timed Entry reservations are good for the majority of Rocky Mountain National Park – the only part you won't have access to is Bear Lake Road. The rest of the park has some amazing things to do, and you'll be able to avoid some of the crowds!
You only need a timed entry reservation for this part of the park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Re-entry is allowed, so you can come and go for the rest of the day.
Timed entry for most of the park ends for the season on October 13.
I highly recommend getting a Timed Entry+ reservation for at least one of the days of your trip!
Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations
Time Entry+ reservations give you access to the entire park, including Bear Lake Road.
Bear Lake Road, also known as the Bear Lake Corridor, is by far the most popular part of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's home to some of the park's best views and hikes, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, and Dream Lake.
Timed entry reservations are required for Bear Lake Road from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., so it's much more difficult to explore this area without a reservation. You can re-enter the Bear Lake Corridor after 2 p.m. with a Timed Entry+ reservation, and any other part of the park from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Timed entry for Bear Lake Road ends for the season on October 19.
How (and When) to get Your
Timed Entry Permit
Where do I get a timed entry reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park?
You can purchase timed entry reservations at Recreation.gov.
How far in advance can I get a reservation?
Timed entry reservations are typically available on the first of the month prior to your visit. However, reservations for all of May and June are released on May 1.
Release Date |
Reservation Dates |
|---|---|
|
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT |
May 23 - June 30 |
|
June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT |
July 1 - July 31 |
|
July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT |
August 1 - August 31 |
|
August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT |
September 1 - September 30 |
|
September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT |
October 1 - October 19 |
How should I prepare to get the reservation I want?
I highly recommend making an account for Recreation.gov ahead of time, and getting online at 7:50 a.m. MDT to be ready. Right before 8 a.m., begin to refresh the page until the reservations are updated. They go fast!
If you manage to snag the reservation you want, you can also try again the night before you're planning to go to the park. Some additional permits are released at 7 p.m. MDT the day before.
Having flexibility in your plans so you can roll with whatever reservations you manage to get is ideal, but if you really need a reservation for a specific day... recruit your friends or family to also be online at 8 a.m. to try to snag a reservation. This is especially true if you're trying to get a reservation for a Saturday or a holiday!
How much do timed entry reservations cost?
The timed entry reservations are $2 each and cover one car (you don't need one per person). You will, however, still need to pay for entry to the park, or use a National Parks Pass.
Timed Entry for Rocky Mountain National Park Elopements
Do I need a timed entry reservation for my elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park?
If you're planning to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, you'll need to apply for a special-use permit from the National Park Service.
Your special-use permit will act as an entry reservation beginning two hours before your ceremony time, so you won’t need a separate timed entry reservation – but do keep timed entry rules in mind if you’re eloping in the summer and want to adventure in the park the day before or after.
For more info about special-use permits for wedding ceremonies, and everything you need to know about eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out my blog!
What to do if You Don't Have a
Timed Entry Reservation
Get to the Park Early
You can enter the majority of Rocky Mountain National Park before 9 a.m., or the Bear Lake Corridor before 5 a.m. Plan a sunrise hike and beat the crowds!
You can also explore the park in the afternoon or evening – the majority of the park is open to all visitors after 2 p.m., and the Bear Lake Corridor is open after 6 p.m.
Check out my guide to the best hikes in Estes Park, including those outside the national park!
Explore the Rest of Estes Park
There's plenty of other things to do in the area around Rocky Mountain National Park! You can explore the towns of Estes Park or Grand Lake (at either park entrance), do some shopping and grab a bite, or choose an adventurous activity outside of the park! Here are just a few ideas:
Take a Guided Tour
If you're set on seeing Rocky Mountain National Park on a specific day, you can also take a guided tour that provides entry to the park.
Visit Estes Park has a list of vendors that provide all kinds of guided excursions into the park.
Want more info about the timed entry system, or exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in general?
Here are some helpful links :
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Rocky Mountain National Park elopement?
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