RMNP Timed Entry - Frequently Asked Questions

Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry Reservations

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Timed Entry Frequently Asked Questions & Answers 

Question: I'm planning a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park this summer, what do I need to enter the park?

It Depends! Consider the two questions below:

• What time of day would you like to enter the park?

• What areas of Rocky Mountain National Park would you like to visit? 

Beginning on May 23, 2025, timed entry reservations will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There are two different reservation options available to choose from: 

• "Timed Entry Reservations" (Access to Bear Lake Road is excluded)" are best for visitors who are planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore 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.
  • "Timed Entry" reservations are required to enter RMNP anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT.
• "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations" include access to destinations on the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas of RMNP.
  • Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. MDT.

Both options allow park visitors to enter Rocky Mountain National Park within designated two-hour windows of time during the day. Reservation holders must enter the park within their reserved window of time. If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road resevation, you must also enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your two-hour reservation window. 

• Only one timed entry reservation is required per vehicle, per day (not per person). A visitor may only reserve one timed entry during a single day. 

Question: How do I make a timed entry reservation?

Begin by visiting www.recreation.gov. If you have a tablet or smart device, consider using the Recreation.gov Mobile App. Search for "Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry." Visitors may also call the Recreation.gov Reservation Line at:

• Call Toll-Free at 877-444-6777 
• If outside the U.S., call the Reservation Line International at 606-515-6777 
• Or call the TDD Reservation Line at 877-833-6777.

Step 1: Decide which reservation option is best for you: "Timed Entry" or "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road". Select your desired option.
Step 2: Select your desired date and time of arrival. 
Step 3: Add the reservation to your cart 
Step 4: Proceed to check out.  

Once your reservation is complete, you will receive an email with your attached reservation confirmation. This is the document you will be required to show a park ranger at the entrance gate. Remember to print out a copy of this document or take a full screenshot on your phone.

• If taking a screenshot, make sure you capture the full reservation confirmation, including the dates and the reservation "QR Code." 
• If you are planning to access an outlying area of the park during a time of day when permits are required, (like Lily Lake, East Inlet Trailhead, Lumpy Ridge, and more), you must have a printed copy of your permit displayed on your vehicle's dashboard.

Question: How much does it cost to make a reservation?

There is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee for each timed entry reservation. This will be paid when you complete your reservation on Recreation.gov. Timed entry reservations are non-transferable and non-refundable. A valid park entrance pass is also required to enter the park. There are multiple options available. For all details on park entrance fees, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/fees.htm.

Question: My question is not listed above. Where can I find more questions and answers on timed entry?

For a complete list of frequently asked questions and answers related to Timed Entry Reservations, visit Rocky Mountain National Park's Timed Entry webpage at https://go.nps.gov/romo/timedentry