Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 26 through October 22, 2023?
Rocky Mountain National Park will implement another pilot temporary timed entry permit reservation system. This system applies to all areas of the park during specific hours of the day.
What will the 2023 Timed Entry Permit System look like?
All vehicles will need two things:
A Timed Entry Permit Reservation - there are two options to choose from: a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit
and a park entrance pass (including a 1-day or 7-day Vehicle Pass or an America the Beautiful Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, or 4th Grade Pass)
Park Access Timed Entry Permits are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, explore the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Park Access Timed Entry Permits are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT. After entering the park with your Park Access Timed Entry Permit, visitors may exit and re-enter the park at any time between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
With a Park Access Timed Entry Permit, access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor is excluded.
Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits include access to destinations located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. These timed entry permits are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. MDT.
Visitors with Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits who enter the Bear Lake Road corridor and who want to exit and return later in the day, may re-enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor anytime after 2 p.m.
During the specific times of day when reservations are required, a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit Reservation is needed to visit all areas of the park, including Lily Lake, Wild Basin, Lumpy Ridge, Longs Peak, and all outlying areas.
Timed entry permit reservations allow park visitors to enter the park within specific two-hour windows of time, for example from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Once visitors enter the park within their reservation window, they may stay as long as desired. There is no set time for departure.
Only one Timed Entry Permit is required per vehicle (not per person)
If there are multiple people traveling to the park in one vehicle, one Timed Entry Permit will cover everyone traveling in the vehicle.
One person may reserve only one timed entry permit per day
You may reserve either a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit.
Take time to decide which reservation option is best for your visit!
There are two different options available to choose from: Park Access or Park Access Plus.
NPS
How will the 2023 Timed Entry Reservation System Differ from Previous Years?
Rocky Mountain National Park is committed to trying new things and being adaptive. Each year that the park has implemented a pilot timed entry permit system, we have learned new ways to make improvements.
There are a few key ways that the 2023 pilot Timed Entry Permit Reservation System will be different from past years. These include:
The pilot timed entry permit system will be extended through October 22, 2023.
The park is reducing the time period and number of hours daily that reservations are in effect for most areas of RMNP. Park Access Timed Entry Permits will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT.
In 2022, these permits were in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
40 percent of all reservations will be released via Recreation.gov on the day prior to a desired arrival date at 5 p.m. MDT.
Campers at Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, and Timber Creek Campgrounds will be able to initially enter the park beginning at 1 p.m. on the first day of their camping reservation, which is also the check-in time for all park campgrounds.
Campers who plan to enter the park earlier in the day will have to enter the park outside of the times when timed entry permits are in effect (for example, before 9 a.m. for most areas of the park) or reserve a timed entry permit.
Just like last year, park visitors who have reservations to camp at Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campgrounds will have access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor as well as all other areas of the park. Park visitors who have reservations to camp at Timber Creek Campground will have access to areas of the park, excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Are you planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park anytime from May 26th through October 22nd? Learn about the park's timed entry permit reservations.
Which Reservation Option is Best for Me?
Click below to learn more about Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits
Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits - Include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor. They are required between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
NPS
What destinations do you plan to visit when coming to Rocky Mountain National Park?
When Can I Reserve My Timed Entry Permit?
Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits will be released first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:
Release Date
Reservation Dates
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT
May 26 - 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 22
Additionally, 40% of available Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits will be released first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov at 5 p.m. on the night before a desired arrival date, beginning on May 25.
How Do I Make a Reservation for My Timed Entry Permit?
All Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit Reservations are available online through Recreation.gov (take time to set up your Recreation.gov account first) or by:
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks, third in the country in 2019 with over 4.6 million visitors. This represents a 42 percent increase in visitation in seven years. In 2021, visits exceeded 4.4 million.Visitor crowding and congestion at RMNP have led to increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experience and operational capacity.
The park has piloted various visitor use management strategies over the last seven years, including managing vehicle access to first-come, first served (2016-2019) in highly congested areas. These first-come, first-served restrictions had some limited success initially, but over time began to lose effectiveness - the length of time they were necessary kept expanding and impacts were pushed elsewhere.
The park piloted different park-wide timed entry permit reservation systems (2020-2022) and will be piloting a system again during 2023. The park is learning from these different actions, to help inform long range day use visitor access strategies.
It Depends!
What time of day would you like to enter the park?
What areas of the park would you like to visit?
Beginning on May 26 through October 22, 2023 timed entry permit reservations will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during specific hours of the day. There are two different reservation options available to choose from:
Park Access Timed Entry Permits are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit the Alpine Visitor Center, explore the Kawuneeche Valley, hike at Wild Basin or visit any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor. Park Access Timed Entry Permits are required to enter the park anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT.
Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas of the park. Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. MDT.
Both reservation options allow park visitors to enter the park within two-hour windows of time during the day. Reservation holders must enter the park within their reserved window of time, for example from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Only one timed entry permit reservation is required per vehicle (not per person). A visitor may only reserve one timed entry permit during a single day.
When visiting any area of the park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m., a timed entry permit is not required. If entering the park without a timed entry permit, your vehicle must enter the park passing through the entrance station before 9 a.m. Timed entry permits are required to enter the park anytime at or after 9 a.m.
Plan to arrive early, wait times to enter the park could be 30 minutes or longer.
If you would like to visit destinations located along the Bear Lake Road and arrive before 5 a.m. or after 6 p.m., a timed entry permit is not required. Remember that you must enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor entrance before 5 a.m. If you arrive at the Bear Lake Road entrance at or after 5 a.m., a Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit is required.
To reserve your Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits, visit www.recreation.gov. Timed entry permits are only available through Recreation.gov. They are not available in person at entrance stations or at the park's visitor centers.
To reserve a timed entry permit online, begin by visiting www.recreation.gov. If you have a tablet or smart device, you may also use the Recreation.gov moble app. Search for "Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry."
If you do not already have a Recreation.gov account, visitors will be asked to create a new account. If you have an existing account, start by signing in to your Recreation.gov account.
Visitors may also call the Recreation.gov Reservation Line (Toll-Free) at 877-444-6777, the Reservation Line (International) at 606-515-6777, or the TDD Reservation Line at 877-833-6777.
Step 1: Decide which reservation option is best for you: Park Access or Park Access+. When on Recreation.gov, select your desired timed entry reservaion option.
Step 2: Select your desired date and time of arrival.
Step 3: Add the reservation to your cart then check out.
Once your reservation is complete, you will receive an email confirmation with your attached timed entry permit reservation. 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.
There is a $2 Recreation.gov processing fee for each timed entry permit reservation. This will be paid when you complete a reservation on Recreation.gov. Timed entry permits 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.
Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit Reservations will be released on www.recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1, 2023. During this first window, reservations will be available for the dates of May 27 through June 30.
The next release will begin on June 1, at 8 a.m. MDT, 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 August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.
On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.
Additional timed entry permits will be released via Recreation.gov the night before a desired arrival date. For instance, if a visitor is planning a trip on June 3 and they did not secure a timed entry permit in advance, additional reservations will be released via Recreation.gov beginning at 5 p.m. MDT on the night of June 2.
These timed entry permit reservations are expected to sell out quickly. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead.
Rocky Mountain National Park's timed entry permits are available in 2-hour blocks of time. This means that when you reserve a timed entry permit, a visitor must initially enter the park within the 2-hour window specified under the reserved permit.
Are you planning to visit the Bear Lake Road Corridor? With a Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit Reservation, you must both enter RMNP through one of the main entrances to the park, as well as enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor during your reserved 2-hour window of time.
If you arrive outside of your reserved time frame, you may be notified by a park ranger that you have missed your reservation window and you will be asked to come back after 2 p.m.
Park Access Timed Entry Permits, are available during the following times: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are available during the following times: 5 a.m. - 7 a.m., 6 a.m. - 8 a.m., 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 12 p.m. - 2 p.m., 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Yes, there is no length-of-stay requirement. Timed entry permit holders are required to initially enter the park during their reserved 2-hour window of time. Once you enter, you may leave at any time.
Visitors with Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits, 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 at 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit, and then want to leave and return later in the day, your party may re-enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor anytime after 2 p.m.
The initial phase allocates approximately 90 percent of the park’s maximum parking capacity which works out to 20,000 visitors per day, or 7,200 vehicles over a 24-hour period. Park staff will monitor and adapt the system accordingly.
If you are unable to use your timed entry permit reservation, cancellations may be made up to 24 hours prior to your visit. The $2 Recreation.gov processing fee for timed entry permit reservations is non-refundable.
Timed entry permit reservations are also non-transferable.
No. All Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Yes. During the times of day when they are in effect, a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit is required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park — including driving over Trail Ridge Road (US Hwy 34) or visiting an outlying area of the park — when arriving by vehicle whether a visitor parks within RMNP or outside of the park boundary.
This includes, but is not exclusive to Lumpy Ridge, Lily Lake, Longs Peak, Wild Basin, East Inlet, and North Inlet.
An entrance pass is also required to enter all areas of RMNP 24-hours a day, seven-days a week. Entrance passes can be purchased at go.nps.gov/RockyFees or at park entrance stations. Please keep in mind when purchasing an entrance pass online, you must also have a timed entry permit reservation per vehicle to enter the RMNP during the times of day when they are required.
Yes. If you are planning to visit one of the park’s outlying areas (to include, but is not limited to Lily Lake, Lumpy Ridge, Longs Peak, East Inlet, and North Inlet), print and display a copy of your timed entry permit reservation confirmation on your vehicle's dashboard.
Additionally, be prepared to show your timed entry permit reservation to a park ranger if asked.
Yes. Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are valid for one-day only. If you are planning to visit the park for multiple days and also plan to enter RMNP during the times of day when they are required (for instance, anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for most areas of Rocky), then your party will need to reserve one timed entry permit for each day of your visit.
Alternativly, visitors can enter most areas of RMNP before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed entry permit. To access any destination along the Bear Lake Road Corridor without a Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit, visitors can enter Bear Lake Road before 5 a.m. or after 6 p.m. MDT.
The timed entry permit reservation system allows for some limited last minute reservations. 40 percent of each day's permits will be released via Recreation.gov the day prior to a desired arrival date beginning at 5 p.m. MDT.
It is best to plan ahead, these night-before reservations will sell out quickly.
All timed entry permit reservations must be made in advance through www.recreation.gov. You can call the Reservation Line (Toll-Free) at (877) 444-6777, the Reservation Line (International) at (606) 515-6777, or the Reservation Line (TDD) (877) 833-6777.
Timed entry permits are not available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or through the park's Information Office. Many public libraries also have free computer or internet access available.
No. Park Access and Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are non-transferable. They cannot be cannot be gifted or transferred to another person, including parents, children or siblings.
When arriving at the park's entrance station, the person whose name is on the timed entry permit reservation must be present in the vehicle in order to enter Rocky Mountain National Park. The permit holder will be asked to show their reservation confirmation and a valid photo ID.
During the times when timed entry permits are in effect, only one timed entry permit is required per vehicle (not per person). If multiple people are riding in a vehicle, one Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit will cover all passengers in the vehicle.
Timed Entry Permits - Frequently Asked Questions Related to Camping and Service Reservations
For visitors who have a campground reservation to stay overnight at Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, or Timber Creek Campgrounds, a timed entry permit is included with your campground reservation.
Campers will be able to initially enter the park beginning at 1 p.m. on the first day of their camping reservation, which is also the check-in time for all park campgrounds. Campers who plan to enter the park earlier in the day will have to enter the park outside of the times when timed entry permits are in effect (for example, before 9 a.m. for most areas of the park) or reserve either a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit.
Just like last year, park visitors who have reservations to camp at Glacier Basin and Aspenglen Campgrounds will have access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor as well as all other areas of the park. Park visitors who have reservations to camp at Timber Creek Campground will have access to most areas of the park, excluding the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Campground reservations are available through www.recreation.gov and they sell out in advance. There are no same day sales at the park’s campgrounds.
When arriving at the park's entrance gate, visitors with campground reservations must show their reservation confirmation to the park ranger at the gate. This can be a printed copy or a screenshot on a mobile device. If you take a screen shot, make sure to capture the full reservation confirmation. Partial screenshot images may not be accepted.
Campers should have both their reservation confirmation and a valid photo ID for the reservation holder ready before arriving at the park's entrance gate. Do not expect to open your Recreation.gov account on your mobile device at the park's entrance, cell service is not reliable at the park's entrance stations.
Visitors with wilderness backpacking camping permits will use those permits as their timed entry reservations. You may enter the park on the first day of your wilderness backpacking camping trip.
Entrance fees apply and can be paid at the park's entrance station or online at go.rocky.fees.
Longs Peak Campground is a first come, first-served and tents-only campground that will open beginning in July. The overnight camping fee for Longs Peak Campground does not include a Timed Entry Permit to enter the park.
Because this campground is a first come, first-served campground, all park visitors camping in this campground will need reserve a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit in addition to paying their campground use fee.
Alternatively, Longs Peak Campground users can plan to enter the park outside of the times when timed entry permtis are in effect.
To visit areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, Park Access Timed Entry Permits are required between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. This includes Longs Peak, Wild Basin, Lumpy Ridge, and all outlying areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
To visit destinations located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor, Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Glacier Creek Livery, located inside Rocky Mountain National Park, will be open this summer. Reservations for rides can be booked at Hi Country / Glacier Creek Stables (rockymountainhorserides.com).
A horseback riding reservation will act as your timed entry permit and will allow reservation holders into the park and the Bear Lake Road Corridor up to two-hours prior to a scheduled horseback ride.
Timed Entry Permits - Frequently Asked Questions Related to Shuttles, Transportation, and Parking
No. A timed entry permit guarantees one vehicle access to Rocky Mountain National Park on the specified day and during the specified time listed on your reservation confirmation. A timed entry permit DOES NOT guarantee parking at any specific trailheads or destinations.
If a desired parking area is full, you may have to visit a different area and try again at a different time. For instance, if Glacer Gorge and Bear Lake Parking Areas are full, you may have to park your vehicle at Park & Ride and then ride the park's free shuttle to your desired trailhead.
No. A timed entry permit reservation guarantees one vehicle access to Rocky Mountain National Park on the specified day and during the specific window of time listed on your reservation.
A timed entry permit reservation DOES NOT guarantee parking and access to all destinations. For instance, if Alpine Visitor Center or Wild Basin Parking Areas are full, you will have to come back and try again at a different time of day.
If parking at your desired destination is full, we recommend going to see a different destination in the park and try again later in the day.
It Depends! What time of day do you plan to drive over Trail Ridge Road?
If you enter Rocky Mountain National Park prior to 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m., then you do not need a timed entry permit.
If you are planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., then you will need to log onto Recreation.gov and reserve a Park Access Timed Entry Permit.
When planning to arrive in the morning before 9 a.m., give yourself plenty of time to enter the park. Lines at the park's entrance stations may be 30 minutes or longer. Visitors who do not have a timed entry permit must enter the park through the entrance station prior to 9 a.m. or you will be advised to come back in the afternoon after 2 p.m.
A valid entrance fee or park pass is always required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. This includes when driving over Trail Ridge Road.
Yes, beginning on May 26, the park's shuttle buses will be in service for the summer season. Rocky Mountain National Park has two free in-park shuttle bus routes that operate daily through October 22.
The Hiker Shuttle provides bus service to passengers from the Estes Park Visitor Center, located in the Town of Estes Park, to Rocky Mountain National Park's Park & Ride Transit Hub, located on Bear Lake Road, and back.
Visitors with Hiker Shuttle Ticket Reservations will board the Hiker Shuttle in front of the Estes Park Visitor Center.
The Hiker Shuttle does not pick up or drop-off passengers at any other locations in Estes Park or in Rocky Mountain National Park.
All riders in a party are required to have a Hiker Shuttle Ticket. One reservation for Hiker Shuttle Tickets is $2.00 and this covers up to 4 Hiker Shuttle Tickets in a party. When making your reservation, remember to change the number in your party to reflect the total number of people, including small infants and small children, that are in your group.
Parties with more than 4 people will need to reserve multiple Hiker Shuttle Tickets for their group. One Hiker Shuttle Ticket will cover up to 4 people of any age.
Some visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park travel in groups with multiple vehicles, for example car clubs, scouting groups, and multiple-vehicle family groups.
If entering the park during the times when timed entry permits are in effect (9 a.m. - 2 p.m. for most areas of the park), then each vehicle entering the park will need a separate timed entry permit reservation.
There are two reservation options to choose from: Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits.
One person may reserve only one timed entry permit per day. The person who books a reservation must be traveling inside the vehicle, as either the driver or a passenger. A driver or passenger in one vehicle cannot be the timed entry permit reservation holder for a separate vehicle.
When entering any area of Rocky Mountain National Park during the time of day when timed entry permits are in effect, all vehicles, including motorcycles, are required to have one timed entry permit reservation per vehicle. A valid motorcycle entrance fee or park pass is also required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park, 24-hours a day, 7-days a week.
This means that if you are traveling with multiple motorcycles in a group, one person on each motorcycle must reserve a Park Access or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit for the motorcycle they are riding on. The reservation holder will be asked to show both the reservation confirmation and a valid photo ID to a park ranger at the entrance to RMNP.
The person whose name is on the timed entry reservation confirmation must be present and riding the the motorcycle.
If driving over Trail Ridge Road, motorcycle riders may enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. without a timed entry permit. To enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor, motorcycle riders need to have a valid Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Visitors who enter the park via bicycle do not need a timed entry permit reservation. However, you will need to pay the appropriate park entrance fees at the park's entrance stations.
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUA), Special Use Permits (SUP), Concessioners and Commercial Tours do not need a timed entry permit reservation for their trips into the park. Their permitted use is already being accounted for in the overall reservation system.
A timed entry permit reservation is required to enter ALL areas of Rocky Mountain National Park during the times when they are in effect, when arriving by vehicle, whether a visitor parks their vehicle within RMNP or outside of the park boundary.
Last updated: March 27, 2024
Park footer
Contact Info
Mailing Address:
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park,
CO
80517
Phone:
970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter.
Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.
