Timed Entry Permit System

 
 
Inforgraphic describing RMNP's Timed Entry Reservations. From May 26 through October 22 a timed entry permit is needed to visit the park during specific hours of the day.

NPS

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between May 24 through Mid-October?

Rocky Mountain National Park will implement a timed entry reservation system during certain hours of the day, beginning on May 24 through mid-October. This system applies to all areas of the park.

There are two different timed entry options to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road. Both reservation options allow park visitors to enter Rocky Mountain National Park within 2-hour windows of time during the day. Reservations are only available on Recreation.gov.

  • 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 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Timed Entry + 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 + Bear Lake Road reservation, you can also access all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
    • Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservations are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation, you must enter RMNP using one of the main entrances (Beaver Meadows, Fall River, or Grand Lake) and also enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your 2-hour reservation window.
    • 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.

How Many Timed Entry Permits Do I Need Per Vehicle?


One timed 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 reservation confirmation and their valid photo ID.

 
Infographic showing a simple map of RMNP and where your timed entry permit will allow you to visit

NPS

What's New in 2024

Rocky Mountain National Park is committed to trying new things and being adaptive. There are a few key ways that the 2024 timed entry system will be different from past years. These include:

  • Timed entry reservations for most areas of RMNP will be in place through October 14, 2024.
  • Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Road reservations will continue through October 20, 2024.
  • 40 percent of available timed entry reservations are released on Recreation.gov the night before a chosen arrival date. These will be available beginning at 7 p.m. MDT.
 
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Duration:
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Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park between May 24 through Mid-October? Check out this video to learn more.

 

When Can I Make My Timed Entry Reservation?

Timed entry reservations will be released on a first-come, first-served basis on Recreation.gov based on the following schedule:

Release Date Reservation Dates
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT May 24 - 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 20



Additional timed entry reservations will be released first-come, first-served on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. MDT on the night before a desired arrival date. These will sell out quickly, it is best to plan ahead!

 

Which Timed Entry Option is Best for Me?

Need help deciding which timed entry option is right for you? Check out the chart below.

 
Table that lists where you can go with your timed entry permit. Timed Entry does not allow access to Bear Lake Road.

NPS

How Do I Make a Timed Entry Reservation?

 

To make a timed entry reservation, visit Recreation.gov or by:

  • Using the Recreation.gov mobile app
  • Calling the reservation line: 877-444-6777
  • Calling the reservation line (International): 606-515-6777
  • Calling the reservation line (TDD): 877-833-6777

Timed Entry Permit Reservations are not available in person at Rocky Mountain National Park's entrance stations or visitor centers

Click the link below to make a reservation at Recreation.gov:

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

Overview - Timed Entry Permits

 

Questions Related to Camping and Service Reservations

 

Questions Related to Shuttles, Transportation, and Parking

 

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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.

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