Transponder Devices

An RMNP transponder has been correctly installed on the inside of a windshield, on the upper right-passenger passenger side of a vehicle's window

NPS

Transponders Sales & Renewals will be available beginning on Sunday, April 13, 2025

New transponder devices and renewals for transponders purchased in 2024 will be available at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Sundays beginning on April 13 during the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This voluntary amenity offers interested annual and lifetime pass holders (RMNP Annual Pass, America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Access, Military, 4th Grade, and Volunteer passholders) the ability to use the park's Transponder Lane when entering Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances.

A new transponder lane will be available at the Grand Lake Entrance. The previous transponder lane was destroyed in the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.

 

Transponder Lane at Fall River Entrance

NPS

What is a Transponder?

A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that must be attached to the upper right-hand passenger side on the inside of a vehicle’s windshield.

Passholders who purchase a transponder will have the option to use the park's Transponder Lane during the times the lane is open when entering the Beaver Meadows or Fall River Entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.

When RMNP's timed entry system is in effect, the Transponder Lane will be closed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (from late May to mid-October).

Visitors with transponders will be welcome to use the Transponder Lane before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m.

 

NPS

Important Things to Know:

• The cost to purchase a transponder is $15; one passholder can purchase only one transponder. You must have your valid park entrance pass (such as an RMNP Annual pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, Veterans, Volunteer, or 4th Grade Pass) to purchase a transponder.

• Transponders are valid for up to one year. They can be renewed each year for $5

• Transponders must be attached to the inside, upper right-side of your vehicle's windshield. If a transponder becomes detached from your vehicle's windshield, they will no longer work and a new one must be purchased.

• Transponders are non-transferrable, non-removable, and non-refundable. Transponders cannot be moved once affixed to your windshield. If moved, they will not work and you will have to purchase a new device.

• When using the transponder lane, remember to also bring your park pass with you. A visitor must have both their valid transponder and the corresponding valid park pass with them when driving into Rocky Mountain National Park.

 

I Have a transponder that is expired. How do I renew my transponder for 2025?

Great question! Please come in person to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on any Sunday, between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon or 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

You will need two things with you when you come to Beaver Meadows Visitor Center:

1. Your valid park entrance pass (your annual or lifetime park pass). You must bring the pass with you. A photo of your pass or your pass number will not be accepted.

2. A photo of your transponder, showing the 10-digit transponder number on the back side of the device, affixed to your windshield.

• You can write down and bring the transponder number with you, but it is better to bring a cell phone photo of your transponder. With a photo, it is easier for park staff to pull up your account.

 

Questions & Answers on Rocky Mountain National Park's Transponders & Transponder Lane

Why does the park need a transponder system? In the past, I was able to use my park pass.

In 2019, the National Park Service modified the format of annual and lifetime passes. The new national passes are not compatible with the park’s fast pass gate system technology and the fast pass gate has not been operational for the last few years.

Based on this change, the park has transitioned to windshield transponders for interested annual and lifetime passholders to access the transponder lane, outside of the times of day when timed entry is in effect.  

Do most national parks have fast pass or transponder lanes?

No, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the only national parks to offer a pass lane for visitor use. One of the opportunities and challenges of being the first park to use new technology is that you get to test and work through different technical challenges.

What is a transponder?

A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that affixes to the inside of a vehicle's windshield. At RMNP, the transponder should be placed on the upper right-hand (passenger) side of a vehicle's window.

When entering the park via the Transponder Lane, this small device sends a signal to the park’s entrance gate, which automatically lifts the gate arm to the open position. 

How does the transponder work with my annual or lifetime pass?

One transponder may be purchased for $15 per valid annual or lifetime pass and the transponder is valid for up to one year. The transponder can be renewed each year for $5 after the initial purchase.

Transponders must be affixied to the top right-hand (passenger) side on the inside of a vehicle’s windshield. RMNP's transponders are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. When using a transponder in RMNP, visitors must also have their park entrance passes with them. 

Where are the transponder lanes located in Rocky Mountain National Park?

Transponder lanes are currently available on the east side of the park at the Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrances. A new transponder lane is under construction at the Grand Lake Entrance.

Who can use the park's transponder lane?

Anyone who has a valid America the Beautiful Interagency or RMNP annual or lifetime pass is eligible to purchase a transponder. This includes RMNP Annual and America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access, Fourth Grade, and Volunteer passholders. These transponders will only work in Transponder Lanes in RMNP.

Anyone using a transponder lane must also have their park entrance pass with them. Visitors caught using a transponder without their valid park entrance pass in the vehicle could have their transponder devices disabled.

Can I use the transponder lane if I have a timed entry permit?

No, RMNP's Transponder Lanes will be closed during the times of day when timed entry reservations are required.

When will the transponder lane be operational?

RMNP's Transponder Lanes are operational year-round. They are great to use on busy winter weekends. The park's transponder lanes will be closed during the times of day when timed entry is required, from late May to mid-October between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Can I buy more than one transponder with one pass?

No. Only one transponder may be purchased per valid annual or lifetime pass. 

I have two vehicles. Can the transponder be detached and moved between vehicles?

No. Transponders must be affixed to the inside of a vehicle's windshield. They are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. If a transponder is removed from your windshield, it will no longer work and you will have to purchase a new transponder.

What is the cost for a transponder?

A transponder may be purchased for $15 per valid annual or lifetime pass. The transponder device is valid for up to one year from the date of purchase or renewal. These transponders can be renewed annually for $5 after the initial purchase.

How long is a transponder valid for?

The transponder will be programmed and valid for use up to one year from the date of purchase or valid until the expiration date of your corresponding annual park entrance pass. 

For lifetime passholders, transponders are valid for one year from the date of purchase. They can then be renewed annually.

Who is eligible to purchase a transponder?

Annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP Annual, America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access, Fourth Grade, and Volunteer passes.

Who is NOT eligible to purchase a transponder?

Park visitors who purchase 1-day and 7-day entrance passes, commercial use authorization holders and their clients, and Special Use Permit holders, including Commuter Permit holders, are ineligible for RMNP's transponders.