Commuter Permits

 

Commuter on Trail Ridge Road in the fall

NPS Photo / Aubry Andreas

What is a Commuter Permit?

A Commuter Permit is available for permanent residents of nearby towns, listed below, whose address is within commuting distance of park entrance stations. This permit is for non-stop, non-recreational travel through the park. No recreational use is permitted in Rocky Mountain National Park when using this permit.

Who is Eligible to Participate?

Rocky Mountain National Park's Commuter Permit is available to permanent residents based on driver's license of the following Colorado towns:

Allenspark, Bellvue, Berthoud, Boulder, Drake, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Fraser, Glen Haven, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Hygiene, Jamestown, Kremmling, Lafayette, Laporte, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Lyons, Masonville, Meeker Park, Nederland, Niwot, Parshall, Pinewood Springs, Superior, Tabernash, Timnath, Ward, Winter Park

To receive a Commuter Permit, all eligible applicants must apply using the application form attached at the bottom of this page. When you submit your application form, you are required to submit a digital photocopy of your valid driver's license to verify that you are a permanent resident of a town listed above.

 

How Do I Apply for a Commuter Permit?

To ensure a successful application, please review and follow these steps:

*Note: The renewal process is the same as the first-time application process

1. Verify that you are a permanent resident of one of the following towns based on your driver's license: Allenspark, Bellvue, Berthoud, Boulder, Drake, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Fraser, Glen Haven, Granby, Grand Lake, Hot Sulphur Springs, Hygiene, Jamestown, Kremmling, Lafayette, Laporte, Longmont, Louisville, Loveland, Lyons, Masonville, Meeker Park, Nederland, Niwot, Parshall, Pinewood Springs, Superior, Tabernash, Timnath, Ward, Winter Park
2. You must submit valid driver's license(s) with your Commuter Permit application. Proof of permanent residency is determined by the address printed on your valid driver's license. Up to two drivers per household may be listed on the application. If two (2) drivers are listed, then two (2) driver's licenses need to be submitted indicating the individuals share the same household. If both copies of driver's licenses are not submitted, the application will not be processed.
3. Review all Commuter Permit Conditions below.
4. Click on the "Application" button at the bottom of this screen. This link will take you to the Commuter Permit Application form.
5. Download this form and save it to your computer. Fill out the application form electroncially.
6. When complete, email your application form along with copies of all applicant's drivers' licenses to [e-mail], or mail to the park via US Postal Service (email preferred). If using the mail to send in your application, please mail your application materials to us at:

Rocky Mountain National Park
Attn: Concessions Office
1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Once your application has been received by Rocky Mountain National Park, you will receive an email with payment instructions. Do not send payment to the park until we contact you via email. Please do not send any check or cash payments. Check or cash payments will not be accepted for Commuter Permit applications.

 

Commuter Permit Conditions

• Subject to eligibility, the Commuter Permit is valid for two years from date of issue.
• There is an $80 administrative fee for each Commuter Permit application.
• Up to two drivers are eligible to apply for each Commuter Permit per household. If you have additional drivers in your household seeking a Commuter Permit, you will have to complete a separate application form with an additional $80 administrative fee.
• Rocky Mountain National Park's Commuter Permit is only valid for non-recreational commuting over Trail Ridge Road. This permit is not a park pass and does not allow for recreational use in the park.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel between Fall River Entrance, Beaver Meadows Entrance, or along the Bear Lake Corridor?

No, the Commuter Permit does not allow for travel between Beaver Meadows and Fall River Entrance Stations or within the Bear Lake Road Corridor. The Commuter Permit allows for a private vehicle to commute over Trail Ridge Road (U.S. Highway 34) from an east side entrance (Beaver Meadows or Fall River) to Grand Lake Entrance, or vice versa.

Is a Timed Entry Permit also required in addition to the Commuter Permit?

No, if you are a commuter driving over Trail Ridge Road and using a valid commuter permit, then you are not recreating in the park and a timed entry reservation is not required.

Is recreational use allowed under a Commuter Permit?

No, if you are entering the park to recreate (i.e. hiking, fishing, running, wildlife viewing, etc.) then you are a recreational user. Commuter permits may not be used to access the park for recreational use. All recreational users are required to have a valid park pass. To learn more about park passes, visit Rocky's Entrance Fees and Passes webpage.

If you are a recreational user, depending on what time of day you would like to arrive, you might also need a timed entry reservation. To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry webpage. 

 

If you are ready to proceed to the Commuter Permit Application, please click on the link below:

Click for Application

Contact Us

If you have any additional questions about the Commuter Permit program, please contact the Commerical Services Office at 970-586-1482 or e-mail us.