Permits & Reservations

Reservations

 

 

• There is no indoor overnight lodging in Rocky Mountain National Park. For information about lodging in our gateway communities, check with Visit Estes Park and the Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Permits

• Commercial Trucking Permits
• Commercial Use Authorizations
• Commuter Permits
• Filming Questions and Still Photography Permits Contact Public Affairs Office [phone]
• First Amendment
• Land and Facility Use: Fees may be assessed. Contact Chief Ranger [phone].
• Research Permits
• Special Events
• Spreading of Cremains or Scattering Ashes
• Wedding Permits

 

Filming, Photography, and Audio Recordings

In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording projects that involves eight or fewer individuals. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:

• Occurs in areas open to the public;
• Uses hand-carried equipment only;
• Does not require exclusive use of a site;
• Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
• Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS

Permits and fees are never required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that is associated with an activity or event that has been authorized under a written instrument (e.g., permit or agreement), such as a wedding, sporting event, demonstration or other activity. All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering. 

When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording are subject to entrance and/or recreation fees that may apply in park areas even when a permit is not required.
 
For photographers: If taking photos for clients, you will enter as a normal visitor. Both the company and the clients are required to pay park entrance fees or show a valid park entrance pass. During the summer season (late-May to mid-October), all vehicles will be required to get a Timed Entry Reservation to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day.

A Special Use Permit is required if your group is performing any ceremonies such as weddings or elopements.