Timed entry reservations are not needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter and spring seasons
Planning trips to Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22? A timed entry reservation is not needed
To visit the park, you just need a valid park entrance pass. Purchase (or show) your valid park entrance pass at any of the park's entrance stations. Click here to visit RMNP's Fees & Passes webpage.
What are Timed Entry Reservations and When Will They be Needed?
In 2025, Rocky Mountain National Park will implement a timed entry reservation system beginning on May 23, 2025. This reservation system provides for day use visitor access in a way that protects resources while creating opportunities for high-quality visitor experiences.
The system, established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024, manages day use visitor access in a way that protects the park's resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations. The system will be similar to 2024, with two types of reservations available.
NPS
One reservation option, titled "Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)" will provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding access to RMNP's Bear Lake Road Corridor.
These "Timed Entry" reservations will be in effect between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily from May 23 through Monday, October 13, 2025.
A second reservation option, titled "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" provides day use vehicle access to RMNP's popular Bear Lake Road Corridor (located on the east side of the park), as well as all other areas of the park.
This reservation option includes access to all destinations on the entire Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Park & Ride, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake. These reservations also provide access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
"Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" reservations will be in effect between the hours of 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from May 23 through Sunday, October 19, 2025.
All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter RMNP within two-hour windows of time. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
The only cost associated with booking a reservation is a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
Which Timed Entry Option is Best for Me?
Need help deciding which timed entry option is right for you? Check out the chart below.
NPS
I'm Planning a Trip to Rocky During Summer 2025, When Can I Make a 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 23 - 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 19
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!
To make a timed entry reservation, visit Recreation.gov or by:
When planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, take time to consider your preparedness, skills, fitness and experience. No matter how you choose to recreate, be prepared to turn back when conditions change or if you are being pushed to your limits. Weather and conditions can change quickly in the Rockies. Before starting any trip, take time to explore the park's website and plan ahead for a safer and more enjoyable visit.
Didn't Get a Timed Entry Reservation? Additional Reservations Are Available the Night Before a Chosen Arrival Date
If you are unable to make a timed entry reservation in advance, a number of additional reservations will be released on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. MDT the night before a desired arrival date. It is best to plan ahead when possible, as these reservations will sell out quickly.
Example of a crowded trail during summer in RMNP
NPS
Why Are Timed Entry Reservations in Place?
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S.. The park experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2022, the park received 4.3 million visits. Even with a pilot vehicle reservation timed entry system in place, the park received some of the highest visitation in its history.
Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address crowding, congestion, and impacts on park resources. These pilots demonstrated this strategy is effective at easing congestion impacts and improved the visitor experience in the park. The park also asked the public for their participation in envisioning the future of day use visitor access at RMNP during the summer of 2021 and the winter of 2022-2023.
Rocky's timed entry reservation system was established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024. This system manages day use visitor access in a way that protects the park's resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Overview - Timed Entry Permits
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the busiest national parks in the country. Rocky experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation from 2012 to 2019. In 2021, RMNP received 4.4 million visits. Even with a timed entry system in place, the park has received some of the highest visitation in its history.
Visitor crowding and congestion at RMNP have led to increased negative impacts to visitor and staff safety, resource protection, visitor experience and operational capacity.
To address these challenges, Rocky Mountain National Park is implementing a timed entry system to manage day use visitor access in a way that protects the park's resources, maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, and supports the park's ability to maintain daily operations.
It Depends! Consider the two questions below:
What time of day would you like to enter the park?
What areas of the park would you like to visit?
Beginning on May 23, 2025, timed entry reservations will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There are two different reservation options available to choose from:
"Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)" reservations are great for visitors planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit 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. "Timed Entry" reservations are required to enter the park anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT.
"Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" reservations include access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas of the park. "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road" reservations are required to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. MDT.
Both options allow park visitors to enter Rocky Mountain National Park within two-hour windows of time during the day. Reservation holders must enter the park within their reserved window of time. If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road resevation, you must also enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your two-hour reservation window.
Only one timed entry reservation is required per vehicle, per day (not per person). A visitor may only reserve one timed entry during a single day.
Didn't get a timed entry reservation? That's ok. You can enter RMNP without a timed entry reservation and visit most areas if you enter the park before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m.
Plan to arrive early! Wait times to enter the park, even with a timed entry reservation, could be 30 minutes or longer.
If you don't have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation and would like to visit destinaitons on Bear Lake Road, you can enter Bear Lake Road before 5 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 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 Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road permit is required.
To reserve your timed entry permits, visit www.recreation.gov. They are not available in person at the park's entrance stations or visitor centers.
To make a timed entry reservation, 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, users will be asked to create a new account. If you have an existing account, start by signing in to your Recreation.gov account. It is recommended to set up and update your account before making your reservation.
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 option is best for you: "Timed Entry" or "Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road". Select your desired option. Step 2: Select your desired date and time of arrival. Step 3: Add the reservation to your cart Step 4: Proceed to check out.
Once your reservation is complete, you will receive an email with your attached reservation confirmation. 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 reservation. This will be paid when you complete your reservation on Recreation.gov. Timed entry reservations 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.
Timed entry reservations will be available on a first come, first served basis through www.recreation.gov based on the following schedule:
Beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1, reservations will be available to enter the park for the dates of May 24 through June 30.
At 8 a.m. MDT on June 1, reservations will be available for the dates of July 1 - July 31, and any remaining days that have not been reserved for June.
At 8 a.m. MDT on July 1, reservations will be available for the dates of August 1 - August 31, and any remaining days that have not been reserved for July.
At 8 a.m. MDT on August 1, reservations will be available for the dates of September 1 - September 30, and any remaining days in August that have not been reserved.
At 8 a.m. MDT on September 1, reservations will be available for the dates of October 1 - October 19, and any remaining days in September that have not been reserved.
Additional timed entry reservations will be released on Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. on the night before a desired arrival date. For instance, if a visitor is planning a trip on August 3 and they did not secure a timed entry reservation in advance, additional reservations will be released beginning at 7 p.m. MDT on the night of August 2.
Timed entry reservations are available in 2-hour blocks of time. This means that when you make a timed entry reservation, you must initially enter the park within your designated 2-hour 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.
Yes. There is no length-of-stay requirement. Timed entry reservation 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 Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road 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 a 7 a.m. - 9 a.m. 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.
No. Timed entry reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are unable to use your timed entry reservation, cancellations may be made up to 24 hours prior to your visit.
No. All timed entry reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Yes. During the times of day when they are in effect, a timed entry reservation 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 in person at the park's entrance stations.
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), you will need to print and display a copy of your timed entry reservation confirmation on your vehicle's dashboard.
Additionally, be prepared to show your timed entry reservation to a park ranger if asked.
Yes. Timed entry reservations are valid for one-day only.
If you are planning to visit the park over 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 the park), then you will need to reserve one timed entry reservation 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 reservation. To access destinations located along the Bear Lake Road Corridor without a timed entry reservation, you can enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor before 5 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
40 percent of each day's reservations are released via Recreation.gov at 7 p.m. on the evening prior to a desired arrival date.
It is best to plan ahead, these night-before reservations will sell out quickly.
Timed entry reservations can only be made through 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 reservations are not available at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or through RMNP's Information Office.
Need access to a computer? Many public libraries and hotels/motels also offer free computer or internet access.
No. All timed entry reservations are non-transferable. They cannot be gifted or transferred to another person, including parents, children or siblings.
The person whose name is listed on the timed entry reservation confirmation must be present in the vehicle upon arrival. The permit holder will be asked to show their reservation confirmation and a valid photo ID.
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 reservation 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 would like to enter the park earlier in the day will have to enter the park outside of the times of day when timed entry is in effect (for example, before 9 a.m. for most areas of the park) or they will need to make a new timed entry reservation.
Timed entry reservations help to spread visitor use out throughout the park and throughout the day. Campers who have reservations for 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 available at RMNP'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. Campers can show a printed copy of your confirmation 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 to show a ranger before arriving at the park's entrance station.
Do not expect to open your Recreation.gov account on your mobile device at the park's entrance station, cell service is not reliable at RMNP's entrance stations.
Your Wilderness Overnight Backpacking permit will serve as your timed entry once you have picked up the physical copy from one of the two Wilderness Office locations in the park. East side location: adjacent to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center; West side location: inside the Kawuneeche Visitor Center. Both locations are open daily from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily
Entrance fees apply and can be paid at the park's entrance station.
Longs Peak Campground is a first come, first-served and tents-only campground that will open in ealry July. A timed entry reservation is not included. If planning to enter the park during the times of day when reservations are requied, you will also need to make a timed entry reservation.
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).
Visitors with horseback riding reservations will use your reservation confirmation as your timed entry. Reservation holders can enter RMNP and the Bear Lake Road Corridor up to two-hours prior to a scheduled horseback ride.
Questions Related to Shuttles, Transportation, and Parking
No. A timed entry reservation guarantees one vehicle access to Rocky Mountain National Park on the specified day and during the specified time listed on your reservation confirmation. Timed entry 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 to return again at a different time of day. For instance, if Glacer Gorge and Bear Lake Parking Areas are full, you may have to park your vehicle at Park & Ride and ride the park's free shuttle to your desired trailhead.
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 no, you do not need a timed entry reservation.
If you are planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., then yes, you do need a timed entry reservation.
If planning to arrive 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 reservation 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. During the summer season, the park's free shuttle buses will be in service. These shuttle buses provide daily service to destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor through mid-October, weather permitting. There are two shuttle routes available:
Bear Lake Shuttle Route
Moraine Park Shuttle Route
Shuttle service is not available to any park destinations located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
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 at the loading location found outside of the Estes Park Visitor Center. Ask for directions at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Be aware - there are many different local Estes Park shuttles that use this transfer hub. Make sure you are boarding the correct shuttle bus.
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.
Some visitors to Rocky Mountain National Park travel in groups with multiple vehicles, these can include scouting groups, youth groups, family groups, car clubs, hiking clubs, etc.
If entering RMNP during the times of day when timed entry reservations 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 reservation to enter the park.
There are two reservation options to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road.
One person may reserve only one timed entry permit per day.
The person who makes 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 reservation holder for a separate vehicle.
When entering any area of Rocky Mountain National Park during the times of day when timed entry is in effect, all vehicles, including motorcycles, are required to have one timed entry 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 timed entry 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 on 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 reservation.
To enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor, motorcycle riders need to have a valid Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road reservation between the hours of 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Visitors who enter the park via bicycle do not need a timed entry 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 reservation for their trips into the park. Their permitted use is already being accounted for in the overall reservation system.
A timed entry 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: January 13, 2025
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.
