Timed Entry Tips for the Rocky Mountain National Park
From May 24 to October 20, 2024, visitors must obtain timed entry permits to access Rocky Mountain National Park, in addition to the required entrance passes.
As one of the most frequented national parks, especially during the busy summer season, the implementation of the timed entry permit system aims to enhance the overall visitor experience and safeguard the park’s resources. It took our family quite a while to get the hang of making the reservations and felt very stressful at times. We hope that this article will help prepare you and your family for travels the the Rocky Mountain National Park and make the reservation system as stress free as possible!
There are two reservation options based on your intended activities when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park.
The first option is Park Access without Bear Lake Road access, available from 9 am to 2 pm. The second option is Park Access+, which includes Bear Lake Road and the entire park, accessible from 5 am to 6 pm.
Trailheads within the Bear Lake Corridor, such as Bear Lake, Glacier Gorge, Bierstadt Lake, Sprague Lake, and Hollowell Park, can be accessed through Park Access+. For those without Bear Lake Road access, Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and numerous trailheads remain accessible. Choose the reservation that aligns with your plans to make the most of your visit.
Set your calendars!
Timed Entry Permit Reservations for both Park Access and Park Access+ will become available on www.recreation.gov starting at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1, 2024. In this initial period, visitors can secure reservations for dates spanning from May 24 to June 30.
- The next release will begin on June 1, at 8 a.m. MDT, for the month of July and any remaining days that have not been booked for June.
- On July 1, reservations will be available for the month of August and any remaining days that have not been booked for July.
- On August 1, reservations will be available for the month of September and any remaining days in August that have not been booked.
- On September 1, reservations will be available for October and any remaining days in September that have not been booked.
Extra timed entry permits will be made available through Recreation.gov on the evening before the intended arrival date. For example, if a visitor is planning a trip on June 3 and hasn’t obtained a timed entry permit in advance, additional reservations will be released via Recreation.gov starting at 5 p.m. MDT on the night of June 2.
***Anticipated to be in high demand, these timed entry permit reservations are likely to be swiftly claimed. Visitors are advised to plan their arrangements well in advance.
Helpful Hint
Arrive at the entrance gate ahead of time. Your permit grants a two-hour entry window, chosen during purchase. Early arrival within this window ensures you can bypass potential entrance lines, ensuring timely access to Rocky Mountain National Park.
No timed entry ticket? No problem!
Alternatively, enter the park AFTER the time restrictions lift post 2 pm or 6 pm.
Another alternative for accessing the park without a timed entry permit is to opt for a guided experience. Guides offer various activities, such as hiking tours, driving tours, jeep tours, nature and wildlife photography lessons, and fly fishing excursions. These guides possess special permits for park entry without reservations. Typically, you’ll follow the guide in your own car for a stress-free day of adventure. If you’re interested, we can provide a complimentary list of guided activities in Rocky Mountain National Park.
2024 Fee-free Days
No entrance pass required on these days:
- Monday, January 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Saturday, April 20 — First Day of National Park Week
- Wednesday, June 19 — Juneteenth
- Sunday, August 4 — The Great American Outdoors Act
- Saturday, September 28 — National Public Lands Day
- Monday, November 11 — Veterans Day
