What You Need to Know About Timed Entry Reservations
If Rocky Mountain National Park and Grand Lake are on your 2026 travel list, a little advance planning will make your trip smoother, quieter, and more enjoyable.
Timed Entry Reservations return on May 22, 2026, and the system remains the same as last year. The goal is simple: fewer cars at peak times, less stress on wildlife and fragile landscapes, and a better experience for everyone exploring the Park. It protects the places we love while giving visitors more space to slow down, breathe deep, and actually enjoy the mountains.
Two Reservation Options (Know Before You Book)
Bear Lake Road Corridor Permit
-
Access to Bear Lake plus the rest of the Park
-
Required daily from 5 am to 6 pm
Rest of Park Permit (excludes Bear Lake Road)
- Includes the West Side entrances near Grand Lake
- Required daily from 9 am to 2 pm
With either option, you'll enter during a 2-hour arrival window, then stay as long as you'd like. Reservation cost: $2 processing fee
All reservations are made through Recreation.gov
2026 Reservation Release Schedule
(All releases go live at 8 am Mountain Time)
- May 1: May 22 - June 30
- June 1: July + remaining June dates
- July 1: August + remaining July dates
- August 1: September + remaining August dates
- September 1: October + remaining September dates
Bear Lake Corridor reservations end October 19.
Rest of Park reservations end October 13.
Why This Matters (Especially If You're Staying in Grand Lake)
Grand Lake sits on the quieter west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Rest of Park permit gives visitors access through this side, where trails feel calmer, traffic flows better, and wildlife sighting are common.
Timed Entry means:
- Less congestion at entrances
- Quieter trails
- Easier parking at trailheads and visitor centers
- Safer roads for you and the wildlife
- Healthier ecosystems
- Better over visitor experiences
It also helps preserve what makes this corner of Colorado special in the first place.
Pro Tip for 2026 Travelers
Set calendar reminders for reservation release days. Summer dates go fast, especially weekends and holidays. If you miss your first choice keep checking, and be prepared to shift your schedule if needed.
Didn't snag your first-choice entry time? Or arriving early for your 2-hour window? No stress. Grand Lake makes the wait part of the experience.
Spend the morning walking the historic boardwalk, grabbing coffee, and browsing locally owned shops along Grand Avenue. Rent kayaks or paddleboards and get out on the lake. Have lunch on a patio. Pop into the Grand Lake Visitor Center for tips. Book a class, explore the local museums, or simply sit by the water and watch the mountains reflect across Colorado's largest natural lake.
A little planning goes a long way toward protecting this place. It also means fewer crowds, smoother travel days, and more meaningful moments in the mountains.
If Rocky Mountain National Park is on your 2026 bucketlist, save this and share it with anyone who still thinks they can just "wing it".