Timed Entry Permit System
Rocky Mountain National Park has implemented a reservation system for 2023 with the aim of reducing heavy traffic, enhancing visitor satisfaction, and distributing the influx of millions of park-goers. Let’s go over the details.
Kindly note that from May 26 to October 22, 2023, the possession of timed entry permits is mandatory. This requirement has been put in place to ensure a well-organized and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Thank you for your cooperation.
All vehicles must have two essential items to enter Rocky Mountain National Park:
1. Timed Entry Permit Reservation: There are two options available: Park Access Timed Entry Permit or Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit.
2. Park Entrance Pass: This includes various choices such as a 1-day or 7-day Vehicle Pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass, or 4th Grade Pass.
Park Access Timed Entry Permits are particularly suitable for visitors who plan to:
- Drive over Trail Ridge Road
- Visit the Alpine Visitor Center
- Explore the west side of the park
- Hike at Wild Basin
- Visit any area outside the Bear Lake Road Corridor
To enter Rocky Mountain National Park between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. MDT, you must have a Park Access Timed Entry Permit. However, once you have entered the park with this permit, you are free to exit and re-enter at any time between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Please note that a Park Access Timed Entry Permit does not grant access to the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Park Access+ Timed Entry Permits grant you access to various destinations along the Bear Lake Road Corridor, as well as all other areas within Rocky Mountain National Park.
These permits are essential for entry into the Bear Lake Road Corridor between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m. MDT. If you have a Park Access+ Timed Entry Permit, you have the flexibility to exit and return to the Bear Lake Road Corridor later in the day. After 2 p.m., you can re-enter the corridor without any hassle.
Please note that during specific reservation-required time slots, a Park Access or Park Access + Timed Entry Permit Reservation is mandatory for visiting all areas of the park, including Lily Lake, Wild Basin, Lumpy Ridge, Longs Peak, and other outlying areas.
Timed entry permit reservations offer park visitors the opportunity to enter the park within specific two-hour time slots. For example, you can enter the park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Once you have entered the park within your reservation window, you are free to stay as long as you like. There is no designated departure time. It is important to note that only one Timed Entry Permit is required per vehicle, regardless of the number of individuals traveling in it. Therefore, a single permit will cover everyone in the vehicle.
Furthermore, each person is limited to reserving only one timed entry permit per day. When making a reservation, you will have the option to choose between a Park Access or Park Access + Timed Entry Permit. Please take your time to carefully consider which option best suits your visit.
We eagerly anticipate your arrival!
To enter Rocky Mountain National Park at any time, a valid entrance fee or park pass is mandatory.
You can conveniently purchase all park entrance fees and passes at any of Rocky’s staffed park entrance stations. Alternatively, online purchase options are available.
Pass Options
- 1-day passes for vehicles, motorcycles, or individuals (bicycles/walk-ins)
- 7-consecutive day passes for vehicles, motorcycles, or individuals (bicycles/walk-ins)
- The Rocky Mountain National Park Annual Pass
- America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series, which includes the Interagency Annual Pass, the Interagency Annual Senior Pass, the Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass, the Interagency Access Pass, the Annual Military Pass, and the 4th Grade Pass.
Please note that if you plan to purchase an Annual or Lifetime pass online, it will take approximately 2–4 weeks to arrive by mail. Reservations are needed to access the main entrance, the Adams Falls trail, North Inlet trail and the East Shore trail. Reservations are NOT required before 6am or after 5pm.
Helpful Links:
Full Press Release from the Staff at Rocky can be read here
Book your timed entry reservation
