Rocky Mountain National Park This Summer: Timed Entry Permits And What You Need To Know
Now I know what you are thinking, “why are we talking about Summer when the slopes are still full of snow and ready to go?”. Well hear me out: Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Colorado. The sooner that you secure your reservation into Colorado’s most sought after camping and hiking spots, the more exciting the fast-approaching season becomes (and hopefully softens the blow of the end of ski season too…).
Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP, for short) has continued to improve and adapt their Timed Entry Permit System over the years since its implementation in May 2021. With a noticeable increase in visitors back in 2019, the park has been jam-packed and ultra congested, in the parking lots and on the roads. This overcrowding has led to negative impacts on environmental protection, staff safety and visitor experience too. Over the years, RMNP have piloted numerous programs to try and improve the organization of the overpopulated parks and parking lots. Time Entry Permits have proven to be continuously successful since their debut, so RMNP is bringing them back for 2023.
Breaking Down The Fees And The Facts
Although this may seem like an overwhelming requirement on top of already trying to plan your fantastic summer trip to the mountains, never fear. The Timed Entry Permits themselves are only $2 a pop, though that is in addition to the cost of daily entrance fees (see below). There are two options to choose from when it comes to the permits, park access through Bear Lake Road, or a permit to enter the parks without access to Bear Lake Road. The difference includes access to a handful of lakes that you wouldn’t be able to get to without entering through the Bear Lake Road corridor.
If you like to ride by the seat of your pants, park passes are available for purchase at park entrance stations in person the day of your trip, assuming they are not already sold out. Additionally, for the safety of the staff as well as visitors, only credit/debit cards will be accepted as forms payment1. Annual, lifetime and interagency passes are also available for purchase on the website. You can even find a schedule of “Free Days” when normal fees for parks are waived. Find more information about these options here.
Rocky Mountain National Park will not be requiring Timed Entry Permits until May 26th, 2023. Once the permits are required, this system will stay in effect through October 22nd, 2023. The two options for Timed Entry Permits have different hours in which to purchase your pass, as well as differing hours for when you are allowed to enter the park.
Visitors who wish to purchase park access without Bear Lake Road will be able to enter the park between 9am-2pm. Those who are looking to enter through the Bear Lake Road corridor are required to purchase a Timed Entry Permit to enter the park between 5am and 6pm. It’s important to remember that whichever option is in question, there is a strict 2-hour window to enter the park during your entry permit time.
As a rule of life, planning ahead can tend to ease some of the stress of what should be an enjoyable and relaxing trip to the National Parks. However, due to the structure of permits available for purchase, you may find yourself unable to purchase a permit in advance of your trip date. But there’s no need to panic.
If you find yourself without an entry permit for your trip, here are a few things you can do:
Book a shared ride with TreadShare and arrive outside of Timed Entry hours at the Bear Lake Road corridor. Bypassing the permit by entering before 5am or after 6pm while also saving money on your trip by ridesharing is a great way to celebrate your trip!
Buy a Timed Entry Permit the day before your trip. 40% of all available permits will be released and available for purchase the day before a desired visit date. You will be able to find these here.
There are shuttles available to reserve that will bring you closer to your destination. RMNP offers two in-park shuttles that have been free of charge in previous years. The shuttles will typically make a stop at a park-and-ride, which you can of course get to via public transportation and carpooling. Estes park also offers the Hikers Shuttle as transportation.
Besides a day trip or a blissful morning hike, summer camping in Colorado is a wonderful way to spend your mountain vacay. Camping at Rocky Mountain National Park is a one of a kind experience that visitors and Coloradans alike must experience this summer. If you’re planning a camping trip to RMNP and you are unsure of how the Timed Entry system will affect it, consider these few points:
Campers visiting Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, and Timber Creek Campgrounds are allowed to enter the park starting at 1pm on the first day of their camping reservation. Hoping to arrive earlier? Secure a Timed Entry pass or enter outside of permit-required hours.
Reservations at Glacier Basin and Aspenglen will have access to the Bear Lake Road corridor. Park visitors who have reservations to camp at Timber Creek Campground will not include access to the Bear Lake Road corridor.
Visitors with campground reservations are required to show their reservation confirmation to the Park Ranger at the gate upon arrival. Service out there is spotty at best. Prepare by downloading or printing out your pass or taking a comprehensive screenshot prior to your arrival. As we shred goodbye to the snowy season, we have sunshine and fun times to look forward to.
The National Parks System are doing their part to try and mitigate the growing crowds flocking to our beautiful mountain lakes, and we should be sure to follow. Plan your mountain trip responsibly this summer, making sure to mind your mother [earth] by utilizing public transportation and rideshares. Simultaneously aid the parks system in their efforts to make a more enjoyable experience for all who venture out into the mountains for many years to come.
* Information provided in this table is a summary. Details and exclusions apply. Refer to the official National Parks webpage at www.nps.gov for more information.
*1 Cash is not being accepted as a form of payment at park entrance spaces during the writing of this article.