Rocky Mountain National Park Timed Entry
Planning trips to Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22, 2025? A timed entry reservation is not needed. To enter Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22, arrive at one of the park's entrance stations. You will need to show or purchase a valid park entrance pass upon arrival. Click here to visit RMNP's Fees & Passes webpage
What are Timed Entry Reservations and When Will They be Needed?
Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from late May to mid-October? Beginning on May 23, 2025, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. There will be two different types of reservations available to choose from: Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road) or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road.
RMNP's timed entry reservation system, established through the Day Use Visitor Access Plan finalized in May 2024, manages day use visitor access in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations, and protects the park's resources. Timed entry reservations spread visitor use out throughout the day and throughout the park.
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:
- On May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: May 23 - June 30
- On June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: July 1 - July 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for June
- On July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: August 1 - August 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for July
- On August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: September 1 - September 30, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for August
- On September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: October 1 - October 19, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for September
Additional timed entry reservations will be released on a first-come, first-served basis 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!
Overview of Timed Entry Reservations:
- Timed Entry Reservations (do not include access to Bear Lake Road) will provide access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding locations within the busy RMNP Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park. Timed Entry Reservations are best for those planning to drive over Trail Ridge Road, visit Alpine Visitor Center, explore the west side of the park, hike at Wild Basin or Lily Lake, or visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
- Timed Entry Reservations will be needed to enter Rocky Mountain National Park between the hours of 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily beginning on Friday, May 23 through Monday, October 13, 2025.
- Don't have a reservation? That's ok! You can enter the park before 9 a.m. or anytime after 2 p.m. without a timed entry reservation.
- All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter RMNP within designated 2-hour windows of time. Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Overview of Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations:
- Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations will provide reservation holders access to all destinations located within the RMNP Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations will also reservation holders with access to all other areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
- These reservations are best for those who plan to visit destinations inside the Bear Lake Road Corridor, including Moraine Park, Sprague Lake, Park & Ride Parking Area, Glacier Gorge Trailhead, and Bear Lake.
- Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations will be needed to enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor 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 designated 2-hour windows of time. Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure. The reservation system will apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation, you must enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your designated 2-hour window of time. If you miss your designated window of time, you will be asked to turn around and come back to Bear Lake Road anytime after 2 p.m.
- Also, if you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation, 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. reservation and then want to leave and return later in the day, you may re-enter the Bear Lake Road Corridor anytime after 2 p.m.
How Much Do Timed Entry Reservations Cost?
- The only cost associated with making a timed entry reservation is a non-refundable $2 Recreation.gov processing fee.
Additional Details to Help You Prepare For Your Next Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park:
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 Rocky Mountain National Park webpage or the RMNP page on the Official NPS App to help your prepare for a safer and more enjoyable visit.
Need to Know
- Timed Entry Reservations Will be Required to Enter All Areas of Rocky Mountain National Park During Certain Hours of the Day
Beginning on May 23 through mid-October, a timed entry reservation will be required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during certain hours of the day. This system will be similar to the system used in 2024. Timed entry reservations apply to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are two options to choose from: Timed Entry Reservations or Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations.
- Upon Arrival at Rocky Mountain National Park, Be Prepared to Show Your Reservation Confirmation to a Park Ranger
Once your timed entry reservation is complete, you will receive an email with your attached reservation confirmation. This is the document you will be required to show to a park ranger upon arrival 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 visit one of the outlying areas of Rocky Mountain National Park, like Lily Lake or East Inlet Trailhead, during a time of day when reservations are required, you must have a printed copy of your reservation confirmation displayed on your vehicle's dashboard. Be prepared to show your reservation to a park ranger if asked.
- You Must Enter Rocky Mountain National Park Within Your Designated Reservation Window
All timed entry reservations allow park visitors to enter Rocky Mountain National Park within designated 2-hour windows of time. You must enter the park during your designated 2-hour window of time.
- If you miss your designated entry window, you may be asked by a park ranger to turn around and come back later in the day.
- Once you enter the park, stay as long as you like. There is no set time for departure.
- The RMNP timed entry reservation system applies to all areas of Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you have a Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservation, you must enter the entrance to RMNP and the entrance to the Bear Lake Road Corridor within your designated 2-hour window of time.
- If you miss your designated entry window, you will be asked by a park ranger to turn around and come back to Bear Lake Road anytime after 2 p.m.
- Can I sell or transfer my timed entry reservation to another party?
No. Timed entry reservations are non-refundable and 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 reservation holder will be asked to show their reservation confirmation with the QR Code visible and a valid photo ID.
- Entrance Fees and Passes
In addition to a timed entry reservation, all park visitors will need to purchase or show a valid entrance fee or park pass upon arrival. A valid park entrance fee or park pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Park entrance fees apply to all areas of RMNP. Multiple fee and pass options are available. Park entrance fees can be purchased in person at any RMNP entrance station.
- With a Timed Entry Reservation, am I Guaranteed a Parking Spot?
No. A timed entry reservation guarantees one vehicle access to Rocky Mountain National Park on the specified day and during the designated 2-hour window of time listed on your timed entry reservation confirmation. Timed entry reservations Do NOT guarantee parking at any specific trailheads or destinations.
Booking Windows
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:
- On May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: May 23 - June 30
- On June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: July 1 - July 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for June
- On July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: August 1 - August 31, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for July
- On August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: September 1 - September 30, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for August
- On September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT reservations will be released for the following dates: October 1 - October 19, plus any remaining days that have not been booked for September
Additional timed entry reservations will be released on a first-come, first-served basis 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!
Changes and Cancellations
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. Timed Entry reservations can only be made via Recreation.gov. They are not available in person at RMNP's visitor centers or entrance stations.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
1000 HWY 36 Estes Park CO 80517
Phone Number
(970) 586-1206
