Guide to Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations
Just over one hour away from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is not only incredibly easy to reach, but it’s also one of Colorado’s most renowned destinations. Whether you’re planning to summit the park’s highest peaks or embarking on a majestic fall foliage excursion, a camper van trip to the Rocky Mountains is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Because of its increasing popularity in recent years, Rocky Mountain National Park reservations are now required from May through mid-Octobter. To ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch, we’ve outlined how the park’s permit system works, why it’s necessary, and exactly how to plan your own Rocky Mountain road trip!
Are Reservations Needed to Visit Rocky Mountain National Park?
From November through the first half of May, reservations for Rocky Mountain National Park are not necessary. However, if your trip falls between May 23 and mid-October, then you may need to obtain a Timed Entry Permit.
Travelers visiting the park during the peak season will have two different permit options to choose from:
Timed Entry: From May 23 until October 13, a timed entry permit is required to enter the park from 9am-2pm. This permit allows access to all areas of the park, aside from the Bear Lake Road Corridor.
Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road: This reservation option allows for access to all areas of the park, including the Bear Lake Road Corridor. This permit goes into effect from 5am until 6pm, from May 23 through October 19. Because of Bear Lake Road’s popularity, this is generally the more difficult permit to obtain.
Visitors will have a two-hour time window to enter the park and are welcome to stay inside for as long as they’d like.
Why are Timed Entry Permits Necessary?
Rocky Mountain National Park’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, leading to far more congestion and overcrowding throughout the park. To minimize the effects of this dramatic increase in visitors and help protect the park’s resources, a Timed Entry Permit system has been implemented during the busy season.
While obtaining permits requires an extra step during trip planning, the result is a far more enjoyable experience at the park’s most popular trails and overlooks.
How to Obtain Rocky Mountain National Park Reservations
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