News Release

Upcoming Fourth of July Weekend Expected to be Busy at Rocky Mountain National Park

A Park Ranger is checking timed entry reservations at the Bear Lake Road kiosk

Courtesy RMNP

News Release Date: July 1, 2025

Contact: Park Information Office, [phone]

Summer is in full swing in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you are planning to visit the park this Fourth of July weekend, plan ahead and pack your patience. Plan Like A Park Ranger – Here are some tips to help you enjoy your visit to RMNP this summer:

Planning to Enter RMNP from one of the East-Side Entrances? Check out the webcams first!

On the east side of RMNP near the Town of Estes Park there are two main entrances: Fall River and Beaver Meadows. Lines can be shorter at one entrance vs the other. To help decide which entrance is best to use, take a few minutes to view the park’s webcams at https://go.nps.gov/romo/webcams

Have the NPS App downloaded on a smart device? A convenient link to the park’s webcams is available on the RMNP homepage within the NPS App. The NPS App is free and available for Android and Apple devices. To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm 

Have Your Park Pass, ID, and Reservation Confirmations Ready Upon Arrival

Help expedite your experience entering Rocky. Before reaching the entrance station, have everything out of your bag and ready to go. Be prepared to either purchase or show your park entrance pass and be prepared to show your government-issued ID. If you have a timed entry or campground reservation, have a printed copy of your reservation confirmation or have a screenshot available on your smart device. Cell connectivity may not be reliable at the entrance station.

Remember Your Timed Entry Reservation

Timed entry reservations are required to enter all areas of RMNP during certain hours of the day. These reservations help to spread visitor use throughout the park and throughout the day. There are two different options available to choose from: Timed Entry or Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road. For details and to make a reservation, visit Recreation.gov at https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910

Don’t have a timed entry? That’s ok! You can enter Rocky before 9 a.m. or after 2 p.m. and visit most areas of the park. To visit destinations on Bear Lake Road, Timed Entry+ Bear Lake Road Reservations are required from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Fire Restrictions Are Always in Place

Rocky Mountain National Park always has Stage 1 fire restrictions in place, which means that campfires are prohibited except within designated campfire rings inside picnic areas and drive-in campgrounds. The use of portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and propane/butane-fueled gas stoves is allowed.

Use caution and vigilance when having a fire. Never leave a campfire unattended. When done with a fire, use the drown and stir method to put it out. Pour water on the fire, use a shovel or stick to stir the coals, add more water and repeat until the coals are cool to touch. Remember, fireworks are always prohibited within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Enjoy Viewing Wildlife from a Distance

Rocky offers incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. For your safety and the safety of wildlife, keep far away from any wildlife, especially young wildlife. It is illegal to feed, approach, or harass wildlife.

Recreate Responsibly, Park Your Vehicle in Designated Areas, Hike on Designated Trails, and Know Your Limits

RMNP has great hiking and other recreational opportunities available for everyone. When choosing your recreational activities, know and respect your own limits. Plan hikes and other activities within the limits of all members of your party.

Park vehicles in designated parking areas. Do your part to help protect park resources. Do not stop in the middle of the road or pull over onto vegetation. Alpine tundra is fragile. When hiking in areas above treeline, stay on designated hiking trails.  

If you are traveling alone, tell a friend or family member your plans and take extra care with decision making. Even a minor accident while traveling alone on the mountain can quickly turn into a serious situation. As always, be prepared to turn around when conditions exceed your abilities.

Remember to Hydrate and Check the Weather

Temperatures in RMNP are expected to be in the high 70s to low 80s this holiday weekend. That may not seem very high, but when recreating at high elevations it is easy to experience heat illnesses or altitude sickness. Bring a water bottle and drink plenty of water.

If recreating at a high elevation and you are not feeling well, go down in elevation.

Afternoon thunderstorms are possible. Be prepared for varying weather throughout the day. Weather in the Rockies can change dramatically based on the time of day and what elevation you are at.    

Enjoy a fun and safe Independence Day weekend!