NPS Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this summer? The summer season spans from late May to mid-October. There is something for everyone to enjoy! Rocky Mountain National Park is a land of extremes, with elevation in the park ranging from areas around 7,800 feet to over 14,000 feet above sea level. How to Begin Planning for a Summer Visit to Rocky?
NPS Get Ready for Summer - Learn About Timed Entry ReservationsPlanning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park from May 23 through mid-October? A timed entry reservation is required to enter the park during certain hours of the day. For specific details and instructions on how to make a reservation, visit Rocky's Timed Entry webpage. 
NPS What's the Weather Like?When planning for a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, it is important to think about the weather. Weather and conditions can vary in the park, based on changes in elevation. In May and June, be prepared for winter hiking conditions in areas above 9,000 feet in elevation.Weather can change quickly in the Rocky Mountains, plan for varying conditions. From May through September, a day can start sunny with bluebird blue skies and by afternoon clouds can roll in with rain and snow. For details on weather and to see weather forecasts, visit RMNP's Weather webpage. In May and June, expect snow at higher elevations. There are SNOWTEL monitors at different locations in RMNP. This is how park rangers know how much snow is at different locations across the park. Visit the Trail Conditions webpage to see snow depth at different locations in Rocky Mountain National Park. 
NPS Fees & PassesA valid entrance fee or park pass is required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Several different entrance fee and pass options are available.All park entrance fees and passes are available for purchase at Rocky's staffed park entrance stations. Learn about Rocky's park entrance fees and discover all of the different park entrance fee and pass options that are available. Visit RMNP's Fees & Passes webpage for details. Learn About Fun Things to Do When Visiting Rocky!There is something for everyone to enjoy in Rocky Mountain National Park. Summer is a special time of year. As snow melts, enjoy exploring areas in the montane, subalpine, and alpine lifezones of the park. Explore below for different ideas on things to enjoy throughout the park. 
NPS Explore Destinations in the Bear Lake Road CorridorThe Bear Lake Road corridor is a gateway to incredible scenic views, a wide variety of hiking trails great for all ages, and spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities and camping. There is a reason the Bear Lake Road Corridor is one of the most visited areas of Rocky Mountain National Park. 
NPS Take a Scenic Drive on Trail Ridge RoadTrail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in North America. Click here to learn more about driving on Trail Ridge Road 
NPS Go Camping!Learn about Camping in Rocky Mountain National Park.
NPS Planning for a Wilderness Backpacking Trip?Interested in hitting a trail and going overnight wilderness backpacking? Rocky Mountain National Park offers some great opportunities for wilderness overnight backpackers to get their boots on the trail. To learn about the ins and outs of planning for your next overnight wilderness backpacking adventure, visit Rocky's Wilderness Overnight Backpacking webpage. 
NPS Go Fishing!Fishing is fun for all ages.Click here to learn more about Fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park
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Last updated: May 22, 2025