Timed Entry Permit System

 
2025 Timed Entry Overview Infographic
Timed Entry Reservations

NPS

Planning trips to Rocky Mountain National Park between now and May 22?

A timed entry reservation is not needed to enter the park.

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.

 
Image with blue background and the text "Timed Entry Reservations"

What are Timed Entry Reservations? When Will They be Needed?

Planning to visit Rocky Mountain National Park this summer season?

Beginning on May 23, 2025, 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 and there will be two different types of reservations available to choose from:

  • Timed Entry (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)
  • 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.

 
2025 Timed Entry Map_both reservations

NPS Graphic

 
 
Timed Entry Website Tile

Details on Timed Entry Reservations (does not include access to Bear Lake Road)

These reservations will provide reservation holders access to all areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, excluding areas within RMNP's 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 visit any area of Rocky Mountain National Park located outside of the Bear Lake Road Corridor.

When are Timed Entry Reservations needed to enter the park?

  • 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.
 
Timed Entry Website Tile_Timed Entry+

Details on Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations will provide reservation holders access to RMNP's popular Bear Lake Road Corridor, located on the east side of the park near Beaver Meadows Entrance. These reservations will also provide 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.

When are Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road Reservations needed to enter the park?

  • 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.
 

Additional Details to Know Before Making a 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.

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.
 

Which Timed Entry Reservation Option is Best for Me?

Need help deciding which timed entry option is right for you? Check out the chart below.

 
Table that lists where you can go with your timed entry permit. Timed Entry does not allow access to Bear Lake Road.

NPS

I'm Planning a Trip to Rocky During Summer or early Fall 2025, 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:

Release Date Reservation Dates
May 1 at 8 a.m. MDT May 23 - June 30
June 1 at 8 a.m. MDT July 1 - July 31
July 1 at 8 a.m. MDT August 1 - August 31
August 1 at 8 a.m. MDT September 1 - September 30
September 1 at 8 a.m. MDT October 1 - October 19



Additional timed entry reservations will be released first-come, first-served 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!

 

To make a timed entry reservation, visit Recreation.gov or by:

  • Using the Recreation.gov mobile app
  • Calling the reservation line: 877-444-6777
  • Calling the reservation line (International): 606-515-6777
  • Calling the reservation line (TDD): 877-833-6777

Want to make a timed entry reservation? Reservations are not currently available. They will be released on Recreation.gov beginning at 8 a.m. MDT on May 1, 2025.

Timed entry reservations can only be made on Recreation.gov. They are not available in person at any Rocky Mountain National Park entrance stations or visitor centers. To make a reservation, click on the blue button listed below.

 

 

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 park's website and plan ahead for a safer and more enjoyable visit.

 
Hikers are seen going uphill and downhill on a crowded trail during summer in RMNP
Example of a crowded trail during summer in RMNP

NPS

Why Are Timed Entry Reservations in Place?

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the U.S. In 11 years, RMNP has experienced a 44 percent increase in visitation.

Most of these visits take place during the busy summer season of late May through mid-October. Rapid growth in day use visitation patterns contributed to increased traffic on roads and congestion on trails. This has led to increased negative impacts to visitor safety, led to physical and verbal confrontations between visitors, diminished the overall visitor experience, degraded the park’s natural and cultural resources and created a heavy strain on the park’s facilities.

Between 2016 and 2023, the park piloted several day-use visitor management strategies to address these concerns. During the summer of 2021 and winter of 2022-2023, RMNP staff also asked the public for their participation in envisioning the future of day use visitor access at RMNP. Following these efforts, in 2024, the National Park Service finalized a Day Use Visitor Access Plan for RMNP that manages visitation in a way that maintains positive visitor experiences, promotes safety, protects resources, and supports the park’s ability to maintain daily operations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

 

Overview - Timed Entry Permits

 

Questions Related to Camping and Service Reservations

 

Questions Related to Shuttles, Transportation, and Parking

Last updated: April 25, 2025

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1000 US Hwy 36
Estes Park, CO 80517

Phone:

970 586-1206
The Information Office is open year-round: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily in summer; 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays in winter. Recorded Trail Ridge Road status: (970) 586-1222.

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