Transponder Devices

A transponder has been correctly installed on the upper passenger side of a vehicle's window

NPS

Transponders are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain National Park for annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP Annual, America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access, Fourth Grade and Volunteer passes. Eligible passholders also include Golden Age and Golden Access passes.

This voluntary amenity offers interested annual and lifetime pass holders the ability to use the park's Transponder Lane when entering Rocky Mountain National Park via the Beaver Meadows Entrance. New transponder lanes are also being constructed at the Fall River Entrance and at the Grand Lake Entrance.

What is a Transponder?

A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that must be attached to a vehicle’s window. Passholders who purchase a transponder will have the option to use the park's Transponder Lane when entering the Beaver Meadows Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park.

When the park's Transponder Lane is open, passholders who have purchased a transponder will be able to drive through the entrance using the designated Transponder Lane.

When RMNP's timed entry permit system is in effect, the Transponder Lane will be closed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• In 2024, timed entry permits will be in effect May 24 through October 15.

Important Things to Know:

• The cost to purchase a transponder is $15; one passholder can purchase only one transponder. You must have your valid park entrance pass (such as an RMNP Annual pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Annual, Senior, Access, Military, Veterans, Volunteer, or 4th Grade Pass) to purchase a transponder.
• Transponders are valid for up to one year. They can be renewed each year for $5
• Transponders must be attached to your vehicle's window. If a transponder becomes detached from your vehicle's window, they will no longer work and a new one must be purchased.
• Transponders are non-transferrable, non-removable, and non-refundable.
• When using the transponder lane, remember to also bring your park pass with you. A passholder must have both their transponder and their valid park pass with them inside the vehicle.

How Can I Purchase a Transponder?

Transponders are available for purchase at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center on Thursdays and Sundays beginning on February 22 through May 2, between the hours of 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Beginning on Sunday May 5, transponders will be available for purchase on Sundays only at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

Questions & Answers on Rocky Mountain National Park's Transponders & Transponder Lane

Why does the park need a transponder system? In the past, I was able to use my park pass.

In 2019, the National Park Service modified the format of annual and lifetime passes. The new national passes are not compatible with the park’s fast pass gate system technology and the fast pass gate has not been operational for the last few years.

Based on this change, the park has transitioned to windshield transponders for interested annual and lifetime passholders to access the transponder lane, outside of any pilot timed entry permit reservation system times, which is 2024 is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24 to October 15.     

Do most national parks have fast pass or transponder lanes?

No. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the only national parks that had a fast pass lane for park visitors. 

What is a transponder?

A transponder is a small, credit card-sized device that attaches to the window of your vehicle. This transponder sends a signal to the park’s entrance gate to open the automatic gate arm. 

How does the transponder work with my annual or lifetime pass?

One transponder may be purchased for $15 per valid annual or lifetime pass and the transponder is valid for up to one year. The transponder can be renewed each year for $5 after the initial purchase. Transponders must be attached to a vehicle’s window and are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable.   

When using a transponder in the park, visitors must have their passes with them as well. 

Where are the transponder lanes located in Rocky Mountain National Park?

There is currently a transponder lane at Beaver Meadows Entrance and a new transponder lane is being constructed at Fall River Entrance.  The lane at the Grand Lake Entrance is being reconstructed after it was destroyed in the East Troublesome Fire.

The transponder lanes will be closed in 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the timed entry reservation system is in effect (May 24 to October 15).

Who can use the park's transponder lane?

Voluntary automated gate transponders are available for purchase at Rocky Mountain National Park for annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP Annual and America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access, Fourth Grade, and Volunteer passes. The transponder lanes will be closed in 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the timed entry reservation system is in effect (May 24 to October 15). 

When using a transponder in the park, visitors must have their passes with them as well. Visitors found using the fast pass lane without a valid annual or lifetime pass will have their transponders disabled. 

Can I use the transponder lane if I have a timed entry permit?

No. When the park’s timed entry permit reservation system is in effect, the transponder lane will be closed.  

When will the transponder lane be operational?

The transponder lanes will be closed in 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the timed entry reservation system is in effect (May 24 to October 15).

Can I buy more than one transponder?

No. Only one transponder may be purchased per valid annual or lifetime pass. However, if a household has multiple pass holders, each pass holder may purchase one transponder. 

I have two vehicles. Can the transponder be detached and moved between vehicles?

No. Transponders must be attached to a vehicle’s window and are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable. 

What is the cost for a transponder?

One transponder may be purchased for $15 per valid annual or lifetime pass and the transponder is valid for up to one year. The transponder can be renewed each year for $5 after the initial purchase. Transponders must be attached to a vehicle’s window and are non-removable, non-transferable, and non-refundable.  When using a transponder in the park, visitors must have their passes with them as well. 

How long will the transponder be good for?

The transponder will be programmed for up to one year from the purchase date of the transponder. For lifetime passholders, transponders will only be valid for one year.  If a visitor has an existing annual pass with less than one year of validity, a purchased transponder will only be good for the valid life of the existing annual pass.

Who is eligible to purchase a transponder?

Annual and lifetime passholders, including RMNP Annual, America the Beautiful Annual, Senior, Military, Veterans, Access, Fourth Grade, and Volunteer passes.

Who is NOT eligible to purchase a transponder?

People who purchase 1-day and weekly passes, commercial use authorization holders and their clients, and Special Use Permit holders, including commuter permit holders are ineligible.