Last updated: July 8, 2022
Thing to Do
Picnicing in RMNP
NPS
Rocky Mountain National Park has many wonderful picnic areas to choose from on both the east and west sides of the park.
On the east side of RMNP there are 16 designated picnic areas, including at Endovalley, Hidden Valley, Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows, West Alluvial Fan, and at the Wild Basin Traihead.
On the west side of the park there are 10 designated picnic areas, these include at Beaver Creek, Beaver Ponds, Colorado River, Coyote Valley, Harbison Meadows, Holzwarth Historic Site, Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Lake Irene, and at the Timber Lake Trailhead.
Many picnic areas (but not all) are located near vault toilets. All picnic areas except for the Lily Lake Group Picnic Site are first-come, first-served.
Day use picnicking is prohibited in all five campgrounds from the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September: Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Timber Creek. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times.
The use of disposable or portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and gas grills is allowed for food preparation as adjuncts to fire grates provided by the park in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle.
Horses and other stock are not permitted in picnic areas.
For a full list of Picnic Sites, visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/picnicking.htm
On the east side of RMNP there are 16 designated picnic areas, including at Endovalley, Hidden Valley, Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows, West Alluvial Fan, and at the Wild Basin Traihead.
On the west side of the park there are 10 designated picnic areas, these include at Beaver Creek, Beaver Ponds, Colorado River, Coyote Valley, Harbison Meadows, Holzwarth Historic Site, Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Lake Irene, and at the Timber Lake Trailhead.
Many picnic areas (but not all) are located near vault toilets. All picnic areas except for the Lily Lake Group Picnic Site are first-come, first-served.
Day use picnicking is prohibited in all five campgrounds from the Friday before Memorial Day through the end of September: Aspenglen, Glacier Basin, Longs Peak, Moraine Park, Timber Creek. Any picnicking which interferes with overnight campers is prohibited at all times.
The use of disposable or portable charcoal grills, wood fuel camp stoves, and gas grills is allowed for food preparation as adjuncts to fire grates provided by the park in auto campgrounds and picnic areas. Where portable grills are allowed, the used charcoal and ash must be completely extinguished and disposed of in trash receptacle.
Horses and other stock are not permitted in picnic areas.
For a full list of Picnic Sites, visit our website at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/picnicking.htm
Details
Activity
Picnicking
Rocky Mountain National Park has many wonderful picnic areas to choose from on both the east and west sides of the park.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are only allowed on leash and in picnic areas, campgrounds, or on roads. Pets are not allowed on any trails in RMNP.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
Yes
From May 27 to October 10, 2022, Timed Entry Permit Reservations are requied to enter most areas of Rocky Mountain National Park between 9 am to 3 pm. To access the Bear Lake Road corridor, Timed Entry Permits are in effect from 5 am to 6 pm daily.
Timed Entry Permit Reservations are only available to be booked through https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10086910. One Timed Entry Permit Reservation is $2.00 and non-refundable.
There are two Timed Entry Permit options available (you only need one): Park Access + Bear Lake Road or Park Access, Does Not Include Bear Lake Road.
A Timed Entry Permit will cover one vehicle and all passengers in the vehicle.
To learn more, visit the park's Timed Entry Permit Reservation webpage at https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/timed-entry-permit-system.htm
Accessibility Information
Rocky Mountain National Park has many accessible facilities for visitors, including visitor centers, scenic overlooks, self-guided trails, campgrounds, picnic areas and a backcountry campsite.
Accessible picnic areas with accessible vault toilets include:
Endovalley Picnic Area, Hidden Valley Picnic Area, Hollowell Park, Lily Lake, Sprague Lake, West Alluvial Fan, Colorado River, Lake Irene, and Coyote Valley