Rocky Mountain National Park implements permanent timed entry

The implementation of timed entry into Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park will now be permanent. The timed entry system for one of the top national parks in the United States took place in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a pilot program to ease crowds will be in effect permanently according to the National Parks Service press release. The timed entry into Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer months is said to help manage visitor access for daily use, protect the park’s resources, promote safety and maintain a positive visitor experience.

Timed entry to Rocky Mountain National Park in 2024

Timed entry into Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado began on Friday, May 24 and will last until mid-October. This timed entry permit applies to all areas of the park. Timed Entry to Rocky Mountain National Park is available in two options: Regular Timed Entry and Timed Entry Plus with Bear Lake Road access.

Regular timed entry to Rocky Mountain National Park

The timed entry permit allows visitors to access all areas of the park except Break Lake Road. Reservation times are between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, with re-entry permitted with a valid reservation during those permitted hours.

Timed Entry + Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park

This timed entry option allows visitors to visit all areas of the park with the regular entry permit, plus access to Bear Lake Road. Timed Entry Plus Bear Lake Road Reservation times are 5am to 6pm, with return to Bear Lake Road after 2pm with a valid Plys Bear Lake Road timed entry permit.

Make a timed reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park

You can make an advanced timed entry reservation through the Recreation.gov mobile app or by calling the reservation line. Visit nps.gov for more information about reserving your Rocky Mountain National Park entry permit.

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Camping in Colorado can mean an RV, an RV, a car, or a tent. Some people sleep right under the stars. It’s time to pack up and make plans for another great season in the outdoors, with a look at the best places to camp in the Centennial State.

Gallery credit: Wes Adams

Colorado’s national parks are larger than these countries

Colorado’s National Parks are among the most visited places in America. Parks like Rocky Mountain National Park are so large that visitors often spend two or three days seeing the entire park. Did you know that Colorado’s national parks are so large that they are even bigger than some small countries? Let’s see a few examples in the gallery below.

Gallery credit: Wesley Adams