Park Tips
Rocky Mountain National Park attracts over four-million visitors annually who wish to experience its natural beauty and wonder. Know what to expect so you can make the most out of your experience.
Plan Ahead
If you are visiting during the high season (late May – mid October) be prepared for crowds.
To help manage visitor and trailhead parking overflow, the park issues a timed-entry permit which you must purchase in advance for the days you wish to enter the park. A Park Pass or Entrance Fee is also required.
Entry reservations do not guarantee parking so make sure you get an early start (preferably before 6am).
If you prefer not to drive, you can purchase RMNP Hiker Shuttle Tickets.
Or Be Spontaneous
One quarter of timed-entry reservation slots are saved for next-day visitors, but you must be online precisely at 5 p.m. the night before to purchase.
No permit? No problem. Early risers can enter Bear Lake Corridor (open 24 hours) before rangers take their posts at 5 a.m. or enter any other part of the park before 9 a.m. If you are not a morning person, you can enter the park any time after 3 p.m. (6 p.m. for Bear Lake Corridor), with plenty of light still left in the day to experience all the beauty and wonder the Rocky Mountains has to offer.
Make a Plan B
If you are unable to visit Rocky Mountain National Park on a given day, we highly recommend Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest as a perfect alternative. Plenty of great recreation, wildlife, and surreal views without the crowds.
